---
title: Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel
description: "Hineni - here I am. \n\nThis Hebrew biblical phrase is more than just an acknowledgment of physical presence..."
image: https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/facebook-event-cover-1920x1080%20(2)-1.jpg
---

[![Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/JewishFederation_May2019/images/logo--color.svg)](https://jewishphilly.org/)

- [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) 
    - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1)
          - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/)
          - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/)
    - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/)
          - [Israel in the News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-in-the-news)
          - [Sign up for Israel Emergency Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-emergency-emails)
- [Who We Are](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/) 
    - - [About](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/about/)
          - [History](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/history/)
          - [Our Impact](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/our-impact/)
          - [Financials](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/financials/)
          - [Program Evaluation](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/program-evaluation/)
    - - [Leadership & Governance](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/leadership/)
          - [Ethics and Organizational Oversight](https://jewishphilly.org/ethics-and-organizational-oversight/)
          - [Careers](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/careers/)
          - [Contact Us](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/contact-us/)
          - [Sign Up for Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/jewish-federation-email-sign-up)
- [Ways to Give](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/) 
    - - [Donate Now](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/)
          - [Give Monthly](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/give-monthly/)
          - [Donate a Vehicle](https://jewishphilly.careasy.org/HOME.html)
          - [Jewish Community Foundation](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/Jewish%20Community%20Foundation)
          - [Life & Legacy Program](https://jewishphilly.org/life-and-legacy/)
    - - [Philanthropic Donor Advised Funds](https://jewishphilly.giftplans.org/index.php?cID=247)
          - [Tribute E-Cards](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/tribute-cards/)
          - [Giving Societies](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/giving-societies/)
          - [EITC](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/eitc/)
    - - Your gift matters. 
                  - Your donation to the Jewish Federation has a big impact, rippling through our community and around the world, providing resources to meet urgent needs today and build a bright future.
- [Get Involved](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/) 
    - - [Events Calendar](https://jewishphilly.org/events-calendar)
          - [Signature Events](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/signature-events/)
          - [Affinity Groups](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/affinity-groups/)
          - [Volunteer](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/volunteer/)
    - - [Neighborhood (Kehillot) Programming](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/neighborhood-programming/)
          - [Mission Trips](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/missions/)
          - [Jewish Professionals Organization (JPRO)](https://jewishphilly.org/jpro/)
- [Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/) 
    - - [Supporting Ukraine](https://go.jewishphilly.org/supporting-ukraine)
          - [COVID-19 Relief](https://go.jewishphilly.org/combatting-covid-19)
          - [Population Study](https://jewishphilly.org/communityportrait/)
          - [Mitzvah Food Program](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/mitzvah-food-program/)
          - [Teen Programs](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/teen-programs/)
          - [Jewish Camping](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/jewish-camping/)
    - - [Scholarships](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/scholarships/)
          - [Jewish Community Relations Council](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/public-affairs/)
          - [Israel Engagement](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/israel-engagement/)
          - [Holocaust Education](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/holocaust-programming/)
          - [Apply for Grants](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/apply-for-grants/)
- [Security](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/security/)
- [News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/news)

