January 14, 2025

It has been almost 5 years since I began writing this weekly column in an effort to keep our community connected at the start of the COVID pandemic. Since then, so many people in the community have commented on how much they appreciate these messages, and because of that, I've continued. Every so often, I look back at what I previously wrote, and in so doing, I have come to realize many of the themes or messages I have shared are still relevant today.

 

In last week's column, I touched on the importance and power community provides. I could never have imagined how poignant and spot-on this message would be. This past week, our community was forever changed.  

 

Even through the stories, imagery, and photos of the immense loss and devastation experienced by our community, specifically fellow community members, we have seen unbelievable acts of generosity and support. Plus, we have even learned of a couple of engagements.

 

We have witnessed unbelievable resiliency and support: people opening their homes to strangers, people setting up GoFundMe campaigns for those who have lost everything, and those who have lost everything offering support to others. Let alone the amount of financial donations, as well as clothing, food, toiletries, toys, and so much more. I continue to marvel at this outpouring.

 

And this support has come from all across the country. I hope this makes everyone feel and recognize that we are not alone and that people from all across the community are standing side-by-side with us. Personally, I have received phone calls and emails from colleagues from Jewish Federations in San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston, Orange County, and many others, asking how their communities can help. And even more importantly, they have shared that they are there if I have any questions or need someone to listen.

 

Right here in Los Angeles, sister organizations like the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, Jewish Free Loan Association, Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles, and many others are reaching out and offering their services to our community, even though we are outside their "normal" service areas. And even more locally, all of our community synagogues have reached out to see how they can help support community members and organizations that have lost everything.

 

While I agree, as some people do, that tragedy brings people together, I don't think that paints the entire picture. I think it is that during times like these, we see and feel the support that has always been there but has never needed to be actualized.

 

I remember when my wife and I took our oldest daughter to college in Birmingham three and a half years ago. While there, we met with my colleague at Birmingham Jewish Federation, and during our meeting, I distinctly remember the CEO looking at me and saying" "Jason, don't worry...we've got Hannah and will take good care of her while she is here." To me, THAT epitomized the power of what being a part of the Jewish community is all about.

 

I am hopeful that our community, specifically those who have been directly impacted, feels like they are being wrapped in the arms of the collective Jewish community, saying, "We've got you, and we will do whatever we can to help you through this." 

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