My grandmother was a Holocaust survivor who, despite the horror she endured, felt it necessary to lie about her age and fight in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Today, as I think about my family in Israel amidst the heinous terrorist attacks by Hamas, my heart feels an overwhelming mix of anger, sorrow, and determination. A day like Simchat Torah, a celebration of our Torah and the cycle of its readings, turned into a day of mourning. 

The rockets didn't just target a piece of land; they targeted the core of our spirit and identity, seeking to extinguish the light of our collective Jewish soul. The assault's devastating ramifications have rippled worldwide, touching every Jew's heart, reminding us all of our interwoven destinies. The horrifying scenes of violence emerging from our sacred land beckon us to rise in unity, strength, and purpose.

The question now isn't whether to help, but how best to do so. I am so moved by the countless people who have reached out to ask how they might help. At this time, the needs of the Israeli people are unprecedented, and the tales of loss and trauma are heart-wrenching. Yet, amid the devastation, we also witness unwavering resilience.

Here's a comprehensive list of ways New Yorkers (and others) can support Israel directly in its time of need and help the victims of the Hamas terror attack:

• Emergency Services:

• Donate to Magen David Adom, United Hatzalah, and ZAKA. These organizations have affiliated U.S.-based 501(c)3 organizations for receiving funds. Some of them have donors matching funds.

• Hospitals:

• Donate to hospitals treating victims, specifically Ashkelon’s Barzilai Medical Center and Beersheva’s Soroka Medical Center. Each has U.S.-based 501(c)3 organizations for donations. Other hospitals like Hadassah in Jerusalem also need funds.

• Support the Military:

• Donate to Friends of the IDF, which supports the Israel Defense Forces. This organization ensures donations are used effectively for military needs.

• Consider supporting organizations catering to “lone soldiers” like the Michael Levin Lone Soldier Center and Nefesh B’Nefesh’s Lone Soldier Program.

• The National Council of Young Israel is collecting resources for several organizations, targeting the needs of Israeli soldiers and civilians on a case-by-case basis.

• Social Services:

• Contribute to relief efforts for displaced citizens through the Israel Association of Community Centers (Matnasim).

• Support IsraAID, an international NGO helping evacuees housed in Dead Sea hotels.

• Mental Health Care:

• Donate to organizations focusing on trauma and mental health services, such as the Israel Trauma Coalition and Metiv: The Israel Psychotrauma Center.

• Direct Assistance and Emergency Response Organizations:

  • Assist victims with immediate grants by donating to The Jewish Agency for Israel.

  • Contribute to Keren Hayesod’s Fund for Victims of Terror.

  Federations and Philanthropy:

• The UJA-Federation of New York is a major philanthropic organization that's pooling resources to help. Consider contributing to their efforts.

• JCRC NY is a UJA community relations agency that advocates for the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community in New York.

• The AJC is a global advocacy group currently collecting resources to support Israeli relief organizations.

Supporting these organizations will go a long way in healing the scars, both seen and unseen, inflicted by this conflict. Now, more than ever, unity is our most formidable weapon. We must rally together, not just as Jews but as global citizens, to condemn the terror unleashed by Hamas. Complacency is not an option. Every dollar donated, every prayer uttered, and every voice raised against this brutality strengthens our collective resolve against such terror.

We need to educate, engage in dialogue, and build bridges, ensuring that the world knows the truth. Israel isn't just defending its territory; it's defending its very existence, its people, its heritage. As I think of my sisters, cousins, and friends in Israel, I urge each of you to support the State of Israel wholeheartedly. Just as my grandmother stood up bravely for her nation, let us too stand up. Let our actions loudly echo our unwavering message: We stand unequivocally with Israel.