- [Philly Stands With Israel](https://go.jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel) 
    - - [Donate to Philly Stands with Israel Fund](https://donate.jewishphilly.org/page/66252/donate/1)
          - [Community Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/)
          - [Emergency Allocations](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/)
    - - [Advocate](https://jewishphilly.org/philly-stands-with-israel-resources/advocate/)
          - [Israel in the News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-in-the-news)
          - [Sign up for Israel Emergency Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-emergency-emails)
- [Who We Are](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/) 
    - - [About](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/about/)
          - [History](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/history/)
          - [Our Impact](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/our-impact/)
          - [Financials](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/financials/)
          - [Program Evaluation](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/program-evaluation/)
    - - [Leadership & Governance](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/leadership/)
          - [Ethics and Organizational Oversight](https://jewishphilly.org/ethics-and-organizational-oversight/)
          - [Careers](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/careers/)
          - [Contact Us](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/contact-us/)
          - [Sign Up for Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/jewish-federation-email-sign-up)
- [Ways to Give](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/) 
    - - [Donate Now](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/)
          - [Give Monthly](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/give-monthly/)
          - [Donate a Vehicle](https://jewishphilly.careasy.org/HOME.html)
          - [Jewish Community Foundation](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/Jewish%20Community%20Foundation)
          - [Life & Legacy Program](https://jewishphilly.org/life-and-legacy/)
    - - [Philanthropic Donor Advised Funds](https://jewishphilly.giftplans.org/index.php?cID=247)
          - [Tribute E-Cards](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/tribute-cards/)
          - [Giving Societies](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/giving-societies/)
          - [EITC](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/eitc/)
    - - Your gift matters. 
                  - Your donation to the Jewish Federation has a big impact, rippling through our community and around the world, providing resources to meet urgent needs today and build a bright future.
- [Get Involved](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/) 
    - - [Events Calendar](https://jewishphilly.org/events-calendar)
          - [Signature Events](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/signature-events/)
          - [Affinity Groups](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/affinity-groups/)
          - [Volunteer](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/volunteer/)
    - - [Neighborhood (Kehillot) Programming](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/neighborhood-programming/)
          - [Mission Trips](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/missions/)
          - [Jewish Professionals Organization (JPRO)](https://jewishphilly.org/jpro/)
- [Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/) 
    - - [Supporting Ukraine](https://go.jewishphilly.org/supporting-ukraine)
          - [COVID-19 Relief](https://go.jewishphilly.org/combatting-covid-19)
          - [Population Study](https://jewishphilly.org/communityportrait/)
          - [Mitzvah Food Program](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/mitzvah-food-program/)
          - [Teen Programs](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/teen-programs/)
          - [Jewish Camping](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/jewish-camping/)
    - - [Scholarships](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/scholarships/)
          - [Jewish Community Relations Council](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/public-affairs/)
          - [Israel Engagement](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/israel-engagement/)
          - [Holocaust Education](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/holocaust-programming/)
          - [Apply for Grants](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/apply-for-grants/)
- [Security](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/security/)
- [News](https://go.jewishphilly.org/news)

[Donate](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/)

[Donate](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/)

<https://www.facebook.com/jewishphilly> <https://www.instagram.com/jewishphilly/> <https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly> [Newsletter](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/newsletter/) [Login](https://jewishphilly.org/login/) [Board Login](https://jewishphilly.org/board-login/) Search

Search the site:

Search the site:

<https://www.facebook.com/jewishphilly> <https://www.instagram.com/jewishphilly/> <https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly> [Newsletter](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/newsletter/) [Login](https://jewishphilly.org/login/) [Board Login](https://jewishphilly.org/board-login/) Search

## Jewish Philly Blog

![Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hubfs/facebook-event-cover-1920x1080%20(2)-1.jpg)

## February 23, 2024

# Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel

- Michael Balaban  
President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

 

*Hineni *- here I am. 

 

This Hebrew biblical phrase is more than just an acknowledgment of physical presence. It is a powerful declaration of availability and readiness. It is a call to action.

 

It is how I felt when I spoke with our grantee organizations in Israel – assuring them that we are prepared to continue to support them through this unimaginable nightmare, because we have been supporting them since the State of Israel was still just a dream.

 

While no one could have been emotionally prepared for the massacre on Oct. 7, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has a longstanding infrastructure through our [Annual Campaign](https://info.jewishphilly.org/e3t/Ctc/T+113/cDZ4C04/VX5DrB7mK9XpW3vLZjL6VzVJyW1f4B6k59r3pkN4xH9dY3qgyTW7Y8-PT6lZ3mhW2y1kPx5W8mVDW7NNmFG40Y8x7W1HlyJH8cRY-VN7KfTBvtCst6W2sFrNJ2v_YHqW6fbwdT2pHNk7W4ykRLX2mF1DcW8m5q3l22Rt7cW8gt6Lp3586bGW7vW_5358nw-mW95n-9s8xytl_N8h8xwHhFMKxW4kxY9H3Pl6STW96n3Ln2mTXY3W2mHJS974ldk6W8WKKw-4bWgPYW4N-Kmr3TCHfVW8Lmvv-1pRLM6W8kh-cx2xC0g_W3Ttgq34p4n5-W2gk35_9560rLW72VC8b8tD7RJVMB4rC7djXYFW2h60n8462n8wV-j63r5ZxkyyW66QVSY6YMkqfdSj6Lz04?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--OznUiHxgcZ1nqmIYyvRAEQJJb0EziMpNS8GDSX8YdRqerQqWFFKF9dDPXT6AVd8LHujLz), committees – such as our [Partnership2Gether (P2G)](https://info.jewishphilly.org/e3t/Ctc/T+113/cDZ4C04/VX5DrB7mK9XpW3vLZjL6VzVJyW1f4B6k59r3pkN4xH9dY5nR32W7Y9pgv6lZ3mnW76Jfzh3j7dK-W8b4GLk7LBWDMW6LP25f1bvtrqVYkBtT51zxDpW6nR8-b11HKCdW1vxwrV3_3z10W5v2f5Z4Dk64LW23D37m7w6k0LW8SZJxN1z1GPrW2Zv3524-_MjpN6SszMjhJ_W3W8l-rmd2X6dB7W3qzZRk8M1Ns9VM3srd6Fss-bW6jzBqC4l-nJfW1-8r8t3d3DbDW8tGR2l83HKSfW3-8wm71tgyqYN4BcDkLJkGM1W2FMhXz2tn2KpW341Y7029CKvcW4FfcGP16xx7QN4CMB1ypVNS-W8jHBzV1Gn9PFW2xV0sS2-GN8cVJWqZY2YqMS4W2v7Lcg5gtnpKW2MDCBK7MZCFWVg8NTk7YgByKW7Z6CXK31ccLZW98cNWC6vq43MW2ZXJTC5TJ1B4N4vGDhycSBY3VFHTb46m-zSDW8c2kVy2FthF0W4kXkBt1lcKL2W28N5088159DnW445Sns19YCKZW69f5w06N77-YW2DVGz21ZKRPtW3HvJ5f1GsmFQW5Dm20F6bff_2f49Jc--04?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--OznUiHxgcZ1nqmIYyvRAEQJJb0EziMpNS8GDSX8YdRqerQqWFFKF9dDPXT6AVd8LHujLz) and Emergency Response Committee committees, and a team based in Israel to respond to crises without hesitation.

