Israel Updates

For many students and educators, the scale and violence of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 and the events that have unfolded since, have evoked many different thoughts and emotions. Our hearts are broken by the unprecedented massacre that killed more Jews than on any other single day since the Holocaust. The images are harrowing, and many community members have family or know someone in Israel, and they are fearful their children are not safe at school. It is important to be aware, especially as the enormity of the situation unfolds, that these events will likely spur...

Dear Community, JewishColumbus is aware of various news reports on the statement Hamas issued yesterday calling for a “General Mobilization” of the “Arab and Islamic world” this Friday, Oct 13. There is a lot of misinformation being spread on the internet, specifically on social media, which is why we are reaching out: 1. There have been no credible threats to the U.S. Jewish community arising from the recent events in Israel. However, it’s important to stay vigilant as situations can change rapidly, and individuals may be motivated to engage in harmful actions without warning, including continued in-person and online harassment, anti-Israel demonstrations,...

JewishColumbus and its Jewish Community Relations Council is committed to keeping you up to date on the latest developments in Israel. Please check back here for the latest updates. For links to more resources regarding Israel please click here. October 7, 2023 1:25pm EST – Update from JewishColumbus President of the Board of Trustees & the President and Interim CEO: Dear Columbus Community, This morning we awoke to horrific news that Hamas terrorists launched an unprovoked and pre-meditated attack on Israel from Gaza. We usually don’t communicate on Shabbat and a holiday; however, this is different and unprecedented. It has...

  JewishColumbus and its Jewish Community Relations Council is committed to keeping you up to date on the latest developments in Israel. Please check back here for the latest updates. For links to more resources regarding Israel please click here. July 11, 2023 10:55am EST – Update from Jewish Federations of North America: Today has seen very high tension in Israel, with perhaps the most significant developments since the new government was formed just over a half a year ago. The debate and protests over the issue of proposed judicial reforms intensified dramatically, with protest groups launching a “National Day...

JewishColumbus is committed to keeping you up to date on the latest developments in Israel. Please check back here for the latest updates. For links to more resources regarding Israel please click here. July 5, 2023 11:27am EST – Update from Jewish Federations of North America: Following a difficult day in Israel, Israeli troops have withdrawn from Jenin, signaling the end of the two-day IDF operation there. One Israeli soldier was killed as the fighting drew to a close. Also yesterday, nine Israeli civilians were injured during a terror attack in North Tel Aviv. As we reported on Monday, Israel...

Lauren Nemerovski Joins JewishColumbus to Fight Antisemitism and Promote Education JewishColumbus is excited to announce the appointment of Lauren Nemerovski as their newest Manager of Israel & Community Relations. Nemerovski brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. Originally from Chicago, IL, Nemerovski moved to Aspen, CO at the age of 13 before attending the University of Michigan where she earned a Bachelor in International Relations and Political Science and a minor in Judaic Studies with a concentration on the Holocaust. She later earned her Masters with a focus in Security and Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University.  While...

Dear Community, As we welcome a new Shabbat, our hearts are with Israel and its citizens facing an escalation of rocket attacks aimed at Israeli cities and communities. Now entering a fourth day, Israelis across southern and central Israel have braved an onslaught of over 880 rockets. Thanks to the Iron Dome, over 260 of those rockets have been intercepted. Despite the optimism that a ceasefire was likely yesterday morning, within a few hours Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fired barrages of rockets at Israeli population centers. We were horrified to learn that one person was killed and several injured after...

JewishColumbus is committed to keeping you up to date on the latest developments in Israel. Please check back here for the latest updates. For links to more resources regarding Israel please click here. May 15, 2023 4:00pm EST – Update from Jewish Federations of North America: An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) took effect at 10:00pm Israel Time on Saturday night. So far, it seems to be holding. Israel’s National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said, “Quiet will be answered with quiet. (But) if Israel is attacked or threatened, it will continue to do everything it needs...

Dear Friends, In one month Israel will mark her 75th year of Independence. It is a truly historic event that will be proudly celebrated here in Columbus as well across the globe. We recognize as we commemorate this momentous occasion, discussion of Israel in recent months has been emotionally charged. Many of you have reached out to share your anxieties and fears over the news regarding judicial reforms. We all care deeply for the State of Israel, and our support as a Jewish community in Columbus is unwavering and everlasting. Each of us have a different connection to and experience with...