A DISPLAY OF UNITY, SOLIDARITY & JEWISH PRIDE

IN THE SPIRIT OF UNITY AND UNWAVERING PRIDE, DSN CELEBRATED HANUKKAH WITH A SERIES OF HEARTWARMING ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.

Hanukkah festivities took on a deeper meaning this year, resonating with a sense of unity and support for Israel. From a multi-generational lunch to a symbolic balloon release, the events showcased the resilience of the community and its commitment to being Jewish and proud.

Celebrations kicked off with a Hanukkah cookie making activity for 6th through 8th graders on Saturday night, December 9th. DSN’s Youth Program Director Frieda Shamah was thrilled with the turnout and success.

The fun continued on Monday, December 11th, with DSN’s Senior Program Hanukkah Lunch held at TEVA, where seniors were invited to share a meal with their children and grandchildren. Senior Director Vicky Sherry was smiling from ear to ear. “The sight of three, four and even five generations of a single family coming together was both touching and inspiring!” Against the backdrop of traditional music by Elliot Morabia and his band, and the uplifting words of Michael Cohen from the Mitzvah Man organization, attendees experienced a memorable celebration of family and heritage.

In addition, DSN recently launched the DSN Israel Committee led by Honey Dayan and Jacqueline Musry to plan ongoing events in support of Israel. They orchestrated a balloon release at the DSN Beach Club’s TEVA, with every balloon symbolizing a hostage that is still kidnapped in Gaza. A total of 147 biodegradable orange balloons were released into the sky, representing the hair color of the youngest hostages still being held captive, the Bibas boys. Children handed out balloons to seniors, creating a connection between generations. DSN member Esther Epstein was inspired. “I was flipping out from this! Fainting! What an incredible job! And the TEVA retractable roof took this over the top!” Former IDF soldier Zoe Benun shared heartfelt words, and her young daughter sang Hatikvah, adding an emotional and patriotic touch to the event. Watching the balloons released from the open rooftop at the DSN Beach Club was profoundly emotional and poignant.

That same evening, all DSN community members were invited to come together for DSN’s annual Family Hanukkah Dinner and Bingo Extravaganza. The DSN Community Center’s gymnasium buzzed with the excitement of over 600 people. Executive Director Sammy Sitt stood next to an 8-foot high gold-colored menorah, as he explained that this would be the largest gathering in our community to publicize the miracle of Hanukkah. He then introduced Rabbi David Tawil of the Larchwood Synagogue, who proceeded to make the berachot on the menorah and lead the traditional singing of Mao’tzur. Then it was time for Bingo! Sammy got the crowd into a frenzy as he called out numbers with participants eagerly awaiting their chance to win one of the many fantastic prizes. DSN member Yvette Nasar was ecstatic. “My daughter won a bike! A bike! DSN never ceases to amaze me. In all my years living in Jersey, it only gets better!” The event featured a beautiful dinner with latkes and donuts, adding a delicious traditional touch to the festivities. From a photobooth capturing joyous moments, to Hanukkah card writing to soldiers, combined with the booming cheers of children chanting for more bingo, the event exemplified the unity and camaraderie of the community.

Sammy summarized the successful week of events. “DSN’s Hanukkah celebrations this year went beyond the usual festivities, becoming a powerful expression of unity and Jewish pride. It’s a testament to the passion of our amazing staff and wonderful volunteers that we have risen up to meet the challenges of this time. When the community needs us most, we will be there for them. May Hashem continue to bless DSN and our entire community taking us to even greater heights. Am Israel Chai!”

ARI BAUM, CFP®

In 2024, let’s explore the exciting opportunities that await you with the latest updates in Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), 401(k)s, and the transformative power of gift contributions.

Supercharged Savings with the New IRA Rules
The dawn of a new year brings with it new possibilities, and for savvy investors, the updated rules surrounding Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) present an exciting opportunity. As of 2024, the annual contribution limit for IRAs has been increased to $7,000, allowing you to turbocharge your retirement savings. Whether you opt for a Traditional IRA with tax-deferred contributions or a Roth IRA with tax-free withdrawals in retirement, these updated limits mean you can now contribute more than ever before.