 

For over a quarter of a century, we've formed and nurtured a strong bond with our [P2G](https://info.jewishphilly.org/e3t/Ctc/T+113/cDZ4C04/VX5DrB7mK9XpW3vLZjL6VzVJyW1f4B6k59r3pkN4xH9dY5nR32W7Y9pgv6lZ3mnW76Jfzh3j7dK-W8b4GLk7LBWDMW6LP25f1bvtrqVYkBtT51zxDpW6nR8-b11HKCdW1vxwrV3_3z10W5v2f5Z4Dk64LW23D37m7w6k0LW8SZJxN1z1GPrW2Zv3524-_MjpN6SszMjhJ_W3W8l-rmd2X6dB7W3qzZRk8M1Ns9VM3srd6Fss-bW6jzBqC4l-nJfW1-8r8t3d3DbDW8tGR2l83HKSfW3-8wm71tgyqYN4BcDkLJkGM1W2FMhXz2tn2KpW341Y7029CKvcW4FfcGP16xx7QN4CMB1ypVNS-W8jHBzV1Gn9PFW2xV0sS2-GN8cVJWqZY2YqMS4W2v7Lcg5gtnpKW2MDCBK7MZCFWVg8NTk7YgByKW7Z6CXK31ccLZW98cNWC6vq43MW2ZXJTC5TJ1B4N4vGDhycSBY3VFHTb46m-zSDW8c2kVy2FthF0W4kXkBt1lcKL2W28N5088159DnW445Sns19YCKZW69f5w06N77-YW2DVGz21ZKRPtW3HvJ5f1GsmFQW5Dm20F6bff_2f49Jc--04?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--OznUiHxgcZ1nqmIYyvRAEQJJb0EziMpNS8GDSX8YdRqerQqWFFKF9dDPXT6AVd8LHujLz) communities of Netivot and Sdot Negev, which border Gaza and are subjected to frequent rocket attacks and constant unrest. For decades, through your support, we have invested in these communities, which enabled us to address their security needs, such as surveillance cameras and bomb shelters. This life-saving support, in addition to resiliency resources, positioned our Israeli partnership communities to be able to respond to the massacre. You have helped provide them with the tools already available to begin the process of healing and rebuilding.

 

As a direct result of your generosity, lay leaders’ commitment and our Israel team's expertise, we immediately deployed your dollars from the Philly Stands With Israel Emergency Fund to where we know they were most needed. 

 

I am inspired by the work we were able to do on Oct. 7 because we were there on Oct. 6. As you have heard before, you don't wait for the fire to build the firehouse.

 

This is why I ask you to consider answering another call to contribute to our annual campaign this Sunday for [Super Sunday](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/super-sunday/?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--OznUiHxgcZ1nqmIYyvRAEQJJb0EziMpNS8GDSX8YdRqerQqWFFKF9dDPXT6AVd8LHujLz), our longstanding phone-a-thon fundraiser. On Feb. 25, I hope you will consider helping us maintain this strong foundation we have built in Israel. 

