Israel Emergency Resources

On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented land, air, and sea attack on Israel from Gaza, firing more than 2,500 rockets, breaching the country’s borders, killing at least 150 Israelis, injuring more than 1,000, and inflicting significant damage on border communities. The attack came 50 years and a day after the 1973 Yom Kippur war.

In response to this significant and unprovoked attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war to defend its sovereignty and its people and gave the order for the IDF to commence “Operation Swords of Iron.”

Questions?

Contact JEWISHcolorado Shlicha Nelly Ben Tal at nbental@jewishcolorado.org.

Also see the information and resources listed below.

Historic March for Israel

On November 14, 2023, close to 300,000 people of all faiths and backgrounds thronged to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for the March for Israel.

Colorado’s 175-strong delegation—comprised of day school students, teen leaders, community members, Israeli emissaries, JEWISHcolorado board members and staff, and organizational partners—stood united for Israel. Colorado marched for Israel, marched against antisemitism, and marched for the release of hostages. Listen to the voices of our local students as they attended this historic gathering.

Support Israel Now

With your support, we have raised over $5.1 million. We will need your continued generosity and support as the attack on Israel continues.

Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Emergency Fund has surpassed $600 million, $148 million of which has already been allocated to the most pressing needs on the ground through 116 partner organizations and NGOs. Read more. And click here for the latest allocations report.

All emergency dollars will go to support efforts on the ground in Israel, aiding victims of terror, addressing trauma issues, and assisting with emergency medical and infrastructure needs.

To donate to Israel through the Merage Foundation, please select “Friends of Merage Foundation Israel” from the designation dropdown below.

Information and Resources

Emergency Numbers

See here for a list of the names of those murdered that have been released so far, and here for a site in Hebrew with the names and photos of fallen soldiers. For infographics with the latest numbers from the conflict, see here.

This site shows a map of the October 7 massacre with a red dot for every person killed and a black dot for every person abducted by Hamas. Clicking on any dot will show the name and picture (if available) of the victim with age and last known location.

This resource provides critical information for family members and friends in Israel who
may be in need of assistance. Please note many of these numbers and apps can only be accessed from within Israel.

* Updated: October 12, 2023

Hotlines for Families of Victims or Missing Persons

Hotline for receiving information regarding hostages: 1229
Hotline for missing persons (Home Front Command and Israel Police) 105
Hotline for missing soldiers: 1111 (extension 5 and then 4)
ATAL Equipment Center (Technology and Logistics Division) to report shortages in equipment and food: 052-6156256 (WhatsApp only)

National Emergency Services in Israel

Israel Police: 100
Israel Police (non-emergency, Information about blocked roads and other information related to the Israel Police without human interaction): 110
National Fire and Rescue Authority: 102
Ambulance – Magen David Adom: 101
United Hatzalah – 1221
Israel Electric Company: 103
Home Front Command (Pikud Ha’Oref): 104
Home Front Command app and website
Local authority (municipal or regional council): 106

Israeli HMOs

Clalit: 03-7472010 (open 7am – 8pm)
Maccabi: *3028 (open 8am – 8pm)
Leumit: 054-9292273/2 (open 8am – 8pm)
Meuhedet: *3833 (open 8am – 7pm)
Terem Medical Centers for after-hours medical assistance

Mental Health Assistance

Natal trauma hotline: 1-800-363-363
Eran emotional first aid: *1201 Hebrew, Arabic (extension 2), English (extension 10), Russian (extension 3), Soldiers and their families (extension 5), Holocaust survivors (extension 4)
Israel Ministry of Education’s emotional help line: *6552 (ext. 5)
Havinenu psychological assistance and support hotline for religious and ultra-Orthodox: *3251

Useful Resources

English-speaking hotline for parents of Lone Soldiers: 1-201-605-7440
Hotline for senior citizens: *8840
Yad Sarah medical lending services: *6444
Yedidim for emergency roadside assistance connected with the current war: 077-6001240 (1230 for non-war-related issues)
Haverim L’erfuah – essential medicines and Medical equipment
Betipulnet (Hebrew only) portal for psychological services with information and links to professionals
BetterHelp mental health platform provides online mental health services directly to clients, up to 6 months of therapy at no cost for individuals who have been impacted by the war in Israel.
Jordan River Village, a respite village for children with life-limiting conditions, is extending a hand to evacuees. Families are invited to fill out their details in this form.

How do donations help?

