Baltimore Stands With Israel

As a JCC community, we remain shocked and horrified about the war taking place in Israel where Hamas and Islamic Jihad have taken numerous Israeli hostages, attacked southern communities, and murdered civilians of all ages in their homes. At this moment, Israel is at war and the fate of many is uncertain. Israel is currently responding with force and will continue to focus on diplomacy.   We are heartbroken at the number of innocent lives who have died, the amount of suffering that’s occurring, and we pray for the safety of those in captivity and for an end to the war.

Many of us strongly feel the bonds of peoplehood with those affected and fear for their safety. And for all of us who have hoped for a peaceful path forward in the conflict, this is a very dark time. 

In the lobby of both the Weinberg Park Heights and the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCCs, we are offering blue/white ribbons to put on your mailbox or to wear around your wrist to show your solidarity with Irael. Likewise, we will continue to share information that we receive from The Associated and the Baltimore Jewish Council about what you can do locally.

The Associated has already started a campaign and we encourage you to support the Associated’s Emergency Fund for Israel at War to help victims of this war with humanitarian services and support measures.  100% of your donation will go directly toward this life saving work. Make your donation online or send a check to The Associated at 101 Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

While there is no reason to believe that there is a heightened risk to Jewish agencies like ours here in Baltimore or in other communities, we remain in close touch with local law enforcement.

We pray for peace, healing, and safety!

Larry Plant, Board Chair                                            
Barak Hermann, JCC CEO