As you are probably aware, Israel is at war, following a series of brutal attacks by Hamas at the end of the holiday of Sukkot. These attacks against Israel included thousands of rockets fired into civilian areas, and a well-coordinated infiltration by hundreds of terrorists into numerous Israeli towns on the Gaza border, where Jews were both savagely murdered and taken back to Gaza as captives. At the time of this post, at least 700 were killed, dozens kidnapped, and over 2000 injured in the attacks.
The natural response from the righteous of the world is to offer aid. But, what can the average person do? Here are 4 things you can do to help Israel in their time of need.
1. Stay Informed
From the outset of this conflict, many politicians and news sources began spewing vile antisemitic misinformation and propaganda in support of these acts of murder. So, to keep up to date on what’s actually happening, follow news sources within Israel, such as the following:
- Arutz Sheva / Israel National News
Arutz Sheva (Hebrew for “Channel 7”), also known in English as Israel National News, is an independent Israeli media network identifying with religious Zionism. It offers online news articles in Hebrew, English, and Russian as well as live streaming radio, video and free podcasts. It also publishes a weekly newspaper, B’Sheva, with the third-largest weekend circulation in the country.
. - Haaretz
Haaretz is an Israeli newspaper largely considered Israel’s newspaper of record. Founded in 1918, it is the longest running newspaper in print in Israel. It is available in both Hebrew and English, and is known for its left-wing and liberal stances on domestic and foreign issues.
. - The Jerusalem Post
The Jerusalem Post is a broadsheet newspaper based in Jerusalem, founded in 1932 during the British Mandate, and is published in English. It currently professes to be in the Israeli political center, but is considered by many to be on the political right.
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2. Show Solidarity
Many communities around the world are planning to hold rallies in support of Israel. Check with your local Jewish community or your local branch of the Jewish Federation to see what’s going on near you.
Additionally, consider sharing news stories and updates with your family and friends on social media.
3. Give Charity
For those with the financial means to do so, there are many organizations set up to render aid to those in need within Israel. Here are a few worthy causes:
- Magen David Adom
Israel’s national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, is on the frontlines of saving lives in Israel. With emergency ambulances, boats, helicopters, and motorcycles, MDA is guaranteed to provide the best of care in critical situations.
Donate: https://www.mdais.org/en/donation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mdaisrael.en
. - United Hatzalah
United Hatzalah of Israel is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer emergency medical service (EMS) organization that provides the fastest emergency medical service throughout Israel completely free of charge.
Donate: https://israelrescue.org/campaign/israel-under-attack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedHatzalahofIsrael/
. - Friends of the IDF
Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a non-political, non-military organization that provides for wellbeing of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), veterans and family members. Established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors, FIDF is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation that operates 26 regional offices in the United States with headquarters in New York City. We are the single organization authorized to collect charitable donations on behalf of the soldiers of the IDF across the United States.
Donate: https://fidf.org/israelunderattack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FIDFNational
. - Leket Israel
Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, is the leading food rescue organization in Israel. Unique among all other organizations that serve the poor in Israel and food banks worldwide, Leket Israel’s sole focus is rescuing healthy, surplus food and delivering it to those in need through partner nonprofit organizations.
Donate: https://www.leket.org/en/online-donation
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeketIsrael
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4. Pray for Peace
As Noahides, we are free to pray in any manner we desire, in our own words. However, in times of distress such as this, it is helpful to have prayers written by others which can give voice to our concerns more eloquently than we might be able to from the heart.
To that end, below are two traditional Jewish prayers that are helpful in times such as these.
Oseh Shalom
This is perfect for those preferring a simple, short prayer, which can be quickly learned and recited in both English and Hebrew. There is even a traditional song you can learn in order to sing it.
עוֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל וְאִמְרוּ: אָמֵן
He who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace upon us, and upon all Israel. And, let us say: Amen.
From the Amidah prayer
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Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel
Another alternative is the Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel, which is recited in many synagogues around the world. Here is the text from the Artscroll Siddur (posted here without permission, and slightly altered for use by Noahides):
Our Father in heaven, Protector and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, the first flowering of Israel’s redemption. Shield her beneath the wings of Your kindness, and spread over her Your canopy of peace. Send Your light and truth to her leaders, officers and counselors, and direct them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the defenders of Israel’s Holy Land; grant them salvation; crown them with victory. Establish peace in the land and everlasting joy for its inhabitants.
Remember our brothers, the whole House of Israel, in all the lands of their dispersion. Speedily bring them to Zion, Your city, to Jerusalem, Your dwelling place, as it is written in the Torah of Moses, Your servant: Even if your outcasts are at the ends of the world, from there Hashem, your God, will bring you to the land which your fathers occupied, and you shall occupy it; and He will make you more prosperous and more numerous than your fathers. (Deut. 30:4-5)
Unite our hearts to love and revere Your Name and to observe all the precepts of Your Torah. Speedily send us Your righteous Messiah of the House of David to redeem those who long for Your salvation.
Reflect Your glorious majesty upon all the inhabitants of the Earth and let everyone who breathes declare: Hashem, God of Israel, is King and His dominion rules over all. Amen, Selah.
Prayer for the Welfare of the State of Israel (Artscroll Siddur)
