Federation service prays for peace, calls for action

by Jill Huber
NJJN Bureau Chief/Monmouth

Sidebar Article: Emergency campaign for Israel

It was an evening of heartfelt prayers on behalf of those under fire in the Middle East and a call to action, an appeal for a financial outpouring to offset the threats faced by Israeli citizens.

The prayer gathering in support of Israel, sponsored by the Community Relations Council and the Joint Chaplaincy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County, took place on Monday, July 17, at the Ruth Hyman Jewish Community Center in Deal.

As rabbis from throughout Monmouth County led more than 100 community members in prayers of peace, the federation announced the renewal of its Israel Emergency Campaign (see sidebar).

“The terrible attacks on Israel have created enormous challenges for the people living in towns and communities throughout the northern Galil,” said federation executive director Howard Gases.

Meanwhile, fervent hopes for a lasting peace were expressed by religious leaders and community members.

“Israel is a land in turmoil,” said community chaplain Rabbi Ephraim Karp. “People are under attack and Israel is in jeopardy. We are responsible for each other; we feel each other’s pain, for we are one people. We pray for the dawning of peace for all humanity.”

Israel’s unique place in hearts and minds was noted by Rabbi Jonathan Roos of Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls.

“It is so clear that Israel is a nation that wants to live in peace,” said Roos. “It is a beacon of democratic values that we hold to be among the most important in the world. And yet, despite that, Israel has so many enemies. It’s hard to understand.”

For Nelly and Moshe Segal of Tinton Falls, the Israeli connection is even more personal. Both were born in Israel (they have lived in the United States since the 1950s) and their daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends live in the Jewish state.

“Some of our friends and relatives asked others who live in or near Haifa to come and stay with them in other parts of the country where it’s safer,” Nelly Segal said. “They thanked them, but said they had no intention of leaving the Haifa region. They believe they have a strong country, a strong army, and they believe in their government. They are going to stay and see it through.”

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Emergency campaign for Israel

THE JEWISH FEDERATION of Greater Monmouth County has launched an Israel Emergency Campaign to meet the needs of Israelis affected by the warfare in Israel’s north.

The campaign is raising money to enable thousands of children living in absorption centers and at-risk neighborhoods in Israel’s northern communities — including Haifa, Nahariya, Safed, and Tiberias — to attend overnight summer camp programs in the center of the country, said federation executive director Howard Gases.

Many of these children are new immigrants from Ethiopia, he added. “It is our hope that this will provide both them and their parents with some peace of mind during these difficult days.”

At the request of the national United Jewish Communities, the Monmouth County federation has already forwarded $10,000 for the cause, according to Gases, who said that the cost of sending children to safe areas is $350-$400 per child per week.

“We need additional dollars,” Gases said. “This part of the campaign needs to raise one million dollars.”

After the initial one million dollars are raised nationally, additional money will be necessary to help victims of terror and bolster Israel’s economic, humanitarian, social, and security needs. For example, money is needed for emergency training, arranging for youth volunteers to engage children who, unable to leave their towns, are spending their days in shelters, and deploying youth volunteers to provide first aid and other assistance in the north. Funds are also required to provide psychological support for children and families in shelters and assistance to families with special-needs adults, children, and elderly members, Gases explained.

“We stand in solidarity with our family in Israel during this very real crisis,” he said. “Israel is acting in self-defense to protect her citizens, and it is most important that we help protect all Israeli citizens.”

Community Relations Council chair Toby Shylit Mack of Marlboro was confident that such support would be forthcoming. “Israel needs the support of American Jews now more than ever,” she said. “We must send a clear message to our politicians and the world that we will not stand by idly while Israel is being attacked and its people are in grave danger.

“I grieve for the families in Israel who have sustained severe losses,” she continued. “I pray for the safe return of the kidnapped Israeli soldiers. I hope peace comes soon and that Israel’s borders are not violated again.”

Donations to the emergency campaign may be made on-line or sent to the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County, 100 Grant Ave., Deal, NJ 07723. Checks should be made payable to the Jewish Federation of Greater Monmouth County. Donors should write Israel Emergency Campaign on the memo line of the check. Information is also available at the federation office at 732-531-6200.

— JILL HUBER