Additionally, keep an eye on the catch-up contributions if you’re 50 or older. The extra contribution allowance of $1,000 gives those in the second half of their careers an added advantage in boosting their retirement nest egg. So, seize the moment and take advantage of these increased limits to ensure a financially secure future.

401(K) REVOLUTION ELEVATE YOUR RETIREMENT GAME
Your workplace 401(k) is a powerful tool for building long-term wealth, and 2024 brings exciting changes that can elevate your retirement game. Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting their employees’ financial well-being, and this is reflected in the updated 401(k) contribution limits.

With the increased annual contribution limit to $23,000 you now have the opportunity to stash away more pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income for the year. If you’re over 50, your eligible for an additional $7,500 in catch up contributions, raising your employee contribution to $30,500! It’s a win-win situation: you save more for your future, and you may also enjoy a lower tax bill today.

But that’s not all — many employers offer matching contributions as part of their 401(k) plans. Make it a goal to maximize this employer match. It’s essentially free money that can significantly accelerate the growth of your retirement savings. So, review your workplace retirement plan, adjust your contributions accordingly, and set yourself up for a financially prosperous retirement.

THE GIFT OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM MAXIMIZE GIFT CONTRIBUTIONS
While the focus often leans towards personal contributions, don’t underestimate the impact of gift contributions. In the coming year, the IRS sets the annual gift tax exclusion to $18,000 per recipient tax-free without using up any of the taxpayer’s lifetime gift and estate tax exemption. For married couples, this means that they can give $36,000 pere year per recipient.

For example, if a married couple has five children and five grandchildren, they may transfer $360,000 in 2024 to their descendants without touching their combined lifetime gift tax exemption, thus allowing them to transfer further substantial assets gift-tax-free. Not only are the assets removed from the taxpayers’ taxable estates, the assets’ future appreciation also avoids gift and estate taxes. The gift tax exclusion allows you to give a certain amount to as many individuals as you wish without incurring any gift tax.

Moreover, this may encourage the concept of financial literacy within your family. Use the opportunity to educate your loved ones about the importance of retirement planning, the power of compounding, and the benefits of long-term investing. This not only fosters a culture of financial responsibility but also strengthens the bonds within your family as you collectively work towards a brighter and more secure future.

DIVERSIFY AND CONQUER SMART INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
As you embark on this financial journey, remember that it’s not just about contributing more — it’s also about contributing wisely. Diversify your investment portfolio to mitigate risks and maximize returns. Explore new investment opportunities, stay informed about market trends, and consider consulting with a financial advisor to tailor your investment strategy to your specific goals and risk tolerance.

In the dynamic landscape of financial markets, staying informed is key. Embrace the new year with a commitment to financial education, attending workshops, webinars, or reading up on the latest financial literature. Arm yourself with knowledge and make informed decisions that align with your long-term objectives.

A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR AWAITS
Let New Year’s Day symbolize not only the end of one year but the beginning of a new and improved financial chapter in your life. Embrace the enhanced contribution limits for IRAs and 401(k)s and consider the impactful gesture of gift contributions. Your future self — and your loved ones — will thank you for the thoughtful and strategic financial decisions you make today.

Remember, the journey to financial freedom is ongoing, and each new year brings fresh opportunities to grow, learn, and prosper. With the right mindset, informed decisions, and a commitment to securing your financial future, 2024 can be the year you set the stage for a lifetime of prosperity. Here’s to a new year, a new you, and a financially empowered future!

This content was developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax or legal advice. Consult with a licensed professional regarding your specific situation.

Partners, with over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services industry. He brings his in-depth experience to Conceive. Believe. Achieve. for his clients.
Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.

ON TUESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 12TH, MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATED HANUKKAH AT THE MAJESTIC EDMOND J. SAFRA SYNAGOGUE, MDY’S RABBINICAL LEADER RABBI ELI J. MANSOUR’S NEW SHUL.

Students and faculty prayed together with Hazan Mordechai Salem lighting the Hanukiah and singing pizmonim, before enjoying a bountiful breakfast.

