October 9, 2023
Shabbat, 22 of Tishri 5784, October 7, 2023, at 6:30 am Israel time, Hamas launched a multifront attack on Israel on Shemini Atzeret. From what we know so far, over 700 Israelis have been murdered, most of whom are civilians, including Alex Look z”l, a Montrealer who was gunned down in cold blood in the Negev while saving the lives of others. Additionally, over 2,000 injured in various conditions (including several in critical condition) and an untold number of civilian hostages and IDF soldiers have been kidnapped by Hamas and taken back to Gaza (estimated over 180). By every measure, this is one of the darkest days in Israel’s history.
My father served as a paratrooper in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He cried this weekend, in shock, that 50 years to the day after this horrifying period, his youngest son (my brother) was being sent into battle in response, yet again, to a surprise attack. This anguish is felt deeply by countless Israelis.
Horrific stories have come out of Israel in the past 48 hours: of families being torn apart, execution-like massacres of young adults in the desert, kidnapping of children, mothers, fathers, and the elderly and the heroic actions of civilian guards, police, border police, and the IDF to push back the over 400 estimated terrorists that infiltrated Israel in the early hours of Yom Shabbat.
Earlier today, the Israeli government confirmed Israel is at war. World leaders, including in Canada, have come out to support Israel and unequivocally condemn Hamas for their barbaric actions.
The road ahead will be long and painful. Israel’s response will be decisive and, from all accounts, a response we have not seen in our lifetime. The weeks ahead will be difficult, and the reverberation of what happens in Israel will undoubtedly land in diaspora communities. This is the time to shore up our resilience and support for Israel.
What can you do?
VIGIL AND EVENING OF SOLIDARITY
JOIN US for a community vigil and evening of solidarity.
Monday, October 9th, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Gelber Conference Centre (5151 Cote St Catherine Rd).
Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
There will be a security check to enter.
DONATE NOW TO SUPPORT OUR ISRAELI FAMILY
Federation CJA, along with our global partners, have launched an Israel Emergency Campaign for the Victims of Terror to bolster the infrastructure in Southern Israel with bomb shelters. We are only starting to understand the depth of the needs and know that the war is far from over. Rest assured, 100% of your donation to the Israel Emergency Campaign will support those devastated by the war.
DONATE NOW
CALL FOR DOCTORS/NURSES TO VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL
Israel has made a worldwide call for volunteer doctors/nurses willing to sign up to support the efforts of the overwhelmed hospital system. If you are willing to volunteer, please sign up at the government site below. They will be in touch with you directly.
Security Here at Home
At this time, we do not have any information of any threat to the Montreal Jewish community. At the same time, since the early hours of the war, Federation CJA’s Community Security Network (CSN) has been liaising with law enforcement to ensure that there will be an increased presence around synagogues and schools.
Our security team visited the synagogues in our CSN, briefing the security trustees and asking everyone to keep synagogues locked and to ensure extra vigilance by security guards and synagogue members. Our CSN volunteers have been activated outside synagogues and will be in full force outside schools on Tuesday morning.
It is the responsibility of ALL community members to be extra vigilant at this time. If you see something, please say something. In an emergency, call 911. When safe, please call Federation CJA Community Security hotline at 514-343-4343.
The Days Ahead
Over the next few days, Israel will be burying her dead. Children, parents, grandparents, soldiers, and civilians. The Jewish world will mourn together the inconceivable loss of more than 700 souls in an inhumane act of war.
Federation CJA will continue to monitor the situation in Israel and, with your generosity, support the needs on the ground.
Our security team will continue to be vigilant and monitor the security situation in Montreal, liaising with the Montreal Police Hate Crime Unit and the RCMP to amplify the security of our community. Our volunteer protectors have all increased their shifts to be the eyes and ears of our community.
We will update you with developments as they occur.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the families. We mourn the dead, pray for the safe return of the hostages, and pray for a Refuah Shlema for the wounded.
עושה שלום במרומיו הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישראל
May their memory be forever a blessing.
Yair Szlak, LL.B
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Federation CJA
Donate
Subscribe
