Beth Jacob's Activism During "Pillar of Defense"
Consul General visits and Beth Jacob unites in response.
On Shabbat Morning, November 17th, Beth Jacob was privileged to host the Consul General of the State of Israel, David Siegel. Consul General Siegel's visit was part of an effort to inform the community of the ongoing events during operation "Pillar of Defense". Shapell Sanctuary was filled as we were told of the conditions on the ground and the far reaching implications of the current political and military situation. Though his schedule was packed during this crisis Consul General Siegel saw fit to make sure that Beth Jacob was front and center as our community is on the front line of pro-Israel activism. His message was that despite our distance there is a great deal we can do to support our brothers and sisters in Israel. As part of our response, Beth Jacob held a historic appeal on behalf of the Israeli community of Kiryat Malachi. Rabbi Topp read an emotional letter from Kiryat Malachi (a city with a long history of kinship with Los Angeles) describing the difficulties that city underwent and the casualties its residents had suffered. In an unified gesture of support, Beth Jacob members contributed with great generosity to the welfare of that city (for more information and to donate please click here). Since that appeal, Beth Jacob staff have been in direct contact with the Kiryat Malachi municipality and we hope to continue our connection so that unity can be built from the seeds of crisis.
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