URJ and Israel: Post-October 7th Updates and Resources

tag with Hebrew and the words Bring them Home Now

Our hearts are with the people of Israel and the civilians in Gaza at this difficult time. We pray for the immediate release of all of the hostages, a negotiated ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid to innocent civilians in Gaza, and a future of safety and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.

Learn more about the URJ's longstanding positions on Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and our Israel programs and engagement opportunities.

See a full summary of the URJ's positions and statements on the Israel-Hamas conflict, post-October 7th, 2024.

Statements Actions Tools

Statements

Reform Leaders Statement on Hostage Release and Ceasefire Agreement (January 15, 2025)

Reform Movement Statement on the Death of Yahya Sinwar (October 17, 2024)

American Jewish Organizations Urge Israeli Government to Prioritize Hostages Release Before High Holidays (September 27, 2024)

Reform Jewish Leaders Mourn Six Hostages Killed by Hamas in Gaza (September 1, 2024)

Over 1,400 North American Jews Sign Petition Urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to Move Forward with a Negotiated Ceasefire and Hostage Deal (August 20, 2024)

Reform Leaders Respond to President Biden's Statement on Ceasefire Plan (May 31, 2024)

Conference of Presidents Members Rebut Statement on Majority Leader Schumer Meeting (March 20, 2024)

Reform Leaders Respond to Majority Leader Schumer’s Address on a Pathway to Peace and Two-State Solution (March 14, 2024)

The Moment We Are In, The Future We Pray For

With an eye toward the future we envision, we offer these steps we hope Israelis and Palestinians will take at this moment of intense challenge and deep pain.

Bound Together for Good: Sermon by Rabbi Rick Jacobs

Read and watch Rabbi Rick Jacobs' sermon, delivered during Shabbat morning services at the URJ's 150th anniversary gathering.

^{Photo by Theo Hansen}

View More Statements

Actions

Urge Congress to Prioritize Release of the Hostages Held in Gaza.
Show support and solidarity with those in captivity. Download our toolkit for congregations and communities to Honor a Hostage.
Support the URJ's Israel and Reform Zionism work. Your gift enables us to provide invaluable resources and opportunities for individuals, congregations, and communities across North America.

TOOLS

Key Considerations Concerning Delivery of U.S. Military Aid to Israel (May 15, 2024)
Is it Antisemitism? Guidance for a Post-October 7th World
Tips for navigating discussions with family members.
Learn how to respond to social media posts that are antisemitic, anti-Israel, and/or contain misinformation or disinformation.
Toolkit for Clergy: Prayers, readings, recordings, and resources to incorporate into your services.
Ensure the safety of your community by following these tips from Secure Community Network (SCN).
The URJ has compiled resources to help parents talk about Israel in an authentic, age-appropriate manner.
Pray for the State of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces, the civilians held captive, and for peace. The Central Conference of American Rabbis (CCAR) has compiled a free booklet of prayers.

Israel

Photo of a group of people dancing with the Torah in the streets of Boston for Simchat Torah

This Year, Will We Turn our Mourning into Dancing?

October 21, 2024

While Psalm 30 promises that God can turn our "mourning into dancing," as we prepare for Simchat Torah this week, this year the tradition of dancing with the Torah scrolls feels like too big of a leap.

Israel