Dear Friends,

In response to the many expressions of support and concern that Kehillat YOZMA has received about the situation here in Israel, I would like to share the following with you.

Kehillat YOZMA has been mobilizing on many different fronts in response to the difficult reality being faced by residents living in the line of fire:

• The community leadership has invited, free of charge, children from the North currently taking refuge in Modi’in to participate in its educational summer camp programs. Several children have already been absorbed, and the office continues to receive more requests.
  
• Members of the community have opened their homes to host families from up North, providing them with a safe haven from the constant missile attacks.
  
• The community leadership is coordinating a continuing campaign to match relocating families with local hosts.
  
• On Tuesday, "Lior HaGibor", a YOZMA activity leader, and volunteers from the community visited families throughout the Northern region to engage and occupy the children during the long tense hours spent in the bomb shelters.
  
• The community is collecting necessary supplies which will be brought to the shelters in the coming days. We have added special prayers to our tefillot for the safe return of our soldiers, for the speedy recovery of all the injured, we remember the names of those who have already lost their lives, and we pray for the safety of all our residents and for peace to envelope us all.

YOZMA is in a special position to reach out and help. The motivation of our members and leadership to absorb and help as many children and families as possible, in spite of the unplanned expenses we are incurring, is heartwarming and fulfills the values we all hold so dearly as: Kol Yisrael areivim zeh lazeh - All of Israel is responsible for one another.

These are challenging times and as always we appreciate your support.

With prayers for peace,
Rabbi Kinneret Shiryon
and Kehillat YOZMA, the Progressive Jewish community in Modi'in