These funds are being put to a slew of immediate and urgent needs, such as:

Basic Needs
Evacuation, Transport, Housing, Activities
Fund for Victims of Terror
Respite
Frontline Communities
Special Populations
Trauma Relief / Psychosocial Support
Emergency Medicine & Healthcare Volunteers
Mid-to-long term needs

Public Officials and Community Leaders: Statements of Support

Statements from Colorado Leaders

“I am horrified and heartbroken by last Saturday’s massacre in Israel. To my constituents who have ties there, I am so sorry for your pain and loss. Violence against innocent people is never acceptable. I believe the Israeli government has the right and responsibility to respond to these barbaric attacks by Hamas terrorists. I hope the war is as limited as possible, and that every effort will be made to move back towards a process of peace.”
– Representative Judy Amabile

“We must support each other as a community in Colorado and stand firmly with our ally, Israel. I stand with our ally Israel and will do everything in my power to make sure it has the resources to defend itself.”
– Senator Michael Bennet

“I stand with Israel and condemn all acts of terrorism. One of the highlights of my life was visiting Israel last year. The people and the history will stay with me forever. Shalom.”
– Senate Majority Caucus Chair Janet Buckner

“I know I join so many in our community in horror and grief about the situation in Israel. The terrorist actions of Hamas must be condemned in the strongest terms.

I’m heartbroken by these senseless acts of violence, and my heart is also with the American nationals who have been harmed by these attacks. Our community and the United States stands solidly behind the Israeli people and all who have been impacted.”
– Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo

“Colorado stands with Israel. The horrifying and unprecedented attacks this past weekend are heartbreaking and intolerable. I will work to ensure Congress responds rapidly to provide Israel with the resources needed to defend itself.”
– Congressman Jason Crow

“We can do something bipartisan in Congress if it comes to Israel. To give Israel everything it needs. To make sure that we are together and that we are together in this fight against terrorism.”
– Congresswoman Diana DeGette

“My heart is breaking for Israel, and for all the families who are suffering and who will suffer more in the days and weeks to come. The politics of Israel can be complicated at times, but what isn’t complicated is condemning violence and the killing of innocent people, no matter who they are. My thoughts are with the families across Israel who are now in harms way, and I am praying for an end to the bloodshed and for a future where Israeli and Palestinian families can peacefully coexist.”
– Senate President Steve Fenberg

“I am dismayed by the escalation of violence and the deadly attacks against the Israeli people. I condemn this act of war by Hamas and will continue to stand in solidarity with Israel.”
– Senator Chris Hansen

“House Democratic leadership condemns in the strongest terms the abhorrent terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians. Our hearts break for the innocent people murdered and brutally kidnapped in this calculated and violent attack on the Jewish people. We are devastated by the loss of life in Israel and in Gaza and urge Hamas to end this violence now. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.”
– House Democrat Leadership

“This heinous attack on the people of Israel, and by extension all of us who stand with them, must be understood for what it is –– evil. My heart breaks in this moment with those suffering, loss and fear. Our resolve to root out, such acts of inhumanity must never waver or bend.”
– Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen

“As Chair of the Board of Trustees of the HinduTemple and Cultural Center of Colorado, I would like to share our shock and sadness at the terrorists’ atrocities in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with innocent victims and their families. Hindus and Jews have much in common, including long periods of suffering, even Genocide. We stand firmly and unequivocally with Israel and our Jewish brothers and sisters.”
– Ved P. Nanda
Distinguished University Professor
Director, The Ved Nanda Center for Int’l & Comp. Law
University of Denver College of Law
Honorary Professor, Univ. of Delhi

“I strongly condemn the violent, horrific and abhorrent terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel. My wife Andrea and I are heartbroken at the terrible and tragic loss of innocent life in Israel, and we join in mourning the loss of so many. In this moment of unspeakable heartbreak and tragedy, I am grateful to the JCRC for organizing tonight’s community vigil at Temple Emanuel, and for the opportunity to join so many Coloradans as we pray together for the victims and their families. The United States will continue to stand steadfastly with our ally Israel, and we will continue to support them and their right to defend itself and its people.”
– Congressman Joe Neguse

