Torah Fund Stands With Israel, October 9, 2023 

Editor’s Note: This is a report on our virtual program that took place two days after the savage terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7. Much more information has since come forth in the public realm related to the horrifying events of that date and the rise in antisemitism worldwide. 

Usually, our Torah Fund Stands with Israel programs include a d’var Torah by a learned rabbi and a presentation by an Israeli diplomat concentrating on their work experiences, cultural connections made with the host country, and how they developed their career path and became interested in diplomatic work. Who would ever have thought this presentation would focus on the horror, shock, and confusion of the October 7 Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah surprise attack on Israel by Hamas?  

I recognize that by the time this issue of Chadashot is distributed, these fluid circumstances will have changed. Still, I am writing this article as a snapshot of events and feelings on October 9, and I hope it continues to be meaningful. 

Support and Solace Through Scripture 

Rabbi Margie Cella, educational programming coordinator at Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, began with a d’var Torah. She explained that prior to Shabbat, she hadn’t prepared her remarks for our program. Nothing really resonated yet. She told us that until now, her most difficult d’var Torah was given after the Tree of Life massacre in Pittsburgh. In times of deep and conflicting emotions, it’s comforting to turn to scripture. By Saturday morning, learning of the attack, she sensed the details would be grim, with unimaginable depravity, death, injuries, and capture. 

Quoting Lamentations 2:11, she described the pain, “My eyes fail from weeping and my heart is poured out on the ground as my people are destroyed.” She then spoke of Lamentations 2:13 describing Jerusalem’s ruin as vast as the sea. She noted that the Tehillim of King David written over 3,000 years ago are as relevant now as then: It was written in Psalm 140 that we implore G-d to listen to our pleas for mercy and not grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their plot succeed. Citing Isaiah 66:13, she explained we will be comforted and will be called upon to comfort this bereaved nation. Moving on to Joshua 1:9, she taught us that the lesson here is to be strong and courageous, for G-d is with you wherever you go.  

She cautioned us that the fight will get worse before it gets better, but ended with 1 Chronicles 17:9 stating that G-d will provide a home for the people of Israel and make it secure. Rabbi Cella’s wish is that it come speedily in our day.  

This beautiful, relevant d’var Torah provided peace, comfort, faith, and hope. It was exactly what was needed during these dark, uncertain times. 

Our Hearts Are Breaking—What Steps Should We Be Taking? 

Our featured presenter was Yael Hashavit, consul for cultural affairs in North America for the State of Israel, a senior Israeli diplomat with 27 years of experience. In all her years serving, she can’t remember more difficult times. She was born during the Yom Kippur War, a child of Holocaust survivors. 

She assured us that the Israeli Consulate is active 24 hours a day. She implored us to share truthful information. Flights for those who need to get back to Israel are needed, as well as donations. However, she cautioned us to beware of fake links that deceptively have donations going to Hamas! Unknown links are dangerous, and donations should be made to known and vetted organizations. Torah Fund recommends that donations be made to organizations in Israel working on the front lines, and suggested the following:

American Friends of Magen David Adom   
Friends of the IDF    
United Hatzalah of Israel    

Yael answered many questions and gave as much information as she could. She mentioned that despite the devastation of a rocket attack on Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon, it is still caring for people. Schools are closed, but Israel is very adept at online education as a result of the pandemic. Still, she felt it would be helpful to have Hebrew-speaking teachers from other countries participate in teaching. Their different experiences would help Israeli children not dwell on their current circumstances.  

Of course, the intelligence breakdown was on everyone’s mind. She implored us that it is too early to look for answers now. The focus must be on identifying the bad actors, defending the country, protecting its people, resolving the hostage situation, and burying Israeli dead.  

Our listeners then turned to the evacuation of Israeli residents. Yael advised that for the short term, residents are going to their family and friends. However, there are communities such as the Be’eri Kibbutz that no longer exist as they were and will have to be rebuilt from scratch. Israel is very adept in moving people, and after the war is over, help will be needed to rebuild communities. 

Yael was questioned about how this attack is different from past experiences. She noted that in the past, it was soldiers vs. soldiers. Now, it is crimes against humanity: butchering, kidnapping, raping, and stealing. The victims are civilians, including the elderly, children, and young people attending a music festival. The perpetrators are not soldiers, they are terrorists happy to “smell the blood.” She noted that at least a thousand people were murdered, and Israel is a small country. 

She is heartened by the response of some Arab countries that have said these events are terrible and unacceptable. Even Iran has stated they had nothing to do with this. Morocco, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have condemned these attacks. Egypt is trying to negotiate and aid in a solution. When questioned about a two-state solution, Yael said this is not the time to talk about this issue; she said there are really three states now: Israel, the Palestinian Authority, and Gaza, so a two-state solution is not relevant at this time.  

Hezbollah was then discussed, and Yael compared them to a badly behaved kindergartner. Still, they are all proxies of Iran and there is concern. 

As for security threats outside of Israel, it is time to be cautious and careful. 

How do we address the increasing sympathy toward Gaza being expressed? Yael shared that this is not the time for politics. Whatever you think about the plight of the residents of Gaza, no one has the right to murder, rape, and kidnap people. Hamas has governed since 2007. Israel provides their electricity. Hamas uses their funding for terror, not for the betterment of their people, which is shameful. 

Finally, in addressing how we can help, she asked us to show the beautiful faces of Israel. Promote Israeli films, festivals, art, sports, and music. Invite non-Jews to learn about Israeli culture and life. Israel will survive and remain a center of creativity. 

When questioned about the need for better public relations promoting Israel, she noted that when you are strong, you are the one to blame. She spoke of her time serving in southern India. India and Israel became independent at about the same time, yet, in India, pervasive poverty still prevails. Israel has been successful in water conservation, technology, and the provision of a superior standard of living. The goal is to try to change opinions about Israel little by little, person by person. She thanked us for the opportunity to speak with us.  

These “up close and personal” conversations with Israeli diplomats connect us with Israel in a way that written text never could. 

We ended the program with an inspirational prayer written by Rabbi Ellen Wolintz-Fields expressing love for Israel and asking for strength, peace, and safety of the soldiers, captives, and wounded, and for Israel’s success in its mission. It was a profound end to a moving program and community-building evening. 

About the Guest Speaker

As of January 2023, Yael Hashavit assumed the post of consul for cultural affairs in North
America for the State of Israel. She is a senior diplomat who has served in variety of diplomatic
posts including senior advisor to the director general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, consul
general of Israel to South India, and CEO of Israel’s Haigud Society for Transfer of
Technology (aka The Israeli Society for International Cooperation).

Yael has long devoted herself to promoting Israeli culture both in Israel and around the world.
She brings with her a wealth of experience but mostly a personal passion to exposing Israeli
culture and its innovative beauty and uniqueness to local audiences.

Yael is married to Shachar, a chef and culinary advisor, and they are parents to two teenage
daughters. Yael and Shachar are considered to be amongst the biggest collectors of Israelina
(Israeli art and folklore items), from the early days of the State of Israel. Their collection
includes books, records, ceramics and so much more.