Recent days have seen an end to the period of relative calm that followed the unofficial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Here is the official UJC/Federation response to the situation:
UJC/FEDERATION SYSTEM RESPONDS TO GAZA SITUATION
December 29, 2008 -- United Jewish Communities/the Federations of North America expresses its solidarity with the State of Israel at this critical time as Israel engages in Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. Following scores of missile attacks against citizens of southern Israel, at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday Israel Air Force planes attacked multiple Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip.
Our UJC Israel Office has been focusing on the situation by assisting federation groups and individuals traveling in Israel under UJC’s auspices; developing a full understanding of current needs and possible services/interventions that might be required should the situation continue or deteriorate; maintaining close contact with our overseas partners, the Government of Israel and others; and preparing a written situation update.
The scope of the situation update includes both the military/political situation and the status of social needs. We will continue to bring you news of the situation as it develops. Please click here to read the situation update.
"This is not the first time that Israel has been under attack and is not likely to be the last time. Our partners at the Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee are on the ground everyday meeting important human needs," said UJC President and CEO Howard Rieger, "During this crisis, UJC Israel coordinates closely with our partners and with the Government of Israel regarding realities on the ground. We are monitoring the situation on an ongoing basis and should things deteriorate, we will consider additional needs including possible emergency fundraising efforts. Let's pray for an early end to hostilities and peace for everyone in the region."
