Skip Navigation LinksHome > Support Israel

 

Donate Online

Now more than ever, your effort is critical as we respond to the pain and suffering of those in harm's way.    


Special Video Briefing from Federation President Stephen H. Hoffman

See a larger image

7 Things You Can Do to Help Israel Right Now


There are many ways to show you stand with Israel during this time of crisis.


1. Make a contribution
to the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs a portion of which provides support for Israeli citizens in times of crisis. Make your gift to the Annual Campaign now. Attend a Federation dialathon and encourage others to donate. To donate directly to the Israel Terror Relief Fund, use the button at the top of the page.


2. Write or e-mail the President and your legislators
E-mail President Obama at president@whitehouse.gov. Find your legislators' e-mail addresses at www.votesmart.org or www.congress.org. In the subject line write "Thank you for your support of Israel." See a sample letter, as well as messages of support from our elected officials.


3. Stay up to date online and educate others: Visit the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for current information. Follow @JewishCleveland on Twitter and "Like" Jewish Cleveland on Facebook. We'll provide you with content related to the crisis. Likewise, share stories you have heard from your friends and family in Israel.

Key Messages

1) Hamas has been raining Iranian-supplied rockets and mortars on populated areas of Israel without interruption and, all along, under the direction of Ahmad Al-Jabri, the military chief of Hamas who was killed in the initial Israeli attack.

2) The world should support Israel's right to defend itself and its right to protect its civilians.

3) The recent murderous attacks forced Israel's hand after it exercised hopeful restraint during months of attacks.

4) Israel is sympathetic to the condition of Gaza civilians and, unlike the Hamas rocket attacks, its attacks have had solely terrorist targets.

5) Israel desperately wants to end all conflict with the Palestinian people through dialogue and negotiation.


4. Challenge media coverage of Israel 
Call radio talk shows, write letters to the editor, speak out in chat rooms. For information on contacting the media, go to www.honestreporting.com/a/contact.asp or www.camera.org.


5. Reach out to individual Israelis
Call friends, colleagues and acquaintances in Israel to find out how they are doing. Israelis appreciate a call of concern much more than an e-mail. In addition, if you know a Clevelander in Israel who needs our help, please contact Oren Baratz, Vice President of International Operations, at any time day or night, and we will do our best to offer a safe haven. Contact Oren at 216.469.7919.


6. Express your solidarity with the people of Israel
Wear a red string on your wrist, turn your Facebook profile red, display a flag. The significance of the color red is the red alert alarm Israeli citizens here every time a missile is being shot. Participate in community events.

 

7. Talk to your children
If you have children, talk to them about what they might be seeing on the news and overhearing in conversations, and respond to any of their fears or worries. The JECC has created some tips to help parents discuss the current situation in Israel with children/teens and better respond to children's fears or worries. Get the resource.