A letter from Federation President Mark H. Scoblionko, Executive Director Mark L. Goldstein and 2015 General Campaign Chair Iris Epstein, June 10, 2014:

We are writing to you today as we learn more about Operation Protective Edge and the immediate and growing humanitarian crisis in Israel. 

As we write this another 100+ rockets have been fired today toward Israel, making over 350 this week and 500+ in the last 30 days. The Tzeva Adom warning siren wails across the country, from Sederot, Tel Aviv and the Yoav Region; to Jerusalem, Bersheva, and to as far north as just 20 miles from Haifa. The Iron Dome missile defense system has been 90+% effective, but physical and property casualty abound, and so, too, do the emotional life interruptions caused by regularly scurrying to shelters and safe rooms during the sirens.

In parts of the country, commerce has been halted. Summer camps have closed or have been relocated to other areas. Israel's children are again experiencing trauma that has both serious short-term and long-term implications. Bomb shelters are turned into activity spaces. Safe rooms in schools are turned into 24-hour shelters for the mobility-challenged.

The Jewish Federation system is working closely with our partners on the ground, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the JDC, and the Israel Trauma Coalition. We are steadfast in our commitment to support our brothers and sisters in Israel during this time of urgent need. They are depending, on us and we are depending on you.

We are at our best when we act as one people and one community. We act in solidarity with the people of Israel, and we do so as one people in the Lehigh Valley, with one Israel Emergency Campaign. Our efforts to meet these emergency needs in Israel are being done collaboratively with Lehigh Valley synagogues. 

Shortly, we will be launching an emergency campaign to address the critical needs in Israel. We have already been receiving calls and emails from people wanting information. If you want to make a gift now, you may make an online donation here.

You can also make a donation by calling (610) 821-5500, or by mail:

Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley
702 North 22nd Street
Allentown, PA 18104
[Memo Line: Israel Emergency Campaign]

Please know that 100% of all collected donations will be distributed to our network of partners, and our Federation will absorb all administrative costs.

With prayers for our family in Israel, for the cessation of violence, and for the end of Israeli and Palestinian suffering.