Thank you for coming by our website.  We’re glad you’re here!

As you know, on October 7, Hamas attacked Israel while Jews around the world were celebrating Simchat Torah. At least 1,500 people in Israel have been killed since, and around 212 others were captured and taken to Gaza.

Hamas left many explosive boobytraps in Israel as they retreated back into Gaza from their attack. The IDF shared footage of one such trap on Sunday, this on a child’s backpack filled with explosives. The pack would have detonated had someone tried to pick it up. Congressional support of Israel has been very strong except for a few members of Congress known as the Squad. U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit) has refused to back away from comments blaming Israel for the deadly explosion Tuesday in the courtyard of the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, despite President Joe Biden saying information from U.S. intelligence agencies indicated that the blast was the result of a misfire by militant group Islamic Jihad. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said he had rarely seen a group of U.S. senators so “moved” and “inspired” than he did Sunday morning. He assured Israel that it has his full support in its war against Hamas terrorists.

Because Iran provides the funding, weapons and logistics for both terrorist groups Hezbollah and Hamas, the world community should resume sanctions against Iran immediately. The CBA Board of Directors has decided to donate $10,000 to the Magen David Adom through Mike Bloomberg’s site which initially matched any donation up to $50,000, following Hamas’ weekend attack. “In the wake of this weekend’s horrific and appalling terrorist attacks on Israel, many of us are asking what we can do to help,” Bloomberg, a longtime supporter of Magen David Adom wrote on his website. “The atrocities and violence we have witnessed against unarmed Israeli civilians — women, children and elderly, murdered and kidnapped — are almost too difficult to bear and demand a response.”

As a community, we must take a stand against hatred and antisemitism everywhere.  Congregation Beth Am supports Israel and will continue to work diligently towards helping the Jewish people live in safety and in peace. 

At the end of the month we will celebrate Thanksgiving and now, more than ever, we should take a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for.  We pray for Israel and the innocents.  We hope for peace.  We are thankful for the coalescing community supporting Congregation Beth Am and Israel.

Wishing you all a safe November,

–Mark

Mark Lichtenstein

President, Congregation Beth Am