The girls then headed downstairs to partake in a moving and impactful Hallah Bake with Mrs. Suri Jaroslawitz, coordinated by Mrs. Sara Ovadia, and students Marilyn Dweck and Lauren Shriqui. Mrs. Jaroslawitz told countless stories of many open miracles brought on by the power of making Hafrashat Hallah and everyone took turns saying their own berachot to a resounding chorus of Amen. We pray for all of our blessings to be answered!

Upstairs, the boys heard an important class from Rabbi Mansour and partook in a mentalist experience. One of our freshman students had this to say, “I really felt the Hanukkah spirit this morning in the synagogue. It went from the amazing hazan during prayers (who went at a good pace and had a beautiful voice that made me sing along), to the tasty breakfast we had, to the amazing siha with Rabbi Mansour and lastly, to the fun and interesting magic/hypnosis show we watched. Thank you so much Dr. Vitow for all the amazing things you do for our school, making it so enjoyable to come to every day. Every morning I look forward to getting up and dressing up.”

It was an incredible day for all and a very special way to celebrate the holiday.

TO HELP THOUSANDS OF ISRAELIS

MIGDAL OHR, ONE OF ISRAEL’S MOST IMPACTFUL SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS, HAS UNDERTAKEN ITS LARGEST HUMANITARIAN RELIEF EFFORT IN HISTORY, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF ITS FOUNDER, ISRAEL PRIZE LAUREATE, RABBI YITZCHAK DAVID GROSSMAN.

During the COVID pandemic, the Israeli government called on Rabbi Grossman to spearhead a major packaging relief effort, and during the Second Lebanon War, Migdal Ohr hosted hundreds of soldiers on their campus.

In the outbreak of the war with Gaza, the organization mobilized donors all over the world in a massive campaign to provide shelter to over 4,000 evacuees from the Gaza border. The Magen Israel initiative then quickly expanded to respond to immediate needs that were emerging on the front lines and in Israel’s hospitals.

As a unifying and beloved national figure, Rabbi Grossman has always taken the approach that Israel is one family, with one heart. That ethos pervades the organization’s activities, from now hosting over a thousand soldiers on Migdal Ohr’s campuses to cooking over 2,000 meals a day out of Migdal Ohr’s soup kitchens for families in hospitals and soldiers on the frontlines.

To date, the Magen Israel activities in Israel have included:

SHELTERING EVACUEES FROM GAZA BORDER COMMUNITIES
Magen Israel has assumed responsibility for housing, feeding, clothing, and providing for the needs of 4,000 individuals from communities who have been evacuated from the Gaza envelope. This includes activities and daycare for children, outfitting hotels for family living, therapies, and anything that people need to weather this traumatic and difficult period. It also included the purchase of over $160K in clothing, games, supplies, and essentials distributed to evacuees not being housed in hotels and an Emergency Fund that distributed $1,300 per family in the immediate wake of the massacres.

SUPPORTING SOLDIERS AT ARMY BASES AND THE WOUNDED IN HOSPITALS
Migdal Ohr has over 1,000 alumni and faculty currently serving in the IDF or in reserves and a long history of partnership with the army. To date, Magen Israel has purchased over $250K in warm clothing, boots, drones, helmets, gear, hot plates and urns for thousands of soldiers on bases across Israel. The effort also purchased and delivered over 1,500 mattresses to hospitals and military bases that needed places for reservists and medical personnel to sleep. Migdal Ohr’s soup kitchens also expanded operations to send hot, nutritious meals to families in hospitals and soldiers on army bases.

EXPANDING CARE FOR ORPHANED AND UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN ON CAMPUS
Migdal Ohr cares for over 10,000 orphaned and underprivileged children and teens. During the war, they expanded protected spaces to guard against rocket attacks on their campuses and opened to provide daylong programs for over 200 children with special needs while schools had closed.

Rabbi Grossman has visited dozens of army and airforce bases personally, blessing the soldiers with coins to give to tzedakah upon their safe return from war. He has also made regular visits to Israel’s hospitals, giving strength to the wounded and providing hope to their families. He has appeared on national television numerous times giving interviews to strengthen the nation’s unity and resolve.

