Our hearts are filled with hurt and worry and we know you are eager to step up and assist because that is what our community does and what we do at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. We are fully committed to standing with Israel for as long as necessary to eradicate the HAMAS terrorists.
As of this date, more than 1,400 Israelis have been murdered, thousands wounded and hundreds of people are missing. In a horrific scene at a music festival, HAMAS shot into the crowd and torched concertgoers alive in their vehicles as they tried to reach safety. More than 300 people were killed, and hostages were taken into Gaza currently being held in conditions unknown. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the provisional unity government warned of a “long and difficult war” ahead and there is a mass mobilization of army reserves.
Attacks on Israel are almost always followed by harassment, vandalism, and violence against Jewish institutions and individuals here in the U.S. and abroad. We are following the ADL’s constant and reliable monitoring of increasing extremist and antisemitic acts. To view the most recent data on antisemitic incidents and anti-Israel rallies, visit the ADL’s website.
The JFO also wishes to make clear that we mourn the tragic losses of innocent Palestinian civilians who are in harm’s way in Gaza because of the deliberate and irresponsible actions of HAMAS, and we support those members of our community who stand in support of the safety of Israelis, while simultaneously expressing their concern for Palestinian civilian safety. Of equal concern to us are the safety and well-being of our friends in the Muslim communities in our city and state. Just as there is heightened antisemitism, there has also been an increase in Islamophobia-motivated incidents and crimes and we unequivocally condemn such actions.
This page will be regularly updated with resources, local events, and ways you can help support Israel from afar. From FAQs to how to combat anti-Israel disinformation in social and conventional media, the JCRC is here to provide information and support.
The JFNA’s Community Mobilization Center is monitoring major developments in Israel and North America related to Israel’s war to defend herself against HAMAS, and rapidly disseminates resources to help mobilize and support our local communities as we work to build and sustain civic and political support for Israel in this conflict. Read the latest communications from the Community Mobilization Center here.
JFNA’s Instagram is live and growing and we encourage you to follow, like and share JFNA’s recent posts, reels, and stories. Follow Jewish Federations on Instagram
We also encourage anyone with questions or information to call or email us at 402.334.6572 or JCRCinfo@jewishomaha.org.
Find a Fact Sheet of Frequently Asked Questions about the war and HAMAS here.
Want more information? We recommend:
The Anti-Defamation League‘s Myths and False Narratives About the Israel-HAMAS War
American Jewish Committee has published “Everything You Need to Know About The October 7 Attack on Israel”
View a video from the IDF about “10 Need-to-Know Facts About Hamas”
How to Talk to People Who Hate Israel is an interesting article from The Forward’s Senior Columnist Rob Eshman.
Evacuation, Transport, Housing, Basic Needs
Respite Activities for Frontline Communities
Fund for Victims of Terror
Special Populations
Trauma Relief/ Psychosocial Support Emergency Medical Services&. Healthcare Emergency Operational Support Volunteers
Mid-to-long term needs
Report Antisemitism
Elevate Awareness of the Hostage Situation
Spread awareness about the many civilian hostages, among them women, children, and elderly, who were abducted from their homes. Here is a list of names: https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/ as well as downloadable flyers to distribute at https://www.kidnappedfromisrael.com/.
Say Kaddish
This week, as the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against innocent Israelis mount, our hearts are heavy, as we mourn too many lives lost. Nearly 1,300 people have been murdered and we estimate the numbers will rise. We invite you to adopt one person from this list to say Kaddish for them so that their memory may be a blessing.
Thank Elected Leaders
What NOT To Do!
We encourage our community NOT to counter-protest.
Antisemitic and anti-Israel content and disinformation online are not only deeply disturbing but they can also contribute to a sense of insecurity and helplessness. There are, however, steps we can take to combat, report, and not perpetuate falsehoods. Here is one of the best articles with links to additional resources to provide some tips for when and how to engage – or NOT to engage.
The U.S. Department of State Office of Religion and Global Affairs has also published a guide to combat Antisemitism on Social Media. Read or download that document: Report-to-State-Department-on-Best-Practices
The Combat Antisemitism Movement also has valuable information on how to report antisemitic content here.
To recognize, distinguish, and address these types of bad information, check out this Media Literacy Resource.
What do you say to your kids when they are out in the world and learn that there are people who say and do hateful things to Jewish people, even though those people don’t even know us? PJ Library has some good advice and resources to empower and support parents.
The ADL is reporting alarming increases in antisemitic incidents compared to the same time period last year, and our Jewish students, teachers, and families confirm that with every call they make to the JFO. We like the portal developed by The San Diego County Office of Education for educators https://www.sdcoe.net/about-sdcoe/news/post/~board/news/post/resources-for-educators-families-to-discuss-the-events-in-israel-and-gaza-with-students.
The Child-Mind Institute also has some excellent tips for speaking to our children about the horrific current events. Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event can be found here in English, and here in Hebrew
Kveller published a very helpful guide broken down by age group, How to Talk to Kids About What’s Happening in Israel Right Now
For more general advice, please see the ADL’s guide on having family conversations about difficult topics
The horrific events unfolding in Israel are understandably triggering fear, anxiety, anger, and more, especially among people with close personal ties to Israelis or with children or other relatives serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. If you or someone you know and love needs emotional support and/or mental health services should contact Jewish Family Services at (402) 330-2024.
Nearly 200 innocent civilians, soldiers, Israelis, and non-Israelis, including babies, children, elderly, women, and men, were abducted from Israel by Hamas and taken into Gaza. Bring Them Home Now.
Federations are mobilizing physicians, mental health professionals, nurses, nurse practitioners, and others who can volunteer their services to the victims of the Israeli tragedy via telemedicine and tele-mental health technologies. The goal is to offload the Israeli healthcare system that is already impacted by an upsurge of the medical and mental health needs of the Israeli population. Sign up here to get involved in the American Telemedicine and Mental/Behavioral Telehealth Initiative for Israel.
Please contact the Israeli Consulate in New York at 917-756-8387 or 212-499-5321 for information about relatives or loved ones currently in Israel.
If you encounter an antisemitic or other hate incident, you are not alone. Your first call should be to the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in Omaha at 402-334-6572, or email JCRCreporting@jewishomaha.org. Our office will contact law enforcement if necessary and report it to the ADL for data collection and additional support.
The Secure Community Network (SCN) has created an Incident Reporting Form (IRF) to standardize an online form for the public to use to report threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members. Report Here
