JCC Greater Boston Stands With Israel
Kol Yisrael Areivim Zeh Ba’Zeh: The whole people of Israel are responsible for one another
Alongside our Jewish community and people around the world, our hearts were broken by the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. At the JCC, we are fortunate to care for and work with many Israeli friends, family members, and colleagues who are part of the heart and soul of our exceptional community.
Our thriving and vibrant Jewish community here in Boston has also, of course, been deeply impacted by the events of that day, and the war in Israel and Gaza that has ensued. The experience of watching these devastating events and their human toll unfold from here in Greater Boston has been an emotional, political, and communal weight we bear individually and together.
Indeed, many of us have spent these months with a keen sense of our attention and care being many places at once, a feeling captured by the medieval poet, Yehuda HaLevi, who wrote, “My heart is in the East, but I am standing on the edge of the West.”
The JCC is a pluralistic Jewish organization that welcomes our beautifully diverse Jewish community and our neighbors. Although this has been a time of uncertainty and division, we are deeply committed to standing by our community during this difficult time.
Supporting our Community
October 7 Commemorations:
JCC Community Western Wall
Monday, September 23 – Tuesday, October 15 | Leventhal-Sidman JCC
The Western Wall (Kotel) in Jerusalem is understood to be the holiest site in Jewish tradition, where every day, thousands of people come from all over the world to pray and leave messages, including hopes and dreams, inscribed on small pieces of paper in the crevices of the ancient stone wall. As we collectively memorialize the lives lost during the attacks on October 7 and throughout the ongoing war in Israel and Gaza, and pray for the safe return of the hostages, we invite anyone who would like to leave their own messages, hopes, and prayers in our Community Western Wall. This artistic representation of the Kotel will be installed in the lobby of the Leventhal-Sidman JCC, and all messages left in the wall will be transported to Israel and placed in the actual Western Wall in Jerusalem at the end of October.
October 7 One Year Later: The War’s Far Reaching Impact
Thursday, September 26 | 7–8:30pm | Online
It has been nearly one year since the attacks on October 7th, the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. That day, and the war that ensued, has led to an explosion in antisemitism worldwide and terrible suffering on both sides of the war. Our Hot Buttons, Cool Conversations panel of American, Israeli and Palestinian experts will explore the war’s impact in Israel and its political reverberations in this country, including the war’s influence on our looming elections and how the election results could influence the conflict in Israel, Gaza and the rest of the world.
Messages of Memory, Hope & Peace: #JewishBostonTeens Commemorate October 7
Sunday, October 6 | 4:30-6pm | Leventhal-Sidman JCC
Join teens from across the Greater Boston community to blend reflection, service, and action as we channel grief into hope and resilience, while commemorating one year since October 7. Explore ways to drive change in our world through stories of everyday heroism, conversations around our personal connections to the land of Israel and the global Jewish people, acting on our values through community service projects, and more.
An Evening of Remembrance & Hope
Monday, October 7 | 7pm | Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont Street, Boston
On October 7, we woke up to a different world. The traumas of this past year have impacted each one of us differently and we don’t know what will unfold between now, October 7, and even beyond. But this evening will give us the opportunity to be with one another, and to grieve as a community. The event will feature stories from those most directly affected on or by October 7, music to heal our souls, inspiring speakers to remind us of the resilient spirit of Israel and Israelis, and opportunities to mourn, honor survivors and heroes, and fill one another with strength and hope for our collective future. This is a community-wide event sponsored in partnership with CJP, JCRC, IAC, JCC Greater Boston, and other community support organizations.
October 7 Communal Mosaic Memorial Project
Currently accepting participants, Private art studio location to be shared upon registration
The Greater Boston community is invited to join artist and local resident, Carol Krentzman, in creating an intergenerational community mosaic dedicated to the victims of the attacks on October 7. This project is open to members of the JCC and Greater Boston community alike. There is tremendous
healing power and beauty in coming together to create art as a community. There is limited space and time to create in the studio where the project is being held, so anyone interested should check the registration form for an available slot, and choose the date and time that best fits their schedule.
JCC Programs
It has always been our mission at JCC Greater Boston to create and maintain an inclusive community by providing opportunities for individuals and families of all ages to come together. With our mission in mind, we look forward to creating more moments to gather and care for one another. Please consult our program and events calendar to find opportunities for self-care, learning, and gathering in community.
Interested in events and news from our community partners?
Jewish Boston: Live Events, Updates, Resources & More.
Mental Health Supports
If you are grappling with sadness, anxiety, and grief during this difficult time, you can reach out to JF&CS Mental Health Connect by calling 781-693-5562 or by writing to mentalhealth@jfcsboston.org. JF&CS offers free and confidential advice, referrals to therapists (including Hebrew-speaking), support groups, and other resources for addressing mental health concerns.
Mental Health Services for Adults:
- William James Interface: Find a therapist matching service
- CJP’s Path to Wellbeing: Virtual self-paced 6-8 week CBT program, with a coach from McLean. (Free)
Security
As many of you know, the JCC has been investing in our security infrastructure over the past several years and has a robust set of systems and protocols for safety in all of our facilities. That said, in this moment of uncertainty, we understand that many families are concerned about the potential for increased security threats.
The JCC has been in communication with all of our local police departments as well as our partners at CJP, the national Security Communities Network (SCN), and our private security firm. It is our understanding that there are no known credible threats at this time. We have been in touch with local police at each of our sites and requested additional police patrols and will continue to diligently follow the security protocols we have in place at each of our sites.
Hostages
How can I support Israel?
CJP’s Israel Emergency Fund
Since its launch, CJP’s Israel Emergency Fund has raised $2.3 million from 2,100+ donors, but help is still needed. The generosity of our donors never ceases to astound us, but the scope of the devastation is unimaginable, and we need to continue to raise significant support. 100% of donations are going toward supporting victims of terror and addressing the trauma caused by these horrific attacks.
JCC Community Fund
The Community Support Fund has been established to underwrite all efforts made by JCC Greater Boston to respond to families and members in need during this time of crisis.
Other organizations in need of donations:
- Hadassah Hospital Israel
- Friends of The Israel Defense Forces
- United Hatzalah Israel
- Leket food Israel
- Zaka Israel
- Magen Adom Israel
Supporting Communities During and After Traumatic Events
If you grappling with sadness, anxiety, and grief during this difficult time, you can reach out to JF&CS Mental Health Connect by calling 781-693-5562 or by writing to mentalhealth@jfcsboston.org. JF&CS offers free and confidential advice, referrals to therapists (including Hebrew-speaking), support groups, and other resources for addressing mental health concerns.
Supporting Our Youth & Teens: Learning & Talking About Israel: Resources and opportunities for connection and conversation for Jewish teens, parents, educators and professionals.
Mental Health Services for Adults:
- CJP Mental Health Access
- William James Interface find a therapist matching service.
- CJP’s Path to Wellbeing Virtual self-paced 6-8 week CBT program, with a coach from McLean. (free)
Resources for Educators:
Jewish Educator Portal Community Hub: The Jewish Education Project invites you to find them all in one place, along with a space for you- educators in the field- to come together and talk about what you need right now. Includes discussion board and virtual discussions/events.
We will be updating this page with new resources and information as we receive it, so check back for any additional resources. Last updated 9/24/2024
