[CBI] From Rabbi Bayar on Developments in Israel

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To All:



By now we are all familiar with the events unfolding in Israel.  It is 
vital that we all stay informed concerning the situation as the dynamic 
in the Middle East is fluid and changing hourly.



This afternoon Rabbi Mendel Solomon and I gave a "Lunch and Learn" in 
Springfield.  Representing two different sides of the Jewish spectrum, 
we spoke about "Issues that Unite Us and Issues that Divide Us."  We 
started off the learning with a prayer for the State of Israel and both 
spoke about how important it is for us to look at what brings us 
together -- that is where the strength of the Jewish community lies.



It is clear that one issue that unites us as a community is our concern 
for Israel.  We must stand together and show this support - it is vital 
to the health of our community and of the Jewish people. As the only 
democracy in this part of the world, Israel also is the only consistent 
American ally.



We are currently aware of CBI teens on summer tours in Israel as well as 
members of congregant families living in Israel.  We want to be sure we 
identify and communicate with all member families who have children or 
relatives in Israel.  If you know of anyone, please let us know by phone 
or email at cbjmillburn at aol.com.



No matter what your political orientation, please support some 
organization that is trying to alleviate the suffering of families and 
children.  The Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ has opened an 
Israel Emergency Campaign to provide tangible assistance to our brothers 
and sisters in Israel -- 100 percent of proceeds from emergency 
fundraising go directly to relief efforts.  You can find more 
information here: www.jfedgmw.org.



In addition, below is a link to Tzvika Lev's Lone Soldier website.  He 
provides support for IDF soldiers who have no support system -- and are 
truly alone.   If you do not already have a cause to support, please 
consider helping them.  This is only one of many worthy organizations 
working at this time to alleviate the crisis.



http://lonesoldieridf.com/



In the coming days, the CBI Israel Affairs Committee will be passing 
along additional information.

Here’s what’s been happening, courtesy of Jewish Federation of Greater 
MetroWest NJ:

1.       More than 3.5 million Israeli citizens, 45 percent of the 
Israeli population, are under Hamas rockets’ fire range.

2.       In the last three weeks, hundreds of rockets have been fired 
over the Israeli population. More than 100 of them were in the last 24 
hours.

3.       Once again, the residents of southern cities such as Sderot, 
Ashkelon, Ashdod, Be'er Sheva, and our partner communities throughout 
Israel have returned to the bomb shelters. Locations further north, 
including Jerusalem, have also been affected.

4.       Missiles fired at Tel Aviv and other targets have been stopped 
by Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.

5.       Israel cannot tolerate a situation in which millions of its 
citizens are forced to live under a barrage of missiles.

6.       The main objective of the operation is to restore stability and 
quiet to the residents of Israel.

7.       Israel’s actions are measured and directed at the missile 
launchers and the Hamas and related terror infrastructure.

8.       In the coming days, many will criticize Israel's actions while 
glossing over the necessity for them. As we pray for the safety of the 
Israel Defense Forces and innocent civilians on both sides of this 
conflict, we must not be silent. We must know our facts and speak out in 
Israel's defense. Israel must not be condemned for doing what any 
responsible government would do to protect its citizens from terror.



Our well wishes and prayers go to all those in harm's way -- may they 
come through this crisis safe and may we all become closer through this 
experience.



Rabbi Steven Bayar







Congregation B’nai Israel

160 Millburn Avenue

Millburn, NJ 07041

973-379-3811

mainoffice at cbi-nj.org

www.cbi-nj.org