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Dear Habonim Members,

We are writing to you about the recent heartbreaking events in Israel. We mourn the loss of so many innocent lives resulting from the unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas on dozens of Israeli communities near the Israeli-Gaza border.

Tomorrow, on Monday October 9th at 7pm, the Jewish community of Toronto is organizing a solidarity rally at Mel Lastman Square to mobilize our entire community and allies to take meaningful action to show our support for the people and state of Israel. Please make every effort to attend and show your solidarity. For more information and updates please see:  www.jewishtoronto.com/emergency-rally-for-the-people-of-israel  and https://www.facebook.com/UJAFederationToronto/ 

For those looking to support Israel, please visit the UJA webpage at  https://www.jewishtoronto.com/  or you can access many trusted Israel-based organizations at  https://donate.pub/IsraelAidAlliance. In the coming days, we hope to share more ways that you can help Israel during these extremely challenging times. 

Below is a statement of solidarity with Israel we adapted from the remarks issued yesterday by our colleagues in the Reconstructionist movement.

We pray for a safe return of all the hostages, for the safety of Israel’s soldiers defending the Jewish state, and for peace.

Alexis Slatt, President
Eli Rubenstein, Religious Leader
Rabbi Cantor Aviva Rajsky
 
Statement (Much of the text below is adapted from a recent notice issued by our colleagues in the Reconstructionist movement)

We are deeply shocked and appalled by the extensive and barbaric attacks on Israel and Israeli women, children and men by Hamas. We denounce these terrorist attacks and express our unwavering solidarity with the people of Israel during this distressing and challenging time. The scale of these attacks and their deliberate timing on Shabbat and Simchat Torah have had no precedent for many years. As of now, more than 700 Israelis have tragically lost their lives, with more than 2,200 wounded, and more than 100 Israelis have reportedly been taken hostage by Hamas. We fervently pray for the safety of those held hostage, and we call for their immediate release.  

We hold the leadership of Hamas and other terrorist groups responsible for this senseless loss of life and call for international accountability for these egregious war crimes. Thousands of families throughout Israel are living in fear today – including the families and friends of many within our Congregation Habonim community – and our hearts go out to them. Further, as a result of the attacks launched by Hamas, many innocent Palestinian families will also experience immense suffering and loss of life.

This is a time marked by profound sorrow and horror.  

We affirm Israel's right to self-defence in accordance with international law in the face of such violent and indiscriminate attacks. We pray for a swift cessation of this violence, and we hold hope that further escalation and suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians can be averted.

While the weeks ahead will be long and difficult for Israelis and Jews worldwide, we remain hopeful in the unity and strength of Jewish people everywhere. When this crisis subsides, we renew our commitment to working diligently for a just and enduring solution.