Helping Ashkelon and Sderot

March 2008

Because of the confusion created by any crisis situation, we know you may have received one or more emails or letters about how to help in Ashkelon, Sderot, and nearby areas.

We are now jointly writing to tell you that both in Israel and here at home we have gotten our act together. We are also writing to tell you that the need is real – and we need your help.

How to help:

All contributions for help for Ashkelon and Sderot from the United States should be sent to Masorti Foundation, Suite 832, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10015, with a check payable to the Masorti Foundation. Contributions from Canada should be sent to Canadian Foundation for Masorti Judaism, 1000 Finch Avenue West, #508,Toronto, ON M3J 2V5, Canada, with a check payable to the Canadian Foundation for Masorti Judaism. Please be sure to specify that the funds are for the emergency appeal, either on a cover note or on the check itself.

The situation:

In Ashkelon, where the Masorti movement long has had a large and active kehilla and a gan (kindergarten) program for about 200 children, the immediate need is to reinforce parts of the building. Some large windows must be fitted with shatterproof glass. This will cost at least $60,000, possibly more.

In Sderot, Masorti already has arranged more than two dozen day trips to take residents on excursions to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, or other places – it’s also taken two busloads of children to an amusement park. On each trip, not only did Sderot residents get to visit such places as, for example, the Israel Museum, they also were treated to a good restaurant meal. More such trips are planned. Masorti’s Marom program for young adults also has sponsored several lectures and films in Sderot and has ongoing program activities there.

Masorti kehillot around Israel have welcomed visitors from Sderot both for Shabbat and during the week. We want to continue these efforts, but we need to know the resources we can commit. Please send in your contributions or pledges, and tell other congregants and friends about it as soon as possible.

We really wish that this was a letter we did not have to write, but because help is needed we are sure we can count on you.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Jerome Epstein
Executive Vice President
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Rabbi Joel Meyers
Executive Vice President
Rabbinical Assembly

David H. Lissy
Executive Director & CEO
Masorti Foundation