These are dark and trying times in Israel. With rocket fire reaching as far as Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and farther north, no one is spared the anxiety of having to find safe shelter within seconds of a siren signaling “Code Red.”

We may not know when life will return to normal, but we do know that when the people of Israel need us, we are there for them — in every possible way.

Last Friday, UJA-Federation of New York joined with federations from across North America to commit $10 million in emergency funding. It’s thanks to your ongoing support through our annual campaign that we’ve been on the ground since day one, providing critical services for all those in harm’s way — especially children, new immigrants, and the elderly, including Holocaust survivors, all of whom are struggling to cope in harrowing circumstances. Find out what we’re doing to address their acute needs.

Showing Solidarity in Israel and in New York

Representing the New York Jewish community in Israel, UJA-Federation President Alisa R. Doctoroff, traveled Monday as part of an emergency solidarity mission. The sentiment expressed by Israelis at every turn is real: our presence matters.

Our work is about responding to both immediate needs and the long-term psychological impact of life under siege. Alisa reported visiting a young boy, age 16, who was injured yesterday in Ashkelon, recuperating in a hospital bed surrounded by his parents. She described how his father, tears in his eyes, learned of his son’s injuries as he drove the two hours home from work, all the while listening to the radio reports about his son.

In a visit to a secure room, Alisa saw kindergarten kids being entertained by a snail puppet, courtesy of the Israel Trauma Coalition, a grantee created by UJA-Federation. The puppet, like the kids, was afraid to come out of its shell. This exercise teaches children that life continues even in a shelter, and it also gave them permission to express their sadness and cry.

Today I stood on the steps of New York’s City Hall, along with other Jewish and government leaders, to express our absolute support for Israel’s right to defend herself. On your behalf, we showed the world that the voices of Israel’s supporters ring loudly.

In the midst of all this uncertainty, our commitment is unwavering. Israel stays in our thoughts and prayers. This is what it means to be part of a people that stands together when it matters most.