“I am more than concerned about the bombing of our Israeli allies. We, in the Christian community, recognize the importance of the relationship we have as a nation and as a faith community with Israel. We stand united in our prayers for the nation Israel and all who exercise freedom. We also recognize the perceived weakening of our Democracy here in the US by the historic political divide that we’ve witnessed. And we recognize how the divide may have given Israel’s enemies the idea that the US is unprepared to defend our friends. But, we as a people are strong and resilient and we are still the United States of America. In times such as this, as history will prove, we have and always will put aside our differences and stand against the evils of the world and the enemies of Democracy. The Christian community will continue to pray without ceasing for God’s people Israel.”
– Pastor Thomas Mayes

“As an Israeli and a Jew, it’s hard to put into words the pain, fear, and rage that myself and my family both here and in Israel feel. The wanton murder of hundreds of Jewish families is a terrible tragedy, and I am appalled and heartbroken by these horrific acts of violence. I am praying for peace. But until that day arrives, I will continue to stand for Israel, and for the right of the Israeli people to defend themselves and their ancestral homeland.”
– Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet

“It breaks my heart to see the senseless acts of violence being committed by these terrorists towards the people of Israel. What we are seeing is wrong and indefensible. I wholeheartedly stand with Israel. May peace come soon.”
– Senator Kyle Mullica

“History has shown us what happens when we stay silent in the face of terror, and tonight we raise our voices to condemn these attacks and call for and end to this violence.” (Read his full remarks here.)
– Governor Jared Polis

“I’m outraged by the gruesome onslaught on Israel by Hamas. Although the Palestinians’ claims certainly cannot be ignored I stand with Israel 🙏🏽.”
– Representative Naquetta Ricks

“The heinous attack on the people of Israel, and by extension all of us who stand with them, must be understood for what it is –– evil. Our hearts break in this moment with those suffering enormous loss. We are also deeply troubled by the silence from those who have actively chosen to not condemn the horrific acts of violence by Hamas this week on Israel. No one should ever be silent when terrorist acts occur – to be silent is to be complicit. We stand together against terrorism and towards peace and stability in Israel. We Stand with Israel.”
– Colorado Senate Republicans

“I’m grateful to be with community tonight as we condemn the horrific attack on the Israeli people Saturday. We’ve learned over and over again that terrorism and militarism and their horrible consequences are not solutions to disputes on either side of this horrible conflict. This devastating cycle of violence and retaliation must stop.”
– Representative Emily Sirota

“Coloradans must stand united with the people of Israel and against barbaric acts of terror against innocent human beings. We take a moment today to mourn the lives lost and pray for the safety of those in Israel.”
– Representative Ron Weinberg

“Like many Americans, I am struggling to come to grips with the violence, pain, and loss of life in Israel. Stated plainly, Hamas and its supporters are not pursuing peace or a two-state solution; they are advocating an end to the State of Israel and justifying murder and hostage-taking to that end. Israel has a right to defend itself. At this painful time, we must condemn terrorism and stand with Israel.” (Read Phil Weiser’s full remarks here.)
– Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser

“This is devastating. Our hearts are absolutely broken. Nothing can excuse these horrific acts of terrorism. Today and every day, am Yisrael chai.”
– Representative Steven Woodrow

Resources for Parents, Children, Students, and Educators

Educators and Youth Professionals:

Adapting Podcast: Jewish Educators on the Frontlines in the War of Ideas
ADL: 6 Tips for Supporting Jewish Students in the Classroom
ADL: Hamas Attack on Israel Kills Hundreds of People
ADL: Hamas Attack Draws Cheers from Extremists, Spurts Antisemitism and Conspiracies Online
ADL: Israel’s War with Hamas: Resources for Students, Teachers, Parents and Families
ADL: Questions, Complexities and Context: Insights into Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Boundless Israel Israel at War Community Resources
Education Resources for Teachers, Parents and Students
The Jewish Education Project: Resources for Teaching about Israel in Crisis
The Lookstein Center: Israel at War
Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies: Connect with a local Jewish human service agency (Some agencies can help you moderate should you want to organize an open processing space for teens and provide vital framing for productive conversation and emotional regulation.)
Open Door Media: Unpacking all things Jewish
Prizmah Knowledge Center
- Resources from the Secure Community Network (SCN) on Safeguarding Schools
- Limiting Exposure to Graphic Images on Social Media
- Prizmah Resources for Schools on Violence and Terrorist Attacks in Israel
- “How to Talk to Children About Israel Today” (A recorded webinar hosted by The Jewish Education Project in partnership with Prizmah.)
StandWithUs Resources
Students and educators are invited to show support and solidarity by sending messages of deep caring.
Unpacked Education: Does Israel Commit War Crimes?
Unpacked Education: Israel at War Resources
Unpacked Education: YouTube Playlist – Oct ’23 Hamas-Israel

