STAFF DRIVEN | VOLUNTEER POWERED | COMMUNITY INVESTED
Dear JFS Friends, Supporters and Collaborative Partners,
Today marks one year since the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas against civilians in Israel. Although JFS’ work does not involve direct service in Israel, this event affected us none the less. Some of our staff and supporters have friends and family whose lives have changed forever because of this senseless act of violence. Some of us have a deep connection to the land, its people and its history. As the lives of innocent children and families continue to be affected throughout the region, our hearts break for those who have lost loved ones, await the release of hostages and are living lives battered by trauma and devastation.
As a social services agency, JFS’ mission is to help support vulnerable people and to strengthen connections throughout our community.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, feeling sadness and/or anxious, we encourage you to reach out for help:
- CJP’s Mental Health Access https://ma.cjp.org/mental-health-access provides links to information and resources that can guide you to caring, competent, compassionate support.
- Visit JewishBoston.com to find resources, support groups, programs and ways to get help https://www.jewishboston.com/package/mental-health/.
- JF&CS is offering three support circles for the community in recognition of the anniversary of Oct. 7. Visit https://www.jewishboston.com/organization/jewish-family-childrens-service#events to register.
- Call our Jewish Family Assistance team https://jfsmw.org/family/.
There are also several upcoming events which present the opportunity to gather and show unity:
- Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) Presents: October 7: An Evening of Remembrance & Hope, Monday, October 7, 2024, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Boch Center – Wang Theatre, Boston, MA 02116. This event is sold out – click here to be added to the waitlist.
- JCC Community Western Wall, Open now through Tuesday, October 15, Leventhal-Sidman JCC, Newton, MA 02459.
- Harvard University Hillel Presents: October 7th Vigil, Monday, October 7, 2024, 5:00pm – 6:00pm, The Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library, Cambridge, MA 02138.
- Tufts Hillel Presents: October 7 Memorial, Monday, October 7, 2024, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Granoff Family Hillel Center, Medford, MA 02155.
For some, the path to healing means taking action, like the determined and innovative entrepreneurs I met during my trip to Israel in July of this year on a CJP innovation mission. Here is the link to my reflection on the mission: https://jfsmw.org/2024/08/13/lino-covarrubias-ceo-jfs-reflections-on-cjp-innovation-mission-to-israel/. Much help is still needed. The CJP Israel Emergency Fund continues to support efforts to rebuild – click here for more information.
Action here at home can take many forms. With antisemitism on the rise, one way you can take action when incidents in the community occur is by attending a training to become an Active Bystander. This training offered through JFS is designed to empower a bystander who is witnessing a harmful situation to ACT. Sign up to attend a future training or bring this program to your organization, or make a donation to support JFS’ efforts to fight antisemitism in our community.
Also the community in Asheville NC, as you have heard from the news reports, desperately needs help, especially cash donations. Here are the links to those organizations.
- Jewish Family Service of Western North Carolina in Asheville https://jfswnc.org/.
- The Chabad in Asheville https://www.chabadasheville.org/templates/section_cdo/aid/6606696/jewish/Hurricane-Helene-Relief.htm.
- The JCC Asheville https://www.jcc-asheville.org/supportthejcc/.
A collective hug and hoping for peace soon,
Lino Covarrubias, CEO