| From the JHJC Board of Directors and Staff October 8, 2023 |
| Chaverim, We write to address the deeply troubling and distressing issue of recent Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens. We are shattered by the news from Israel over the past weekend and the devastating images of brutality and violence against our Israeli brothers and sisters. In the words of Daniel Gordis, “Not since the Holocaust have this many Jews been killed in a single day.” As we grapple with these shocking and unimaginable scenes of suffering, the JHJC Board of Directors and Staff would like to emphasize the following:Unity: Let us stand together as a united front against hatred, discrimination, and violent extremism. We will unequivocally condemn violent terrorism against Jews in Israel and throughout the world. Dialogue and Understanding: We must offer space for our different levels of grieving, shock and sadness. While most of us are safe, we are all not OK. We will be offering morning prayer services from 8 – 8:30 AM beginning tomorrow, October 10 through Saturday, October 14. Services will be held via Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86122602578 And stay tuned for details regarding a special program this weekend. Advocacy: Let us not be silent even when our words need courage. If you need help understanding how to articulate your feelings or help finding the words to combat ideas that undermine your values, please email us now. Action: The JHJC along with Chabad of Wyoming invites you to give to United Hatzalah through this special link: https://israelrescue.org/mymitzvah/wyoming-israel-solidarity/ Support for Affected Communities: Seek out Jewish communities that have been directly affected by these attacks, offering support, solidarity, and assistance where possible. Thank you for being a part of the Jackson Hole Jewish Community, and for your dedication to the Jewish values that have kept us together for thousands of years. We are here for you if you are worried or scared, or just want more details about the situation in Israel. As we say each week in our Shabbat prayers ופרש עלינו סכת שלומךUfros Aleinu Sukkat ShlomechaSpread over us Your shelter of peace In peace, The JHJC Board of Directors and Staff |