Parents, Teens, and Kids

On College Campuses:

Hillel: Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL) – All legal services will be provided at no cost to students, faculty, families, and community members impacted by antisemitism. Requests for legal assistance can be submitted through our website at legal-protection.org, or by texting “CALLhelp” to 51555 to receive free, 24/7 support.
ADL: 6 Tips for Supporting Jewish Students in the Classroom
Students who feel that their college or university has discriminated against them on the basis of their Jewish ethnicity, ancestry, or national origin, can file an electronic complaint form with the Office for Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education.
Hillel has created a resource guide for Jewish students and a portal to report antisemitic incidents. Hillel staff will inform the appropriate authorities and ensure that the student receives the necessary support.
Hillel Colorado: Supporting our Students Through Difficult Times

Security

At this time, the Duty Desk is not aware of any threats to the Jewish community in North America but is actively monitoring for any potential Hamas sympathizers that may consider taking action against Jewish facilities domestically. Past events in the Middle East have served as a catalyst for protests, targeted action, and acts of violence against Jewish institutions and community members. SCN recommends that Jewish facilities ensure their security protocols are in place, and both state and local law enforcement are cognizant of the potential for an international event to have domestic implications. SCN will continue to work with its security partners in the Jewish community and established law enforcement partners to monitor this rapidly developing threat landscape.

Resources:

Updates:

Upcoming Events

National Mobilization Week Supporting Israel
December 4 – December 8

Israel’s Fight for Survival – A Discussion with Dr. Einat Wilf and Dan Elbaum
December 7

2023 NSGP Key Changes with SCN
December 7

Campus Crisis: How the U.S. Department of Education is Fighting Antisemitism
December 7

Celebrate Chanukah with Your Global Jewish Family
December 7

Shabbat of Love
January 19

The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI) WebinarsEvery Sunday to Thursday from 11-11:30

Updates and Communications

Other Updates and Resources

The Council for a Secure America produced this excellent resource to understand the state of play in the Gaza conflict.

JEWISHcolorado

JFNA

Volunteer

Volunteers from Overseas

In an exceptional move reflecting the important role volunteers are playing in the current crisis, Israel’s National Insurance Institute (the equivalent of America’s Social Security Administration) has announced that it will provide insurance for Israeli ex pat volunteers who wish to volunteer. At present, there are only limited opportunities open to foreign volunteers. These opportunities include:

Birthright Israel has opened a volunteering program where people from outside of Israel can come to Tel Aviv and take part in food rescue operations to prevent shortages in the Israeli market, including work to sort, pack and distribute goods for civil and military personnel.
Leket Israel and HaShomer HaChadash are recruiting volunteers to help in farms and warehouses facing labor shortages.
Sar-El, The National Project for Volunteers for Israel, runs programs for volunteers on Israel Defense Force bases, focusing on logistical support.
In the event of further strains on the health system, Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, will activate to bring people to
Israel. They are actively collecting names of doctors who would be willing to volunteer should the need arise.
Nurses and paramedics from abroad looking to volunteer can visit the MOH website and submit their information there.

We have received many questions from medical professionals seeking to volunteer. As of now, Israel is not experiencing a shortage of medical professionals due to the conflict. In the event of further strains on the health system, Nefesh B’Nefesh, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, will activate to bring people to Israel. They are actively collecting names of doctors who would be willing to volunteer should the need arise.

Nurses and paramedics from abroad looking to volunteer can visit the MOH website and submit their information there.

We will update as more information about opportunities for foreign volunteers becomes available.

Watch and Listen

March for Israel

Watch the full program

Watch program highlights

Hear from Colorado teens who attended

Watch

Emergency Briefing with Haviv Rettig Gur

From Our Colorado Shinshinim

Historic March for Israel

Israel At War: In the Beginning There Was The World | Rabbi Angela Buchdahl

Israel Opera: Bring Him Home

Israel Philharmonic

Playing for families evacuated to a hotel: To view videos, click here and here, To view photos, click here.
In one especially moving performance, at Soroka Medical Center, musicians played for Avida Bachar, a member of Kibbutz Be’eri who survived the attack but suffered a leg amputation and lost his wife and son. To view the video, click here.
Playing for peace: Horn player Hagai Shalom plays “Oseh Shalom,” or “He Who Makes Peace,” a prayer for peace and unity for the Jewish people, in the dark and empty Charles Bronfman Auditorium. To view the video, click here.
“Salute to Israel” — This special concert was broadcast live on Oct. 22 in an empty hall with only the images of all hostages ‘looking’ at the musicians from the seats in the first rows. The musicians performed Israel’s national anthem, Paul Ben-Haim’s “Fanfare to Israel” and Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony, “Eroica.” Music Director Lahav Shani addressed viewers with a moving speech (full text below). The concert has received more than 150,000 views in Israel and around the world. To watch the full live stream, click here.