In the US, the American Friends of Migdal Ohr (AFMO) campaign has seen an incredible outpouring of solidarity with initiatives from synagogues, schools, restaurants, and local businesses, all raising funds and sending donations to Israel.

Examples of community-based efforts include a one-to-one matching campaign by the owners of Cedar Market in New Jersey that raised $100K, a clothing and toy drive spearheaded by AFMO board members and a network of volunteers across the tri-state area that sent over 150 duffle bags to evacuees. Migdal Ohr was also the beneficiary of $100K raised by The Little Champions Foundation which hosted its annual young professionals event this fall. Numerous organizations put on bake sales and hosted local Shabbat markets which raised thousands of dollars for Magen Israel. AFMO Executive Director Atara Solow even joined a delegation from the Mikdash Eliyahu Synagogue in Brooklyn and Yeshivah of Flatbush High School that came to strengthen and support soldiers, wounded individuals, and children at Migdal Ohr during the war.

Before Hanukkah, American Friends of Migdal Ohr is organizing a “Goods and Services Shuk” which will be a silent auction where people can donate and bid on unique items to benefit Magen Israel. They are also participating in a “Be the Light’’ campaign intiated by Yeshivat He’Atid with numerous Jewish day schools. The campaign is encouraging families to donate a night’s worth of Hanukah gifts towards presents and parties for Israeli children who have had to evacuate their homes.

Atara Solow, Executive Director of American Friends of Migdal Ohr, said, “As an Israeli living in the Diaspora, it has been extremely comforting and inspiring to see the love and unity of the Jewish people. We truly are one nation. When we are hurting in Israel, the Jewish community abroad is with us, feeling the pain and doing everything in their power to send support and assistance. I cannot tell you how proud and humbled I have been to be involved in Magen Israel. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to get involved.”

To learn more about Magen Israel and how you can get involved visit migdalohrusa.org/israel

ABOUT MIGDAL OHR
For over 50 years, Migdal Ohr has been transforming Israeli society by the lives of Israel’s orphaned and underprivileged children. Today, Migdal Ohr provides essentials, education, and empowerment to over 10,000 children every year. None of this would be possible without the support of donors all over the world whose dedication to Israel’s future are a beacon of hope and love. To learn more, visit migdalohrusa.org.

The Next Step’s Response to the Crisis in Israel

DAVID FARHI

Since 2012, The Next Step has been a cornerstone of rehabilitation in Israel, offering critical prosthetic care and emotional support to both children and adults suffering from limb loss. This year, The Next Step’s annual fundraising event, The Next Ride, faced an unforeseen postponement due to the onset of the Israel-Hamas War. This war underscores the dire need for organizations like The Next Step, which is working to support Israelis who were brutally injured during the October 7th attack.

Since the commencement of the war, countless individuals have suffered life-altering injuries which have rendered them amputees. The number continues to rise as the war rages on and soldiers from the front lines face injury. In response to this heightened urgency created by the conflict, The Next Step acted quickly, arranging the Solidarity Ride, a fifty-mile cycling event, to demonstrate support for Israel, advocate for the release of Israeli hostages, and raise vital funds for Israel’s recent amputees, both civilian and soldier alike.

The organization’s representatives Elisheva Karol, Noam Cohen, and Tzachi Leibovitz traveled from Israel to participate in The Next Step’s Solidarity Ride in Englewood, New Jersey. Cyclists from the Sephardic community heeded the call, many flocking to take part in the ride. Following the event, Karol, Cohen, and Leibovitz dedicated time to visiting Sephardic Jewish community organizations, immersing themselves in the local community, and passionately sharing The Next Step’s mission. These crucial moments extended beyond mere discussions; they became pivotal opportunities to foster a deep understanding of the commitment required to support Israel amidst the ongoing conflict.

Across New York and New Jersey, these representatives engaged with Jewish leaders and students in institutions including Hillel Yeshiva, Barkai Yeshivah, the Yeshivah of Flatbush, Magen David Yeshivah, Sha’are Shalom Synagogue, the Larchwood Synagogue, and Congregation Ohel Yitzchok. In each of these places of education and enrichment, The Next Step’s mission transcended theoretical understanding: it was a call to action.

