Michael Balaban's Update on the War in Israel

- Michael Balaban
Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia President and CEO

It’s been a year since the early morning of Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a brutal attack on Israel, murdering thousands, taking hundreds hostage, and leaving the Israeli people forever changed. 

In the time since, we’ve experienced a range of emotions as we grapple with the impact of that day and the days following, both inside and outside the Jewish community. 

Now, as unbelievable as it may seem, we are marking the first anniversary – an anniversary where hostages remain in captivity, where we are still grieving from loss, where antisemitism is at an all-time high.  And yet, in our grief we must also make space for hope - as we commit to action and a better future.

As previously reported, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has raised nearly $16 million to support urgent humanitarian needs and recovery efforts to support Israel, including emergency equipment for first responders, bomb shelters, and the long-term rebuilding efforts needed, including mental health and economic support.

We have also acted. As a community, we have held vigils and rallies, participated in the March for Israel on the National Mall, and worked with local officials and schools to push for the safety and support of our Jewish community. 

We must continue to ensure the plight of the 101 hostages is not forgotten, tell the stories of those we have lost, and continue to press the world to stand with Israel as it fights on the front lines against terrorism.

That is why the Jewish Federation has joined our partners at the Weitzman Museum and other sponsors to help bring the Nova Music Festival Exhibit to Philadelphia from Oct. 6 - 13 so the public can bear witness to the atrocities of that brutal massacre. 

And our actions won’t stop there. We’ve seen a disturbing rise in dangerous rhetoric against Israel and the Jewish people, with some attempting to legitimize Hamas, with attacks on Jewish institutions, Jewish-owned businesses, and individuals. The newest form of antisemitism is to attack us for being a Nation State. At home in Philadelphia, Jewish students on college campuses have faced intimidation and harassment simply for being Jewish. We have seen protestors block our institutions, waving Hamas flags and calling for our destruction.

The FBI’s recent hate crime report, released in September, shows a 63% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2023. 

One year later, we must keep telling the stories of Oct. 7 and continue our work - standing together in support, advocacy, and determination. Together, we must root out antisemitism and ensure our community’s safety. We must fight back and stand for the people of Israel and Jews worldwide. 

I invite you to join us at 7:00 p.m. this evening for a prayer vigil held in partnership with the Board of Rabbis to commemorate the Oct. 7 massacre. The program will include prayer, mourning and messages of hope. And again on Oct. 27—the Hebrew calendar date Israel originally declared for commemorating Oct. 7—when we will gather as a community at Har Zion Temple to honor the victims and share messages of hope and resilience. We invite you to join us and make a meaningful difference.

The Jewish people and the State of Israel share a deep bond, and no matter the distance, our resolve to show up for each other has only strengthened.

I leave you with one last story – this week, I was fortunate to meet with Daniel Lifshitz, the grandson of Oded and Yocheved Lifshitz, who were both kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7. After 17 days in captivity, Yocheved was released, but his grandfather Oded remains a hostage. Since that day, Daniel has tirelessly advocated for the release of all the hostages.

Daniel’s resilience inspires us. We can all play a part in bringing the hostages home and standing up for Israel as the country works towards a lasting peace.

***