Our core mission, from the very beginning of Main Line Parent and Philadelphia Family, has been to build community. Our community is a beautiful place made up of a vast array of diverse neighbors. Right now we have neighbors in need of our support. It’s not always easy to find the words for what to say, but my family always stressed the importance of saying something because it is better than saying nothing. Sent a text, record a voice memo, reach out via email or social media if the phone call is too difficult. A 2019 study linked in the Jewish Exponent states, “According to “Community Portrait: A 2019 Jewish Population Study,” there are an estimated 351,200 Jews living in Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties.” Which is a 66% increase from the 2009 study. It was also interesting to note that “The study results show that the Philadelphia area is home to the United States’ third-largest Jewish community, after New York City and Los Angeles.” Today, we want to take a moment to express our unwavering support and love for our local Jewish friends.

In addition to sharing words of love we have asked our community to share with us the various ways local businesses are supporting this cause, and links where you are ensured your money is going right to people in need. Thank you to our friends at Perelman Jewish Day School for sharing this information sheet about resources and information for talking to your children. NPR also shared an article about how to talk to children about the war.

Please share a comment on this post if you have anything additional to add here.

**  The links we are sharing are for places providing humanitarian aid in the midst of a crisis. You may not feel called to donate, or share the same beliefs, and we always encourage anyone to investigate where their money goes before sending.

 

Business Kickbacks and Events

Alexander Muss High School

AMHS is a study-abroad High School in Israel. There is an 11th grade class from Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy currenting studying at Alexander Muss in Israel. The students are spending a lot of time in bomb shelters, they are scared and they are angry, and they are channeling those emotions to help. The students are collecting money and donations to make bags containing toiletries, snacks, and notes of support for those who have been displaced.

Buddha Babe

36% of all Buddha Babe sales are being donated to two agencies who are on the ground and doing the work, American Friends of Magen David Adom and Save the Children.

Chabad Israeli Center

2755 Philmont Avenue, Huntingdon Valley

You can drop off items on their list to send to soldiers on October 11 from 10 – 4 pm, and keep an eye on their social media for additional days and times.

Cool As a Cuc

Buy some of their yummy soups from October 12 – October 15 and a portion of proceeds will be donated to Friends of United Hatzalah. (25%)

CookNSolo Restaurants

On Thursday, October 12, 2023 100% of CookNSolo Restaurants’ sales will go to Friends of United Hatzalah, Israel’s independent, non-profit and volunteer emergency medical service (EMS), providing the fastest response to medical emergencies across Israel, free of charge. The locations listed are: Zahav, Laser Wolf, K’Far, and Goldie.

 

Freida Rothman

100% of sales of their HOPE collection will be donated to the FIDF, including the commission of local sales rep Brigid McGrath Stasen. Contact Brigid if you’d like to

Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center

The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center is holding a daily prayer service for Israel. Just as Jewish people have done for thousands of years, by coming together in prayer, song, and reflection. Daily at 12pm, service will last approximately 20 minutes, followed by time for people to share and connect. Please register.

Nana’s Kitchen

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023 25% of sales from Nana’s Kitchen & Catering in Narberth will be donated to Friends of United Hatzalah.

March For Israel

Monday, October 16. 4:00 pm March starts at City Hall, 5:00 pm Rally starts at Independence Hall

March in support of Israel! Take to the streets to show solidarity with the Israeli victims of Hamas’ attacks. The march will end in a rally with songs, messages, and prayers of unity.

Moshava Food Truck

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023 Moshava food truck will be  standing in Solidarity with the Delaware JCC at 101 Garden of Eden Road, Wilmington, DE from 5:30pm helping to raise money for Israeli families.

PJA Services

Book your house painting project with PJA Services from now through February and they’ll donate 10% of their profits to Friends of IDF.

Politz Hebrew Academy

Community Wide Gathering of Tehillim & Chizuk
Wednesday, October 11, 7:30 pm

Join the rabbonim of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Jewish community for Maariv and Tehillim. All are welcome. No registration necessary.

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

Prayer Vigil in Solidarity with Israel
Wednesday, October 11, 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Old York Road Kehillah and members of the community for a Prayer Vigil for Solidarity with Israel. No registration necessary. In-person and virtual options available. The virtual link to join the prayer vigil can be found by clicking here.

Shaare Shamayim Rally

Thursday, October 12, 7:30 pm

Join community members in Philadelphia for an indoor rally at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim.

Sweet Trading Company

On Thursday, October 12, 2023 25% of sales from Sweet Trading Company in Narberth will be donated to Friends of United Hatzalah.

National and International Financial Donation Links

American Friends of Magen David Adom

Your donation ensures Magen David Adom’s 33,000 paramedics, EMTS, first responders, and first-aid providers — volunteers and staff — have the training, equipment, and medical supplies they need to treat all injured and ill people in Israel.

FIDF

Friends of the IDF is the sole organization authorized to collect charitable donations on behalf of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces across the United States of America. There is also a “pop up shop” online  with 100% of profits from this sale go directly to the FIDF.

Jewish Federation of North America

These funds will be directed to desperately needed social services.

Jewish National Fund USA

Working to find ways to help ease the pain and trauma, through temporary housing for displaced residents, fire and rescue equipment, respite activities, psychological support, and more.

JGive

One Heart is a national response network that operates in times of crisis.

Supply Drive in NYC

List of equipment that will be sent to troops by Israelis in NYC.

Zaka

A non-governmental rescue and recovery organization, with over 3,000 volunteers deployed around the country, on call 24/7 to respond to any terror attack, disaster, or accident immediately, professionally, and with the necessary equipment. ZAKA, a civilian volunteer organization with sole responsibility in Israel for dealing with incidents of unnatural death, works in close cooperation with all the emergency services and security forces.

Photo by Taylor Brandon on Unsplash