Engaging with the students at each yeshivah, the team fostered a deep understanding of their commitment to supporting Israel and its people. They expounded on The Next Step’s multifaceted efforts, including educational programming about limb loss, prosthetic fittings, and raising crucial awareness for recent amputees who have lost limbs due to the terror in Israel. They elaborated on the organization’s methods of resource gathering and supporting each amputee and their families. They emphasized the immediate need for support amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Israel as they provide aid to those struggling with war-caused amputations.

The representatives shared poignant stories from their recent hospital visits, describing the daily flood of new amputees into the hospital as others are relocated out of harm’s way. They offered a glimpse into the life-changing impact of their work and the resilience of those affected by the recent conflict. They then opened the discussions to the students, allowing them to voice their opinions and explore their inquiries. Through open and candid dialogue, Karol, Cohen, and Tzachi Leibovitz helped students understand The Next Step’s significant mission and inspired them to grasp the significance of collective action, emphasizing the role of unity in ensuring Am Yisroel’s survival and prosperity.

Looking forward, The Next Step hopes to amplify their message and their mission to support Israeli victims of terror facing limb loss. The urgency of the mission cannot be overstated. The Next Step continues its crucial work supporting the Jewish people. The need is immediate — only through community effort and unity can we fortify and strengthen the Jewish nation.

David Farhi, son of Rabbi Isaac Farhi from Deal, has been involved in The Next Step/The Next Ride for the past 3 years. Through his and the community’s involvement, the organization has succeeded in empowering hundreds of Israeli amputees to lead active and fulfilling lives post limb loss.

SANDRA LAZAR

WE’RE COMING CLOSE TO THE END OF 2023. THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO GET THIS YEAR’S FINANCIALS IN ORDER. SO, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS TO FILE ITS TAX RETURN? HERE IS YOUR SIMPLE TO-DO LIST TO HELP YOU GET READY.

GET YOUR BOOKKEEPING IN ORDER.
This includes categorizing transactions, reconciling bank and credit card accounts and producing financial statements. Taking these steps will help to ensure that your financial reporting is accurate.

While categorizing your expenses, include start-up costs, materials needed to provide your goods or services (cost of goods sold), office supplies, rent, insurance, advertising, interest expenses, travel, salaries and employee benefits.

Make sure to list any assets you bought over the year — equipment, vehicles, computers and things of the sort. It is important to include any improvements you’ve made to your assets.

All outstanding loan obligations and any loans that have been forgiven over the calendar year such as PPP should be included in your reporting.

COMPILE A LIST OF INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS WHO NEED TO BE ISSUED A 1099
You will need to file tax forms showing a record of all independent contractors employed by your company. Make sure to have a completed W9 for each of them. You will need to file form 1099-NEC with the IRS for any independent contractor who you paid at least $600 during the calendar year.

Additionally, you will need to issue and file W2s with the IRS for each employee on your company payroll.

Make sure you have all the necessary information from your employees and contractors required to fill out and submit these forms.

SET ASIDE MONEY TO PAY YOUR TAXES
If you are not sure how much you will need to pay in taxes, a safe amount would be 30% of profits. It would be a great idea to keep this sum in a separate savings account so that you are prepared when it comes time to pay your tax bill.

FIND A TAX PREPARER
The longer you wait, the harder it will be to find a tax preparer with availability to sort out your financial records. Time delays can make it costly to complete your tax compliance in a timely manner.

Have your preparer explain the type of business taxes that your company will be subject to paying over the course of the year..

For example, your company may be subject to income taxes, self-employment taxes, employment taxes, sales and excise taxes. These are just a few of the top items on the list.

Preparing in advance for the upcoming tax season will make finalizing and filing your tax returns seamless and will allow you to forecast for 2024.

Sandra Lazar graduated Brooklyn college in 1995. She has served as a CFO in a variety of businesses for the past 25 years.

