An extremely powerful message. This is the purest essence of Kol Israel Areivim.
As an Israeli who live not far from numerous fires over the past weekend, I was highly moved by your words, Sherri.
Eric Lankinsays
I am grateful to my friend Sherri Morr with whom I worked with at JNF. She continues her tremendous service and leadership at the University of Haifa fundraising team. Sherri is of course correct that we in the Diaspora must join together to protect and rebuild our homeland by raising funds. But is there more we can do? Does it always come down to “give money”? What about investing in Israel’s future?
people want to help in a time of need. great! but, none of the nearly 100 orgs i work with are asking for anything. these are the front line, very small, doing amazing work type orgs. they would know! i have spoken with some of them again, today, sunday morning – from the north to the south. nothing for now.
the gov’t has approved 2500nis per person for anyone who has been displaced. that’s enough for 8-12 nights out until things can be sorted through.
as for homes, i really really hate using precious and scarce tzedakah money for people who didn’t have insurance. but the govt will usually pay for quite a bit of what was lost since it is an act of terror, for the most part. (yes, some of the fires were indeed natural).
we just need to be patient – i know that this is not what people want to hear, but…better to be smart.
follow me on facebook for updates.
(and jnf is notoriouslynot an efficient or effective user of precious tzedakah funds)
Esther Shapirosays
Beautifully said Sherri. Thank you for this.
Stuart Mellansays
Our Federation’s Israel Center has worked with our local Fire Foundation for several years– sending delegations of Tucson First responders to Israel and hosting high level Israeli first responders here. With those relationships in place it was heartening but not surprising to see 14 firefighters from our area volunteer to drop everything and help fight the fires in Israel. A delegation of 5 arrived in Israel moments ago, and they were greeted by their Israeli colleagues. Emotional to witness even long distance via video.
An extremely powerful message. This is the purest essence of Kol Israel Areivim.
As an Israeli who live not far from numerous fires over the past weekend, I was highly moved by your words, Sherri.
I am grateful to my friend Sherri Morr with whom I worked with at JNF. She continues her tremendous service and leadership at the University of Haifa fundraising team. Sherri is of course correct that we in the Diaspora must join together to protect and rebuild our homeland by raising funds. But is there more we can do? Does it always come down to “give money”? What about investing in Israel’s future?
people want to help in a time of need. great! but, none of the nearly 100 orgs i work with are asking for anything. these are the front line, very small, doing amazing work type orgs. they would know! i have spoken with some of them again, today, sunday morning – from the north to the south. nothing for now.
the gov’t has approved 2500nis per person for anyone who has been displaced. that’s enough for 8-12 nights out until things can be sorted through.
as for homes, i really really hate using precious and scarce tzedakah money for people who didn’t have insurance. but the govt will usually pay for quite a bit of what was lost since it is an act of terror, for the most part. (yes, some of the fires were indeed natural).
we just need to be patient – i know that this is not what people want to hear, but…better to be smart.
follow me on facebook for updates.
(and jnf is notoriouslynot an efficient or effective user of precious tzedakah funds)
Beautifully said Sherri. Thank you for this.
Our Federation’s Israel Center has worked with our local Fire Foundation for several years– sending delegations of Tucson First responders to Israel and hosting high level Israeli first responders here. With those relationships in place it was heartening but not surprising to see 14 firefighters from our area volunteer to drop everything and help fight the fires in Israel. A delegation of 5 arrived in Israel moments ago, and they were greeted by their Israeli colleagues. Emotional to witness even long distance via video.