--- title: Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel description: With the beginning of the new school year – a time that should be met with excitement – Jewish families continue to grapple with the painful consequences of ongoing tensions in Israel. As we’ve said and continue to feel, our grief is compounded by a rise in antisemitism that has created fear and uncertainty for so many in our community. 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) - 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Michael Balaban Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO   In times of change, our focus remains unwavering: to protect the wellbeing, security and unity of Jewish life here at home and strengthen the bond between the U.S. and Israel. This week’s election does not shift our mission. As a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we work with leaders across the political spectrum, driven by principles that transcend party lines and resonate through generations. Our role is to advocate for policies that uplift Jewish communities, both locally and globally. To that end, we collaborate with elected officials at every level to address our community’s priorities and ensure that Israel remains a meaningful part of our identity.   Israel is currently facing heightened tensions with Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In the north, clashes with Hezbollah have escalated, with rockets reaching as far as Tel Aviv. As we witness these events, we support the safety of the Israeli people, and the urgent need for citizens to safely return to their homes and for the swift recovery of hostages held by Hamas.   [This week in Amsterdam](https://jewishphilly.org/statement-on-attacks-in-amsterdam/?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_tMxE92sCLKN4zgACrE6DGzejtLRjyFhdxaGoshnFi4fOXKaVq5ejpPzofyA9JsVBVgiNf), we witnessed a troubling escalation of antisemitic violence. Israeli soccer fans were subjected to targeted attacks, resulting in injuries and arrests, while Jewish and Israeli institutions, including kosher restaurants, faced threats and vandalism. Just two days before the anniversary of Kristalnacht, these acts of hatred are a stark reminder of the persistent dangers facing Jewish communities worldwide. As we confront these escalating threats, our resolve remains unwavering: to protect Jewish life, ensuring that our communities can live in safety and peace.   Here in Philadelphia, Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relation’s Council is focusing its work on combating antisemitism through increased education, strengthening our relationships outside of the Jewish community and standing up when antisemitic incidents occur. Just last week, we convened a diverse coalition of Philadelphia law enforcement, government officials, and faith leaders at [Mikveh Israel](https://jewishphilly.org/statement-from-the-jewish-federation-of-greater-philadelphia-regarding-congregation-mikveh-israel/?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_tMxE92sCLKN4zgACrE6DGzejtLRjyFhdxaGoshnFi4fOXKaVq5ejpPzofyA9JsVBVgiNf), one of the nation’s most historic synagogues, to stand united against antisemitism and condemn the recent attacks on the congregation. Together, we reinforced our collective resolve to combat hatred and bigotry. The incident at Mikveh Israel is not an isolated event and our security team continues to respond to these incidents as well as provide proactive training sessions for any congregation or Jewish institution in Greater Philadelphia to ensure we are prepared for any situation that arises. I am proud to say that this year, the Jewish Federation team has provided 70+ organizations with security trainings.    The bond between Greater Philadelphia and Israel transcends distance, rooted in shared heritage, values, and aspirations for a peaceful, secure future. Together, we will build a connected, resilient community that stands strong in times of change. You can see all of the efforts your support has made possible for Israel since Oct. 7 by viewing our latest emergency report by [clicking here](https://jewishphilly.org/ways-to-give/donate-emergency-response-fund/emergency-allocations/emergency-impact-report/?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_tMxE92sCLKN4zgACrE6DGzejtLRjyFhdxaGoshnFi4fOXKaVq5ejpPzofyA9JsVBVgiNf).    Thank you for your continued support and trust in our mission. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia stands ready to support our community and Israel — today, tomorrow and always. \*\*\* **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-november-8&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-november-8) [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-november-8) ### 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. 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