--- title: Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel description: It has been two weeks since the large-scale invasion and attack on the People of Israel began. 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Michael Balaban President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia It has been two weeks since the large-scale invasion and attack on the People of Israel began.    Currently, [I am on the ground in Israel](https://vimeo.com/875702846?utm_campaign=FY24%20Attacks%20in%20Israel&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8QbglH_eHk6NqR7qxrSoVCNobGE2xPWvO8CC2m6kqZBivLEyR-rv-PP8Y9dqCfnFseUmVD) as part of an emergency mission with other Federations to assess the humanitarian need and to provide aid. On behalf of our community, I visited with partners in Netivot to understand needs and give the community our collective hug.    The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is working around the clock to support Israel during its darkest hour.   We announced a fundraising goal of $10.025 million for urgent humanitarian needs with 100% of the money raised going immediately to Israel. As of October 20, 2023, due to our wonderful community, we have raised $8.3 million. We have distributed over $1.3 million to help Netivot and Sdot Negev residents and other communities with basic needs, emergency equipment for volunteer first responders, bomb shelters, supplies for the bomb shelters, and more.  \*\*\* 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). 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