SOPHIA FRANCO

TODAY, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH, I HAD INTENDED TO WRITE AN ARTICLE ABOUT THE ISRAELI RALLY IN WASHINGTON DC, BUT AS I SIT AT MY COMPUTER, I CAN’T KEEP MY EYES OFF THE TELEVISION. THIS MORNING, 13 ISRAELI HOSTAGES, 10 THAI HOSTAGES AND 1 FILIPINO HOSTAGE ARE CURRENTLY MAKING THEIR WAY FROM GAZA TO EGYPT, AND THEN HOPEFULLY TO ISRAEL.

After 47 days in captivity, this is a true miracle, so, I will start by thanking Hashem. He is great in every way. I know this, even in the face of so much suffering. I know this, even as we watched in horror, as Hamas threw all shame and decency out the window. Our sages say that suffering helps bring us closer to Hashem, virtually, “up the ladder,” but truly, I don’t think this was the suffering anyone had in mind.

For most of us, the last seven weeks have held fear, and not much else. Fear of hate, fear for the hostages, fear for the state of Israel and the soldiers who defend it — and mostly, the real fear that we are not safe here in America, or anywhere. There are 1.8 billion Muslims in the world. If you are curious, alternatively there are 15.2 million Jews — approximately 6.8 million in Israel, and 6 million in the United States. With these numbers in mind, this particular fear has taken up most of our brain space.

It is a fact that thousands of Palestinian “civilians” helped perpetrate the October 7th attacks, and thousands of others cheered them on jubilantly, in Gaza, and globally. While so many Muslims are peaceful, non-jihadists, so many more have proven not to be, and with the pliable young minds of university students captured, groomed and mobilized for a fight, it’s truly hard to think of anything else. In the Jewish Journal, Gary Wexler reported that Palestinian campus activists have ensured this, spreading hateful lies and building the infrastructure for this alternative universe for a quarter of a century. Many organizations representing people seen as oppressed were inspired to identify with the Palestinians, swaying students of every variety.

I have personally watched so many ignorant, stubborn and angry humans tearing down the posters of the 240+ men, women and children being held hostage in the tunnels of Gaza. Why? When your puppy is lost, nobody tears down those signs. When I was a kid, I remember the missing children’s faces staring back at me from the milk carton, as I ate spoon after spoonful of cereal. Why would any civilized human want a child to celebrate his fourth birthday in the hands of monsters? If it were their grandmother, would they not want her home?

Often, over the last 49 days, I have thought about the time when 240 girls were kidnapped from Nigeria. Oh, how the world’s activists screamed! Oprah! Michelle Obama! Angelina Jolie! So many Hollywood stars, up in arms. Today, their silence (and so many others) is deafening. Where is the outrage as underage girls were savagely raped in front of their mothers by these sadistic monsters; when babies were torn from their mother’s wombs and burned alive inside kitchen ovens? Where are their souls? Where are their minds?

But alas, they accuse, “fake news!” They claim that video footage of the worst massacre in Jewish history since the Holocaust was staged. (I mean those are the rules pro-Palestinians play by, so I imagine they assume we do the same). Raw footage accumulated by Hamas’ own go-pros and cell phones should verify truth, but some of it is just too difficult to fathom. Maybe the naysayers should visit Israel, as so many Jewish sympathizers have over the last seven weeks. Maybe they should see the bloodshed for themselves.

Unfortunately, smart, educated university students have fallen prey to mass manipulation. They call Israel a genocidal, colonialist, apartheid state. Genocidal, really? How many Palestinians are in Gaza, and is that number growing, or shrinking? Gaza is ruled by Hamas. The fact that they use women and children as human shields and build their headquarters under hospitals and schools, this is not Israel’s doing. The only people denying basic necessities to the Palestinians, are their own leaders. So, as I watch the national news showing the hostages being released, I can’t help but sound smug, “Oh, there are hostages being held in Gaza; really?” It kind of feels good to prove the cynics wrong.

