We are overwhelmed by the emotions associated with this date, October 7th, three years after the horrendous attack on Israel took so many lives and devastated so many families and communities. We continue to pray for the families who have suffered losses, for the survivors who are still healing, and of course for all those who have devoted themselves to the defense of the Jewish state since that day. May Israel’s defenders be protected and be successful in their holy mission.

 

We are also deeply aware of how the events of October 7th and the aftermath have changed our Jewish communities here at home, and with it the responsibilities of our Jewish Federation system. We are on the frontline in the efforts to protect the safety of our communities through physical security measures and by engaging deeply and aggressively in the civic life of the broader communities in which we live. We will do everything necessary to ensure that our friends and neighbors understand the danger that is present for Jews and for the entirety of American society from the rise of antisemitism and anti-Zionism.

 

Just as we are united today in grief and remembrance, we are more united than ever in our work to strengthen Jewish education and engagement so that we may build a strong and flourishing Jewish people. The surge in engagement in Jewish life that began on October 7th continues. We are strong and dedicated to our mission and our community. We will rebuild what was lost and create a new generation more knowledgeable and more committed to our Torah, our Jewish state, and our brothers and sisters around the world than before.

 

Psalm 145, also known by its first word, “Ashrei,” says:
 

:סוֹמֵךְ ה' לְכָל־הַנֹּפְ֒לִים וְזוֹקֵף לְכָל־הַכְּ֒פוּפִים

God supports those who are fallen
and straightens those who are bent.

Psalm 145:14

 

May God’s comfort be upon all the Jewish people today and always.
 

Am Yisrael Chai!