Dear Friends,

Our hearts break as we write this critical update. As you are likely aware, CJP and JCRC typically do not communicate either on Shabbat or on many Jewish Holidays (such as today, Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah). However, we are taking the extraordinary step of being in direct communication with you today given that Israel is now at war.

Here in Boston, we awoke to terrifying scenes in Israel. The IDF has confirmed that hostages have been taken to Gaza and that, as of now, over 100 people were killed in a Hamas assault, with another 900 injured. The scale of the destruction is unfathomable (see IDF: 100 killed in huge Hamas assault, hostages taken to Gaza; PM: Israel at war | The Times of Israel for live updates). We have been in touch with our colleagues on the ground, all of whom are sharing how serious this moment is and how grateful they are to know that – as always – we stand in complete solidarity with them against terrorism and those who seek to destroy us.

CJP and JCRC are working closely together and will be sending updates soon on opportunities to gather, learn, and show our support for Israel. To that end, we want to make you aware of an opportunity tomorrow Sunday, October 8, at 12 p.m. through Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) for up-to-date- information. Register here.

We will also be sharing updates on social media, making sure to acknowledge how unusual a step it is for us to post on Shabbat or this holiday.

We stand with Israel always. We are horrified at these brutal acts of terrorism, aggression, and destruction and we will work tirelessly to ensure that our friends and family in Israel know that we are with them. Please look for more communications from us soon.

Praying for peace and for the safety and security of Israel and all we love there,

CJP and JCRC