I’ll tell you what felt really good though. The rally. That felt like power. It felt like strength, and it felt like fighting back. In the parashah that week, it said, “Yaakov halach l’ beit Lavan,” And Yaakov went to the white house… When I woke up that crispy morning to a photo of hundreds of men in kippot and tefillin, praying at sunrise on the white house lawn, I was amazed. Once again, we see hints of the Torah playing out in real time this year, chapter by chapter. At the rally, holding our Israeli flags, standing in such an open space and being among so many Jews at once frightened us at first — we were surely a target for some Palestinian sicko with an automatic weapon, or worse — but someone handed me a paper with a beracha to be said whenever you are in a place with more than 600 Jews. Saying it, I felt safe, I felt invincible. I felt a solidarity as never before. Being there, I was making a difference.

We continued to push through to the front, looking for people we knew. What was funny though, was that everyone looked like someone we knew. But then there were others who didn’t look like us, and they, too, were holding signs. They, too, were singing Hatikvah along with Omer Adam. Whether they had pink hair and tattoos, white skin, brown skin or black skin — whether they wore kippot and tzitzit or a Madhappy sweatshirt, we were all at peace, together. The energy and camaraderie were incredible. Different people from all walks of life marching to the same beat of the same drum — Kumbaya at its finest.

As Mijal Biton cried out with incredible strength and honesty, I was so proud. Our rabbi’s daughter’s passion echoed within me. She spoke about the “iron curtain of hate” felt by all those who know oppression: “I stand here for all us who remember that in every generation they stand up against us, to destroy us, and for all of us, who thank G-d that America and Israel changed the world and became our safe haven. We stand here united, to fight against terror and antisemitism in our streets and in our universities. We stand here in support of our nation of Israel who have stood up like a nation of lions to liberate Israeli and Palestinian children from the nightmare of Hamas.” She begged us to breathe new life into the promise of hope and freedom; to use all that we have: our voices, our votes, our feet, and our prayers. Standing there, I nodded, “Yes, yes, I will. I am.”

And then there were the parents of the hostages; heartbreaking, honest, each forced to transform from mom to activist, public speaker, and the voice of hope during a time of despair. Listening intently, no one could look away. Thousands of placards in the crowd, large and small, created a force; innocent faces on posters, pins, and sweatshirts. Their eyes cried out to each of us, “save me!” And so, filled with love, we stood. We sang. We prayed. We are Jews, and that is who we are. We are challenged to rise, every day of our lives.

On this heroic day, almost 300,000 people showed up to march for Israel in our nation’s capital. In a fight between good and evil, love and hate, civilization and barbarism, we stood for the release of our people. We stood for peace and for unity, the way only we can, with derech eretz and decorum. Nobody beat anyone. Nobody defaced any property. Nobody cried for blood or murder, and nobody ruthlessly planned an inhuman massacre of people sleeping in their beds, or dancing happily at a party in the early hours of the morning. In fact, almost every speaker prayed for the release of all the victims of this hateful war — both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, because they are hostages of Hamas, too, aren’t they?

After the rally, there were hugs and high fives, and more singing to the heavens to let our people go! When a policeman was asked how he liked the day, he smiled and said he had received a career’s worth of thank yous in one afternoon. Baruch Hashem, there’s a difference between us and them, and I think that on this day, that was more than apparent.

This week in the parashah, Yaakov asks Lavan to give him back his women and children. Today, November 26th, as I watch the news 56 hostages, b”h, have been released so far. It has been 50 days since October 7th, and 188 are still in captivity by Hamas, as far as we know. I pray that by the time you read this, all of the hostages will have been released. I pray that all our soldiers will come home, safe and sound, and no more civilians will be hurt. I pray for peace in Israel and around the world. But as we release so many Hamas terrorists simultaneously, and give them this moment to regroup, I also pray that they do not go on to do this all over again. I cannot forget that more than 1,400 innocent people will never come home, and that the ugly head of hate has only been hiding all these years, and has now come out to play. So, mostly, I pray that good will always win over evil, and Mashiach will come soon. Am Yisrael Chai.

Thank you to Rabbi Shlomo Farhi for his always inspiring classes, to Rabbi Amram Sananes for his parashah teachings and to Rabbi Yotav Eliach who taught me Zionism a million years ago and still continues to educate me whenever I read his words.