 

As the war persists and the Israeli people look to us for our enduring support, I hope you will join me in continuing to say *hineni.* Here I am. Here we are. Here we have been, and here we will stay.

 

\*\*\*

**If you would like to receive Israel emergency communications, please [click here](https://go.jewishphilly.org/israel-emergency-emails?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8YpPmnDwAdGOwDQ_5M_Q-GvplUyNRMWIGHm_dRyYzXOYYZzmVNLlbl5VRkI7w8DgVZ3IU7).**

Share

[Share on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-in-israel-february-23&title=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20in%20Israel) [Share on Twitter](http://twitter.com/home?status=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20in%20Israel+https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-in-israel-february-23) [Share by Email](mailto:?subject=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20in%20Israel&body=Michael%20Balaban's%20Update%20on%20the%20War%20in%20Israel%20-%20https://blog.jewishphilly.org/michael-balabans-update-on-the-war-in-israel-february-23)

### Sign up for the *Jewish Philly* E-Newsletter

[Back to The Latest](https://blog.jewishphilly.org)

[Tweets by JFedinPhilly](https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Find us on

<https://www.facebook.com/jewishphilly> <https://www.instagram.com/jewishphilly> <https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/jewishphilly/> <https://www.flickr.com/photos/jewishphilly/>

![JFGP_KO_rgb](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/JFGP_KO_rgb.png?width=300&height=84&name=JFGP_KO_rgb.png)

Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia  
Two Commerce Square  
2001 Market Street, Suite 2300  
Philadelphia, PA 19103   
[215.832.0500](tel:1-215-832-0500) | [info@jewishphilly.org](mailto:info@jewishphilly.org)

*The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia welcomes the participation of Jews across the religious spectrum, interfaith couples and families, and people of all abilities, backgrounds, gender identities, and sexual orientations. If you require special accommodations, please contact us, and we will make every effort to meet your needs.*

© 2024 Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.  
All Rights Reserved.  
[Privacy Policy](https://jewishphilly.org/privacy-policy) | [Contact Us](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/contact-us)  
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.  
EIN: 23-1500085

[![Four-Star-Rating-Badge-Full-Color](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Four-Star-Rating-Badge-Full-Color.webp?width=150&height=150&name=Four-Star-Rating-Badge-Full-Color.webp)](https://jewishphilly.org/4-star-charity-navigator-rating/)

 

- [Who We Are](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/) 
    - [About](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/about/)
    - [History](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/history/)
    - [Our Impact](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/our-impact/)
    - [Leadership & Governance](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/leadership/)
    - [Financials](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/financials/)
    - [Program Evaluation](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/program-evaluation/)
    - [Contact Us](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/contact-us/)
    - [Sign Up for Emails](https://go.jewishphilly.org/jewish-federation-email-sign-up)
    - [Careers](https://jewishphilly.org/who-we-are/careers/)
- [Get Involved](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/) 
    - [Events Calendar](https://jewishphilly.org/events-calendar)
    - [Signature Events](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/signature-events/)
    - [Affinity Groups](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/affinity-groups/)
    - [Volunteer](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/volunteer/)
    - [Jewish Community Relations Council](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/public-affairs/)
    - [Travel with Purpose](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/missions/)
    - [Neighborhood Programming](https://jewishphilly.org/get-involved/neighborhood-programming/)

- [The Latest](https://go.jewishphilly.org/news) 
    - [Blog](https://blog.jewishphilly.org)
    - [Press Room](https://jewishphilly.org/category/press-room/)
- [Ways to Give](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/) 
    - [Donate Now](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-now/)
    - [Give Monthly](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/give-monthly/)
    - [Jewish Community Foundation](https://jfgp.giftlegacy.com/)
    - [Life & Legacy Program](https://jewishphilly.org/life-and-legacy/)
    - [Tribute E-Cards](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/tribute-cards/)
    - [Giving Societies](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/giving-societies/)
    - [EITC](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/eitc/)
- [Resources](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/) 
    - [COVID-19 Relief](https://go.jewishphilly.org/combatting-covid-19)
    - [Population Study](https://jewishphilly.org/communityportrait/)
    - [Mitzvah Food Program](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/mitzvah-food-program/)
    - [Teen Programs](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/teen-programs/)
    - [Jewish Camping](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/jewish-camping/)
    - [Apply for Grants](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/apply-for-grants/)
    - [Scholarships](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/scholarships/)
    - [Israel Engagement](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/israel-engagement/)
    - [Holocaust Education](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/holocaust-programming/)
    - [Security](https://jewishphilly.org/resources/security/)