Twenty Minutes For Israel From Israel

Trying to stay connected to Israel? Want to get a sense of what's happening on the ground? 

Join us at 12:30 PM each day, Monday - Thursday, for a 20 minute snapshot from Israel profiling different people operating on the ground in Israel and sharing their perspective on the mood, what's happening, what they are working on, and what we need to know here across the globe. 

Join on Zoom at youngisraelwh.org/Zoom

Click here for the Twenty Minutes For Israel (TMFI) webpage.

Solidarity Rally For Israel (10/9/23)

On Monday (10/9/23), approximately 1,000 friends and neighbors, Jews and non-Jews,  joined together to make our voices heard in unwavering support for our brothers and sisters in Israel at the Jewish Federation's Solidarity Rally for Israel. Our community was joined by local legislators and community leaders as well as Gov. Lamont, and Senators Blumenthal and Murphy. Special thank you to the Jewish Federation for convening the rally.

Rabbi Brander was asked to be one of the speakers representing the Jewish community. His full remarks can be read here.

Here are some links to the media coverage:
Hartford Courant    CT Insider    We-Ha.com    CT Mirror    WFSB
NBC CT

Solidarity & Solace: A Community Vigil For Israel

The Greater Hartford Rabbinical Association invites the community to gather as one! Tuesday, Oct. 24 from 7:30 - 8:15 PM. Doors open at 7 PM at the Emanuel Synagogue. Livestream available. 

Security will be present.

Tinyurl.com/GHRAVigil

Vetted Charities and Projects

**NOTE OF CAUTION -- While it is very tempting to run drives for supplies here in America, it is far more effective and cost efficient to send money for those supplies to be purchased in Israel. Items should only be purchased here if it is clear that they are not available in Israel. Plus, beyond the complicated logistics of getting it to Israel, with the limited flights going back and forth, every pound is precious and would be best used on strategic, tactical or other gear not available currently in Israel. 

• Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Emergency Fund- CLICK HERE to donate.


• Mizrachi Emergency Relief (providing for soldiers in coordination with Army and government officials under guidance of Rabbi Rimon) - CLICK HERE to donate 


• One Family (providing extensive services for families of victims of terror; they provided us with extensive support surrounding the death of Elan Ganeles z'l) -- CLICK HERE to donate


• Young Israel Rabbinic Discretionary Fund - Rabbi Brander is hearing of a lot of small immediate needs - blankets, diapers, sleeping bags - to support both those displaced and those being called up to the army. To help respond to these needs rapidly -- Donate here: CLICK HERE or send a check to the YIWH office.


• Duvdevan Support - The elite fighters of Duvdevan have put out a call that they are in need of 25 high-end backpacks. They need the equipment because while the army has enough up to date gear for active duty soldiers, many of the reservist backpacks were damaged in storage. The backpacks have broken straps and are disintegrating. While soldiers are repairing them as best they can, new ones would improve their ability to safely carry their gear. The total cost for all the backpacks needed will be close to $10,000. Miriam Brander has sourced these bags in America, coordinated their purchase and transport to Israel and is working on raising the funds to cover them. To help support this, donate using this link and be sure to include in the description of payment the word "backpacks" -- CLICK HERE to donate!

   IMPACT OF YOUR DONATIONS

As Rabbi Brander shared, he continues to hear about credible immediate needs in Israel for those displaced by these heinous acts and those being called up for the army. 

This morning, he was made aware of the need for additional tourniquets for a unit of combat medics. With donations made and coming into the YIWH Rabbinic Discretionary Fund, we were able to support the purchase in Israel of 200 tourniquets for the medics (pictured below) -- enough to equip the entire unit.

We have also been able to support the immediate purchase of sleeping bags for soldiers on the front lines and to fund some basic supplies and needs for Ari Zackin's unit.

1. Educate Yourself & Stay on top of the News!

Educating Yourself – Educating Your Neighbors

At times like this, many find themselves searching for answers, or information to help them make sense of everything. We have put together a preliminary list of resources for you to use with your family, your friends, and your children. We will continue to update this list as more information becomes available.

• Today Show – How to talk to children about war
• Jewish Education Project - Resources for teaching about Israel in crisis
• For Heaven’s Sake Podcast – A brand new podcast from the Shalom Hartman Institute specifically addressing up to date topics about the war in Israel
• Video Update on Israel (10.10.23) – Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett joins the UJA Federation of New York for an update on the situation in Israel

Places to get the latest news:

• The Times of Israel
• YNET News
• The Jerusalem Post

2. Resources For Children

Click here for a helpful video from Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline's Crisis Services, who gives guidance on how to talk to our children about these events.  

3. Mental Health Support & Services Provided by Jewish Family Services (JFS)

For Community Members:

• If you are an individual seeking counseling services, please call JFS at 860-236-1927.
• Using Mindfulness to Cope During Uncertain Times: Tuesday, October 10 from 6:00-7:00pm. Join our Community Mental Health Liaison to share virtual space and learn about mindfulness, grounding techniques, and other resources to manage stress. This is a virtual gathering geared towards adults. Send an email to AMacdonald@jfshartford.org for a link to join.
• Support group for parents with children in Israel: Date and time TBD.
• Israel at War: Managing Trauma, Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services.

For Parents, Educators of Children, and Youth:

• Top 3 tips for parents of small children right now:
  1. Help your children maintain routine
  2. Remind them that they are safe and not in harm’s way
  3. Support and encourage open conversation without engaging in too many details
• Webinar on Tuesday, October 10 from 12:00-1:15pm EST: The Jewish Education Project is hosting a free live webinar on how to navigate talking with your child(ren) about recent events in Israel. Parents and educators are encouraged to attend. Click here to register.
• Ohel’s Teacher Support Helpline is available to offer support for educators and youth support professionals. Helpline phone number: 718-686-3189, or email teachersupport@ohelfamily.org. The Teacher Support Helpline is available Mon-Wed 12-1pm; Wed-Thurs 4-6pm.
• Additional Resources
  • Helping Children Cope after a Traumatic Event, The Child Mind Institute
  • Talking to your Children about Israel in a Time of Crisis, Jewish Education Project
  • How to talk to your children about violence in Israel, Jewish Education Project
  • Videos to Help Parents and Kids Talk About Scary Situations, PJ Library
  • Guide for Hebrew-speaking families to support their children through trauma, The Child Mind Institute
• Additional Resources

A hotline for individuals in Israel to connect with a therapist was established by The Koby Mandell Foundation, working with the Israel Trauma Coalition. Hotline phone number: +972 52-520-6900 Please share this information with your loved ones in Israel.