Current Situation in Israel

Israel, like all sovereign nations, has the right and responsibility to defend its people against terrorism and any other security threats. The events of the past week prove not only the security challenges that Israel faces, but also the need to work towards an outcome that will ensure an end to the violence, an enduring peace for the region, Israel’s security, and Palestinian self-determination.

Below you will find links to news sites, experts, and resources that will keep you informed, along with ways to take action and make an impact.

And, be sure to bookmark this page as we'll continue to add additional news and resources, opportunities for learning with the experts, and more suggestions on how you can support Israel.

READ, WATCH, LISTEN

Learn more about the situation through background and updates provided by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater's national partner agency

American Jewish Committee (AJC) shares 4 Myths and Facts About the Violence in Jerusalem

Read Unpacked for Educators Sheikh Jarrah: The Story Behind the Story

Watch this recent briefing on the situation in Israel with David Harris, CEO of AJC

The "Al-Aksa Is in Danger" Libel: The History of a Lie from the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs offers 5 facts that you should know about al-Aksa

Listen to Shalom Hartman Institute's podcast, For Heaven’s Sake, Special Episode: This War is Different, as Donniel Hartman, Yossi Klein Halevi, and Elana Stein Hain talk about where we go from here, and whether it’s possible for Israel to be a moral voice while it continues to fight asymmetrical wars.

Watch this expert analysis from the JCRC of Greater Washington with former visiting Israel Today expert, Ambassador Dennis Ross

Check out this explainer from AJC, What is Going on in Israel?, written for their Campus Leaders, a great resource for all ages.

Read and share this piece, Almost Nothing You’ve Heard About Evictions in Jerusalem Is True in the Wall Street Journal.

Former visiting Israel Today expert and editor of the Jerusalem Post offers his opinion, Jewish-Arab clashes are a victory for Hamas

How to talk to your kids about the violence in Israel and Gaza:
With Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip engaged in their most intense battle since their devastating summer-long fighting in 2014, and Israel itself convulsed by Arab-Jewish clashes, some are likening to a civil war, The Forward republished this essay from a few years ago. It’s just as relevant in May 2021. The Forward also shared this piece, Are Instagram infographics driving the narrative around the Israeli-Palestinian crisis? Read Gaza Conflict Stokes 'Identity Crisis' for Young American Jews, a New York Times op-ed sharing the challenges of a new generation confronting the region’s longstanding conflict in a very different context, with very different pressures, from their parents’ and grandparents’ generations. It goes without saying that emotions are high for all of us because of the current situation in Israel and Unpacked for Educators offers 10 ways to discuss the current situation in Israel with your students. (It's good for parents, too!)

Find current events and breaking news from Israel through these media outlets:
Haaretz
The Jerusalem Post
Times of Israel

TAKE ACTION

Urge Congress to Stand With Israel, Condemn Hamas Rocket Attacks

Since last Monday, Hamas and other Iranian-backed Palestinian terrorist groups in Gaza have indiscriminately fired more than 3,000 rockets at Israel—killing and injuring innocent Israeli civilians.

It is imperative for the United States to stand with Israel as it defends itself from these terror attacks. There can be no justification for terrorism. Rocket attacks on innocent civilians must be condemned.

Please urge your members of Congress to stand with Israel and condemn Hamas rocket attacks. Thank those who have already spoken out, including our own local members.

“The U.S. has a moral obligation to stand with our ally Israel, and Israel has an unequivocal right to defend itself against rocket attacks. Leaders on both sides need to take responsibility for their role in escalating this needless violence – before more innocent lives are lost.”

- Senator Mark Warner

“My heart is with the Israeli people as they shelter from rockets fired by terrorists in the Gaza strip. The current situation highlights the importance of American security assistance to Israel, as Iron Dome is intercepting many of these rockets and saving lives. As a sovereign nation and our strongest democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel must defend itself from terrorist attacks and Hamas must end their deadly assault.”

– Representative Elaine Luria (Watch her recent remarks on the House floor, here.)

“The right of Israel to defend its citizens cannot be questioned.”

– Representative Donald McEachin

“The United States must always stand alongside our Israeli allies.”

– Representative Rob Wittman

ACT NOW Urge Members of Congress to Stand with our ally Israel and support its right to defend its citizens.

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