18
Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
May 2022
Israel will be there No need to call By Monica Goodwin, Israel Advocacy Committee member
I
srael reminds me of, “ta ra ra ra r, who you going to call? (Ghostbusters!).” It does not wait to be called; it jumps at any chance it has to help the world. With the present situation in Ukraine, we must all be wondering what this world is coming to and, to many, it brings back bad memories. Ukraine was one of the largest centers of Jewry. As of a few days ago, 200,000 Jews lived in Ukraine. Israel is exceptional in its humanitarian efforts all over the world, whether in Haiti, Africa, Afghanistan or even in a Florida town where a building collapsed, etc. Israel rushes to give humanitarian aid and help whenever and wherever it can; and that is what is happening today vis a vis the human disaster in Ukraine. Many in Israel feel a personal connection as they themselves were once refugees from Ukraine and Russia, some having survived the Holocaust. Israel does have to walk a tight wire between giving aid to Ukrainian citizens and its political stance towards Russia. Naftali Bennett says, “We are managing this unfortunate crisis sensitively, generously and responsibly, while balancing the different considerations — and they are complex.” It must stay neutral and be useful as a negotiator with Russia. We have all been following the political situation and Prime Minister Bennett’s efforts to negotiate with Russia, so I would like to concentrate on the humanitarian aspect.
Perhaps more than ever, Jews are relating to the situation and the outpouring of money and help from a multitude of organizations is outstanding. It is largely Israeli organizations on the ground, at times working with other world organizations, most of whom are listed below. The stories are endless. “We are deeply concerned by the devastating humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Once again, we are seeing a potential influx of large numbers of refugees in Europe who need urgent support,” states Yotam Polizer, head of IsraAid, Israel’s leading nongovernmental humanitarian aid organization. “For many years now, we have worked with refugees in Europe and around the world, and our focus will be on ensuring the most vulnerable Ukrainians seeking safety have access to urgent supplies and support. Our team will stay in Moldova for as long as we are needed and will deploy to other Ukraine border countries as the situation develops” The IsraAid emergency delegation located in Moldova will provide psychological support in addition to hygiene kits and additional emergency equipment for refugees. El Al passengers, including two doctors and two Russian-speaking nurses, on a flight to Bucharest, acted as couriers taking boxes containing medicine, baby food and diapers to refugees arriving in Romania. The IDF is assisting new immigrants from both Russia and Ukraine in the
absorption process. So far, 8,000 refugees have arrived and many more are expected. Israel is providing medical services, health insurance and enrollment in the education system. Tel Aviv, the Hebrew University and Haifa University have launched a fund for 100 Ukrainians to receive scholarships and access to counseling and accommodations. NATAN has opened a health clinic in Poland near the border and provides medical care and counseling. The Euro Asian Jewish Congress is assisting in the absorption of refugees in Moldovan border areas. 100 orphans arrived in Israel and were welcomed. At least 85% of workers show up to bring comfort to the elderly. Twelve Haredi members of Israel’s ZAKA rescue organization have been working in Lviv, providing food to all who need it and evacuating Jews to Israel. In its buildings, refugees can sleep, shower and take their kids to playrooms. At the start of the conflict, Israel was praised for rescuing hundreds of its Arab citizens, including many Israeli Bedouin Muslims. Israel also rescued a Gazan, an Iranian, a Syrian and several Moroccans. Israel airlifted some 17 tons of equipment to build its $6.5 million “Kochav Meir” (Shining Star), a (Ukraine field hospital that is expected to treat around 100 patients per day. (It was named after Golda Meir, who was born in Ukraine).
Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz said, “This is the least we can do to help the Ukrainian people in the face of a brutal Russian Invasion.” Magen David Adom is sending four bulletproof ambulances to Ukraine. Christians United for Israel are also helping. Cognizant of the past, “Never again must be more than a slogan; we must act now to protect our Jewish brethren.” Shalom Corps Tag and Brit Olam are working in cooperation with Chabad House in Zhytomyr. NICEF Israel is also helping children in Ukraine. I think we should all be proud of Israel and what it is doing today. It is inclusive and global, caring for all human beings regardless of race or nationality. As Naftaly Bennet stated, “Today I want to say clearly, Israel and the Israeli public can be proud of the aid and contribution of the State of Israel to the citizens of the Ukraine. There are not many countries who have done as much.” I find it sad that the media does not highlight, or at times even mention, all that Israel does, but then Israel, and we as Jews, do not do it for accolades but for Tikkun Olam and a sense of justice. The IAC attempts to bring you articles that shed light on some of what Israel does. I think we should all be proud of what it is doing today. We look forward to seeing you at our events and thank you for your interest.
IAC speaker Avi Melamed analyzes the current Middle East By Harvey Cohen and Jeff Margolis
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rinking from a firehose was never more real than at the Israel Advocacy Committee’s March 15 lecture by Avi Melamed of Jerusalem. Melamed, a former Israel intelligence official and senior official on Arab affairs, held IAC’s first in-person program since COVID-19 at Beth Tikvah, with a large livestreaming audience joining. The dynamics of the Middle East are entering a new era, observed Melamed. He highlighted the recent Abraham Accords as well as what he believes is the end of Western hegemony in the region and the new role China is playing. Melamed also spelled out the ongoing ideological struggle of the Sunni and the Shi’ites in the region as they try to establish who should rule the Muslim world. Melamed’s observations noted that, in a newly aligned Middle East, Israel is not the enemy. He noted the new relationship
between Israel and Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia as well as with Egypt and Jordan — two nations that had previous peace agreements with Israel. He questioned the future roles of both Iran and Turkey in the new paradigm. Melamed’s lecture stimulated a robust question and answer period from the audience. In the United States for his book tour, Melamed previewed and paraphrased material from his work, “Inside the Middle East, Entering A New Era.” This program was brought to you by the IAC of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples. Thank you to Beth Tikvah for hosting and providing refreshments. The Israel Advocacy Committee of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples is in the process of planning programs and events for next season. If you have a suggestion for a program, please contact Harvey Cohen, IAC chair at hwcohen@gmail.com.
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Josh E. Fidler (President-elect of The Associated Jewish Charities, Inc.), Avi Melamed (speaker), Jane Schiff (Board Chair of JFGN), Maia Hoffman (Avi’s wife and co-author of book) and Jeffrey Feld (President/CEO of JFGN)