Sophia Franco is a community writer. Among essays, songs and biographies she also composed I Can Be, We are a Miracle and I am Alive for Yaakov Shwekey.

“THE SIRENS WENT OFF, AGAIN, IN OFAKIM. HOW MANY TIMES IN A DAY CAN A PERSON RUN TO THE SAFE ROOM? AND THE KIDS, SCREAMING, IN FEAR AND TRAUMA. BUT I NEEDED TO GET FOOD. THE HOUSE WAS EMPTY. I HAD TO GO OUT AND BRAVE THE ROCKETS. WITH A PRAYER IN MY HEART, I WENT TO THE STORE. ANOTHER SIREN, 15 SECONDS TO GET TO A SAFE ROOM. HASHEM, PLEASE HELP ME. I CAN’T GO GET FOOD…”
SARA FROM OFAKIM

This story of a resident in Ofakim is typical of the thousands of requests for food that Yad Ezra V’Shulamit receives every day. Netivot, Kiryat Malchi, Ashkelon or Beer Sheva were not evacuated — and are in the direct line of fire daily.

Getting food has become an issue — for hundreds of thousands of residents of the south.

“The government evacuated anyone within 4 kilometers of Gaza. The state pays for them to be in a hotel where they get breakfast and dinner. But if someone is 4.5 kilometers away they have to stay put or find a friend in another city to take them in. They are stuck. Thousands of people call us for help with getting food.

Yad Ezra V’Shulamit gives out 12,000 food baskets every week to the poor with 14 trucks and 4 warehouses. “We have the infrastructure in place to get food to those under fire,” explained Eli Kafif, CEO of Yad Ezra V’Shulamit.

Over 40 trucks have already been sent to the south. Each truck contains enough food for 200 people for a week. “Our staff has been very brave. They go down even though sirens have gone off during several deliveries. With everything else people are going through during these difficult days, having food in the home shouldn’t be an issue,” stated Founder Aryeh Lurie.

Beyond getting food to families, many evacuees have lost their jobs (and their homes) and have no income. “We were getting so many calls from evacuees in Jerusalem, we purchased $1,000,000 worth of vouchers at local stores to distribute to displaced families,” Mr Kafif explained.

And then came the calls from the army for water and snacks. Why is the army calling a tzedaka organization for water? “We didn’t understand why the army needed water but the calls kept coming in from base after base. Many of our staff members have boys in Gaza and they knew where to call,” said Aryeh Lurie. “We found out that the water the army gets is in trucks or from water hydrants and doesn’t taste very good, so soldiers were not drinking enough. Commanders started to worry about dehydration so they called us.”

Yad Ezra V’Shulamit gave over 100,000 bottles of water to soldiers as well as snacks — and the requests keep coming.

“It is really beautiful to see how everyone is doing something to help people and the soldiers. You feel such an amazing sense of unity in Israel now. No one thinks or cares if someone is religious, not religious, secular, Sefardi or Ashkenazi. We are all Am Israel,” said Eli Kafif.

The people evacuated at hotels seem to have it better than those still in the south. However, living in a hotel in one room for weeks on end with no schooling or gans for children and nothing for them to do all day has presented its own challenges.

“We realized we had to do something to help the families in Jerusalem evacuated from their homes. Besides buying toys for 4,000 children, we sent puppet shows, activities and things to do in the evening for the teenagers. Although everyone is, thank G-d, physically safe, many are experiencing trauma, PTSD and need someone to talk to. We send our social workers and staff to the hotels everyday,” Aryeh Lurie said.

“This is a war not only against Israel. This is a war against every Jewish person worldwide and I ask every single person to help us get food to those who need it, and give a hand to your brothers in Israel who have lost so much. When Am Yisrael pulls together, nothing is too much for us and we can win this war. Not only the war against Hamas and bringing back the hostages. We can win the war against Hamas’ plan of breaking us — and our spirit. Please help us lend a hand and get food and basics to those in Israel,” requests Aryeh Lurie, founder of Yad Ezra V’Shulamit.

To donate go to www.yadezra.net/foodtrucks.