Israel

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

November 5, 2024

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.

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

Jewish Rituals and Symbols

This Year, Will We Turn our Mourning into Dancing?

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

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.

Photo of Rabbi Rick Jacobs standing at a podium speaking

Israel Peace and Security

Leader of the Reform Movement in the USA has not Stopped Being Disappointed Since the War

October 18, 2024

Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on Judaism in American and how the attack on October 7, 2024 affects them.

Israel Peace and Security

American Jewish Organizations Urge Israeli Government to Prioritize Hostages Release Before High Holidays

Contact: Laura Frank, lfrank@urj.org, 267-234-1497

September 27, 2024

This morning, the undersigned American Jewish Organizations delivered a letter to Israeli Ambassador Herzog calling for the Israeli government to do everything it can to prioritize the lives of the hostages and sign a deal to secure their release in advance of the upcoming High Holidays.

Israel

URJ’s Positions and Statements on the Israel-Hamas Conflict, Post-October 7th

Since the horrors of October 7th, we have brought the power of our movement’s voice to bear to call for the return of the hostages, ensuring Israel’s long-term security, and ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.