We in the Los Angeles Jewish community watch the war between Israel and Iran with fear and trepidation. Our anxiety is high, and we feel for the Israelis who are exhausted from over 620 days of war with Gaza, now confronting missile barrages from Iran. As of this morning, at least 24 Israelis have been killed, 804 are injured, and over 1,000 people have been displaced from homes that are destroyed, now forced to find shelter. Schools and businesses are closed. People are asked to stay close to safe spaces, shelters, and fortified rooms.
There’s also a rush on supermarkets and social services. Emergency supplies for vulnerable families are urgently needed. Israelis who are stranded abroad, separated from their families, are trying to get home.
Members of our Los Angeles community currently in Israel cannot leave, and are feeling a deep sense of uncertainty. We are in close contact with our partners and program participants to ensure that those abroad are safe and cared for. We’re also in touch with their families here to share the most up-to-date information.
In the early days of this escalation, Iran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel. Even a single missile sends millions scrambling to shelters — disrupting lives and stoking anxiety. The fallout is devastating.
JFEDLA is built for moments like this, and here are some of the ways we’re offering support through this uncertain time.
As we’ve done in similar times of crisis, through our powerful network of trusted partners, we are providing emergency trauma care; food, clothing, and relocation assistance for affected families; educational resources for children in disrupted areas; and mental health services for victims of violence.
This support also includes repairing bomb shelters and delivering activity kits for children sheltering in place. Our partners are offering emergency childcare for hospital workers so they can continue caring for the injured. We are helping to establish pop-up schools, summer programming, and community support in the north and south.
We’ve already allocated emergency funds to create a logistics center in Israel’s north and help families return to their homes in Sha’ar HaNegev and other high-risk regions in the south and north. These critical investments come from your support through our Israel Emergency Crisis Fund. This moment reminds us why JFEDLA, and the global Federation system, exist. Thanks to you, we are delivering aid where it’s needed most, and we are doing it quickly, effectively, and compassionately.
Violence abroad can also directly impact security at home. Our Community Security Initiative (CSI) has activated its protocols and is in regular contact with local and federal law enforcement. CSI is working to handle an increase in vulnerability assessments from local Jewish institutions. At this time, there are no known credible threats to Los Angeles. CSI is working vigilantly to keep it that way.
To our local Israeli community: We see you. If you have family or friends in harm’s way, reach out to us. We are here to help, to listen, to connect you with resources, and to support you.
To our local Persian community: We stand with you. We know this moment may feel uniquely painful and complex, especially if you have loved ones in Israel or Iran. Reach out. We are here for you.
Please help by contributing to JFEDLA’s Israel Emergency Crisis Fund. Our critical work caring for those affected by this war is well underway and very much needed.
If you need something, tell us. If you’re scared, call us. If you want to help, we’ll show you how. This is who we are. And we are here for you, for Israel, and for every Jew who needs us. Together forever.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Orna Wolens
Chair of the Board
Rabbi Noah Farkas
President & CEO
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