--- title: Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel description: As May continues, we not only pass the seven month mark since this war began, but we also observe Jewish American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. 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/) [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: [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) ## May 10, 2024 # Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel - Michael Balaban Jewish Federation President and CEO   As May continues, we not only pass the seven month mark since this war began, but we also observe Jewish American Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Appropriately timed, given the toll this crisis has had on our community at home and in Israel.     As Jewish people, we are born with a certain amount of generational trauma from past persecution, and this trauma has been exacerbated since the horrific violence and dehumanization of Oct. 7.   It continues to be intensified by the overwhelming number of misguided, antisemitic [encampments on college campuses](https://jewishphilly.org/anti-israel-and-antisemitic-protests-on-college-campuses-violate-civil-rights/?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--nYYwKsU0F2YAh1ituq1Qru88q7x2D76wNtCGIylQbnA1SqxCQqC1Uxr9ASDW-s9bQ8_bm) locally and across the country, calling for American universities to divest from Israel. I have heard and seen the violent words and actions induced by some of these protests. We have all seen these accounts in news clips and other firsthand accounts. The gross misunderstanding and ignorance of these students is not only disappointing, but also dangerous.   I am thankful for the work of Governor Shapiro, the Philadelphia Police Department and the University of Pennsylvania Police Department in [disbanding these hateful protests on University of Pennsylvania’s campus](https://jewishphilly.org/jewish-federation-of-greater-philadelphia-commends-the-university-of-pennsylvania-for-disbanding-pro-palestinian-encampment/?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--nYYwKsU0F2YAh1ituq1Qru88q7x2D76wNtCGIylQbnA1SqxCQqC1Uxr9ASDW-s9bQ8_bm) this morning.   In light of the diminished mental health incurred by these recent events and this ongoing war, the Jewish Federation is partnering with Jewish Federations of North America's BeWell initiative, Stanford University and other leading U.S. Jewish organizations to organize a [survey of American Jewish teen wellbeing](https://www.jewishtogether.org/bewell/research?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--nYYwKsU0F2YAh1ituq1Qru88q7x2D76wNtCGIylQbnA1SqxCQqC1Uxr9ASDW-s9bQ8_bm). I encourage you to bring this survey to all the Jewish teens in your life. The better we understand their sources of stress, the better we can collaborate on strategies to help them thrive.   In that same vein, the Jewish Federation has always viewed mental health as a key priority. Through our annual campaign, we fund a number of organizations locally and in Israel that specifically support teens’ mental health, like [Moving Traditions](https://vimeo.com/941963918?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--nYYwKsU0F2YAh1ituq1Qru88q7x2D76wNtCGIylQbnA1SqxCQqC1Uxr9ASDW-s9bQ8_bm). Since this war broke out, these young adults have been constantly bombarded with overpowering, anti-Israel voices on their social media feeds, and now on their campuses as well. I am proud of the work of our grantee organizations, like [Gumat Chen](https://blog.jewishphilly.org/inspiring-hope-in-the-unlikeliest-of-places-how-an-israeli-organization-empowers-at-risk-girls-and-women-after-neglect-and-through-war?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--nYYwKsU0F2YAh1ituq1Qru88q7x2D76wNtCGIylQbnA1SqxCQqC1Uxr9ASDW-s9bQ8_bm) — which we also supported with emergency funding through our Philly Stands with Israel campaign — to help these teens find stability and community during these dark times.   Together, we can combat the barrage of disinformation and malevolence that has become so prevalent. As long as we stand united as a Jewish people working side-by-side with our allies , we will never be alone. I am proud to announce that just this week, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a resolution which officially declared May as Jewish American Heritage Month and July as Muslim American Heritage Month. These resolutions were co-sponsored by Jewish and Muslim representatives, a testament to how when we come together as different communities, great things happen.   We will rely on this support as we prepare for Yom Hazikron (Day of Remembrance for Israelis fallen in battle and terrorist attacks) followed by Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day) this coming week. Let us remember those who have lost their lives defending the Jewish homeland and keep their memories as a blessing when commemorating Israel’s 76 years of existence.      \*\*\* **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-may-10&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-may-10) [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-may-10) ### Sign up for the *Jewish Philly* E-Newsletter [Back to The Latest](https://blog.jewishphilly.org) # Related Posts ## Blog June 30, 2026 # From Local Jewish Federation Real Estate Grants to Federal Investment: What Needs to be Done for Jewish Communal Security ## Blog June 29, 2026 # Upcoming Jewish Federation Events in July ## Blog June 26, 2026 # The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Mobilizes Community Members for Advocacy Day in Harrisburg [Tweets by JFedinPhilly](https://twitter.com/JFedinPhilly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Find us on ![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/)