Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel

- Michael Balaban
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO

The sound of sirens is now a part of daily life in Israel.

Across the country — from the Syrian border in the north to Tel Aviv on the central coastal plain to Eilat in the south — families are racing to shelters multiple times a day. Families leave Shabbat meals half-eaten, elderly are jolted from sleep and children miss class – and still, they show up for one another. They care for one another. They carry on, even in uncertainty.

This war is not abstract. It’s deeply personal.

It touches our families, our friends and even our own Jewish Federation professionals in Israel. I want to lift up the extraordinary work of Tali Lidar, Tamar Brody, Chen Cohen and Edit Asor, who continue to operate under immense pressure. Their resilience is nothing short of heroic. This week alone, they’ve helped colleagues and donors navigate closed airspace, find safe passage and stay informed as the situation shifts by the hour. Our NextGen mission was grounded at the last minute. Through the leadership of Erica N. Miller, the group gathered for Shabbat dinner here in Philadelphia instead.

These acts of care, coordination and calm under fire reflect exactly what our Jewish Federation stands for - a community that comes together for one another. And in moments like these, this matters more than ever.

At this deeply troubling moment, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia stands in unwavering solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel. We pray for their safety as they face an unprecedented barrage of Iranian missile attacks.

This week, a missile struck Soroka Medical Center — one of Israel’s largest hospitals and a lifeline for the country’s south. A surgical ward took a direct hit. Miraculously, the ward had been evacuated just the day before. No lives were lost — but the building sustained significant damage, and many areas of the hospital remain compromised. Still, the staff presses on, treating the wounded and continuing their lifesaving work under the most harrowing conditions. It is a stark reminder of what is at stake — and of the resilience that defines our people.

Thanks to years of investment in strong, trusted partnerships and infrastructure, we are able to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis. Since Oct. 7, 2023, we have sent millions of dollars in emergency aid to Israel, supporting trauma care, emergency food distribution, mental health services and other critical needs — particularly for Holocaust survivors, people with disabilities and vulnerable families.

This response is possible because the systems and relationships were in place long before the current crisis began.

Our partners in Israel continue to adapt and respond. At Unistream, youth programs have shifted online so teens sheltering in place can stay connected — to each other and a sense of purpose. Educators across the country are using Unistream’s tools as schools resume remote learning. They call it “entrepreneurship as resilience in action,” and it’s giving young people a foothold in a time of fear.

Leket Israel has resumed emergency food operations — without access to their usual sources such as hotels or Israel Defense Forces kitchens. Instead, they are purchasing fresh food and prepared meals outright to ensure that seniors, families in crisis and others on the margins are not forgotten.

And these are just two stories among many we’ve heard since this escalation began.

Here in Greater Philadelphia, those same values — preparedness, partnership and protection — are at the heart of Jewish life. We work year-round to ensure our community thrives through educational, cultural and identity-building programs. At the same time, we prioritize the safety and security of our community through strong relationships with local, state and federal law enforcement, and with our partners at the Secure Community Network. Some of this work is visible, and some of it happens behind the scenes — but all of it is essential.

Right now, more than 2,800 people in our region have responded to our action alert, urging members of Congress to stand publicly with Israel as they work to remove the threat of a nuclear Iran. If you haven’t yet added your voice, please do so here. It takes less than a minute — and sends a powerful message: We are watching. We care. We expect leadership.

At the same time, Jewish camps across North America are urgently seeking staff to replace Israeli counselors who remain grounded. Whether it’s for a week or several, stepping in to guide and inspire our children is one more way we can stand up for Jewish life.

If you or someone you know is available — even briefly — please fill out this form. Our partners at the Foundation for Jewish Camp will match you with a camp in need. Your time could make a lasting impact.

These past days have been painful — but also clarifying. In the face of grief and fear, we are reminded of who we are.

We are the ones who show up. Who check on one another, open our homes and send food, funds and love across oceans. We are the ones who pray even when it’s hard — and act even when it’s harder.

Thank you for standing with the people of Israel. Thank you for standing with us.

Together, we will carry one another forward.

Am Yisrael Chai.

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