October 18: Israel Update with Ramat HaNegev Mayor Eran Doron

October 17: Unity in Crisis: Emergency Leadership Mission for Israel

October 12: SCN National Update on Domestic Security: Guidance Amidst Hamas Terrorist Attacks On Israel

October 9: Pray for Peace in Israel: A Community Vigil

October 8: Israel Update from JEWISHcolorado

We’ve Lost So much. Let Us Not Lose Our Damn Minds | Rabbi Sharon Brous

Listen

Adapting: Jewish Educators on the Gronlines in the War of Ideas

Shalom Hartman Institute: A Nation That Can’t Sleep

Shalom Hartman Institute: Resilience and Ingenuity in Crisis

Shalom Hartman Institute: Israel at War – Day Three – How Did This Happen?

What Matters Now to Micah Goodman: Vow to stand with Israel when it fires back

What can I do?

Donate

Please continue to donate to the Emergency Fund. Our partners on the ground have made it clear that at the current moment the most pressing need is money to help buy humanitarian supplies. While we are working on other ways to support the communities devastated by this act of terrorism, the most impactful thing you can do now is to donate directly. Neither JEWISHcolorado nor JFNA are taking any administrative fees, meaning that 100% of all money raised through the emergency fund will go directly to those who need it most.
- See also this Jewish Federations update on Requests for Personal Protective Equipment which are circulating.

Advocate

Sign this action alert to thank your elected officials for supporting Israel
Sign this action alert urging Congress to provide urgent security funding for Jewish community institutions
Jews of Color can take action to urge their members of Congress to support the supplemental budget request, which provides emergency security assistance to Israel and American Jewish community institutions.
Wear a blue ribbon—and get as many other people as possible to do the same—in support of the hostages and their families. Learn more here and use the hashtag #BlueRibbonsforIsrael.

Doctors, nurses, and paramedics licensed abroad can join Medical Volunteers for Israel using the Ministry of Health’s online form, to ensure pre-clearance of medical licenses.
Sign and Share ADL’s Workplace Pledge to Fight Antisemitism.
For those looking for help, critical information about the situation on the ground, or other assistance, see this resource page of Emergency Contact Numbers put together by Jewish Federations
Share this video highlighting the steps the IDF is taking to protect civilians with your community leaders.

Connect

Students and educators are invited to show support and solidarity by sending messages of deep caring. Learn more here and submit your letters here.
Several people wanted to connect with a soldier to offer support and care. There are several sites to send instant letters, and one is helpingisraelfund.com where your letter will be sent to a soldier on the frontlines.

Who supported the match?

A group of JEWISHcolorado donors have stepped forward to offer a dollar-for-dollar match up to $650,000 for donations to the Israel Emergency Fund. The match was launched by Barry and Gay Curtiss-Lusher from a shelter in a Tel Aviv Hotel and JEWISHcolorado Board Chair Ben Lusher and his wife Nicole. Thanks to the many who have joined them:

$250,000 +
David and Laura Merage Foundation

$50,000 +
Diana Zeff Anderson
Singer Family Foundation
Jonathan Merage Foundation
Sabrina Merage Foundation

$20,000 +
Lusher / Curtis-Lusher families
Feiner Family Foundation
Bender West Foundation
Hal Berenson & Laura Ackerman

$15,000 +
Charlie Gwirtsman & Nancy Reichman

$10,000 +
Joel & Tiffany Appel
Schlafer Family Foundation
Steve Morris & Amy Morris
Michael & Susan Gordon
Celeste Grynberg
Gary Kleiman & Elisa Moran

$1,800 +
Jeff & Terri Auerbach
Joey & Avery Friedman
Jimmy & Wendy Miller
Steven & Debra Weinstein
Rob Kaufmann & Jen Gilbert-Kaufmann

*This list represents donors who committed to the initial pool of Emergency funds to be matched. *As of 10/8/23

Our Mission

All Programs

Secure Community Network Incident Reporting Form (IRF)