Today’s Dispatch

Issue: The IDF expands ground attacks into Gaza to confront and eliminate terrorist cells in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the beginning of “phase two” of the IDF’s operation. The incursions come amidst growing reports of Hamas’ use of civilians and civilian facilities to shield their terrorist activities, as it continues to refuse to share critical resources with the Palestinian population it rules over. As anti-Israel and antisemitic attacks skyrocket globally, including the attack by a mob seeking to harm Jewish people and Israelis in Dagestan, Russia, Israeli officials continue to share graphic images of the Hamas atrocities on October 7th to remind the world that Hamas must be dismantled to protect both Palestinian and Israeli lives.

Background:

• Hamas cynically uses Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza as a military command center and weapons depot:
• The IDF supplied evidence, including illustrative maps and a 3D diagram, illustrating that Al-Shifa hospital, the biggest and most advanced hospital in Gaza, is being used as a base for Hamas operations.
• A Hamas terrorist detainee admitted that Hamas places weapons in hospitals to prevent Israeli strikes. In a video testimony, he described how Hamas stores “explosives, weapons, food, medical equipment” and other items underneath hospitals to shield them from Israeli attacks.
• Hamas controls large troves of fuel, food, and medicine even as Gazans suffer:
• The New York Times reported that, “as supplies of virtually every basic human necessity dwindle in Gaza, one group in the besieged enclave remains well-stocked: Hamas.”
• Israel, in coordination with international agencies and foreign governments, is permitting the entrance of supplies as well as the flow of water from Israeli water carriers. Fuel imports have been restricted because Hamas regularly diverts fuel supplies for terror purposes.
• Israel reminds the world of Hamas atrocities and responsibility:
• As Israel continues to face harsh criticism, many voices have begun to sow doubts about the extent and the horror of the October 7th massacres, including alleging that the images are AI generated. To combat this disturbing misinformation, the IDF and Israel’s public diplomacy agencies have been working to maintain the focus on the evil represented in those attacks via unprecedented briefings with media and other influencers. After several presentations to foreign press in Israel, the Israeli Consulate in New York screened a 40-minute video of raw footage from the October 7th massacres to a group of reporters.

Suggested actions to support Israel in your local community:

• Sign our action alert strongly supporting the measure to fully fund critical security assistance for Israel in its fight to destroy Hamas.
• Share this heartbreaking video of eight-year-old Ella - who has spent the last 24 days in Gaza after she and her sister Dafna were abducted from their beds by Hamas terrorists - with one civic leader in your community, to remind our community influencers and networks over and over again about Hamas brutality.
• Encourage your community to wear their #BlueRibbonsforIsrael in solidarity with the hostages and their families. Many communities have distributed across synagogues, day schools, JCCs, and more. Click here to order your blue ribbon for yourself and your community members.
• Looking for a speaker to support your Israel fundraising and community mobilization efforts? Please consult our new speaker list and intake form if you are interested in bringing a speaker to your community.
• Educate yourself: Refer to the new Resource Hub for the latest talking points, tools and resources to help you speak up for Israel. .

Community Spotlight

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley placed full-page ad in a local news outlet providing background on the Hamas terrorist organization and questions and answers to better understand the war and Israel’s response.

Additional Resources

Click here to access Jewish Federations’ Swords of Iron toolkit, which we are updating every day with new materials.

Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to come together and be in community during this challenging time. Join us at next year’s Washington Conference, which will take place from Wednesday, February 28th to Friday, March 1st, 2024. For an early bird rate,please register here.

The Community Mobilization Center is monitoring major developments in Israel and North America related to Israel’s war against Hamas. The Community Mobilization Center will rapidly disseminate resources to help mobilize and support our local communities as they build and sustain civic and political support for Israel in this conflict. The work of the Community Mobilization Center will continue as long as it takes Israel to eradicate the terrorist threat and restore security to the country.

The Community Mobilization Center is at your service. Open zoom hours to ask questions and seek support in your community’s response efforts will be held daily from 10-12 ET at this link. Click here to send us an email.

Click here to sign up for the Dispatch