The events of the last two days have been a lot to process. As have the last two weeks. And, for that matter, the last two-plus years.

Given all that’s unfolded and the dizzying pace of daily headlines, it’s understandable that some might have become numbed or fatigued by current events. The wells of our collective strength can feel nearly depleted.

And yet, if anything, this is the moment to engage even more deeply. How we respond now, here and in Israel, may not only change lives — but may also save them.

Yesterday, as we all know, a large synagogue in Michigan, which houses an early childhood learning center, narrowly escaped what could have been a horrifying tragedy, thanks to the heroic actions of its security guards.

This wasn’t just luck. Security takes concerted effort. It happens because federations and other Jewish communal organizations put substantial resources into it. Here in New York, through our Community Security Initiative, we’ve significantly strengthened physical protections and supported the trained professionals and volunteers who safeguard our Jewish spaces every day.

We also advocate at every level of government for increased funding and legislation that keeps Jewish spaces — and all houses of worship — safer. Just this Wednesday, I was in Albany for a UJA-led advocacy day, meeting with the governor and other elected officials to demand better protections for our houses of worship.

In Israel, life has been completely upended for two weeks now. Since February 28, there have been over 50,000 alerts across what is a tiny country. Children are still not in school. Attempts at online learning have largely floundered. People have been permitted to return to workplaces if they have nearby shelter. That’s an option for some, but if they’re parents, who stays home with the kids?

For the elderly, chronically ill, and people with disabilities, everything is harder. Disruptions in routine medical access, follow-up care, and medication continuity pose serious health risks. Even short-term gaps in care can lead to rapid deterioration.

Everyone is juggling logistics, timing when to take a shower, when to do a grocery run, not even really dealing with the full emotional fallout. And that will come too.

My daughter, who I mentioned last week was already hosting a couple in her Tel Aviv apartment, has now added a third temporary roommate to the mix, another friend without a safe room of her own. Everyone does what they can.

It’s hard to put this more plainly: This war is touching the entirety of this country. Israelis are resilient, we know this, but this is a very frightening time.

This week, our initial $2 million emergency allocation is helping to reinforce frontline civilian infrastructure — expanding homecare services for the elderly, providing emergency relief for displaced families, delivering psychosocial care in shelters and schools, and more. And we're planning to deploy an additional multimillion-dollar emergency grant package early next week.

Some specific examples of how funds are being put to work by our partners:

Yad Sarah is scaling nationwide emergency medical equipment distribution, home-delivery services, and call centers to support elderly and chronically ill individuals.

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) is mobilizing caseworkers to support the needs of the elderly in high-impact cities, particularly in the north, where alert times are short or nonexistent. To meet the needs of disabled children in shelters, JDC is distributing accessible shelter kits containing sensory regulation materials, calming tools, noise-canceling headphones, and weighted blankets, along with guidance for caregivers and shelter staff.

Beit Shemesh is receiving support to stabilize the neighborhood impacted by a direct missile strike that killed nine residents and displaced approximately 800 people. Funding is strengthening therapeutic and educational services for evacuated families and expanding trauma-informed programming across the city’s schools to support long-term recovery.

This morning, we also learned that six more U.S. service members were killed in the crash of a refueling plane. A tragic reminder of the toll of war, and the sacrifice of so many in these times.

We all want this war to end. For all children to live in peace. For the Middle East to know a calmer era. For American Jews to feel safer. For all of us to know better days.

But for now, we need to stay alert and aware. Check in with our friends and family in Israel. Brush off the fatigue and keep going.

After all, Jewish history has never been written in the waiting. It’s always been about what we choose to do.

And we have a lot to do. 

Shabbat shalom

 P.S. Amid the turmoil of world events, I was blessed last night to attend a small family dinner celebrating my father's 95th birthday. Born in Brooklyn on March 12, 1931, my father has witnessed an extraordinary sweep of history — from the Great Depression and World War II to the establishment of the modern State of Israel, October 7, and the current war with Iran.

My dad has never become fatigued by life; he’s still deeply engaged with the world and his family. Still practicing law in the firm he co-founded with my mother 70 years ago, now working alongside my brother, sister-in-law, and their son.

As my brother said last night, referencing this week’s parsha, Vayak'hel-Pekudei, my father has lived his life and guided his family with “chachamat lev” — a wise heart. And he continues to inspire his family and community every day.

Happy birthday, Dad.