Fwd: Update on the situation in Eretz Yisroel 27 Tishrei 5784/October 12, 2023

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: The Agudah <news@agudah.org>
Date: Thu, Oct 12, 2023, 7:10 PM
Subject: Update on the situation in Eretz Yisroel 27 Tishrei 5784/October 12, 2023
To: <agentemes4@gmail.com>

Pirchei Call at 8 Bnos Call at 9

October 12, 2023 - 27 Tishrei 5784 As the crisis in Eretz Yisroel continues, please find some timely updates, words of chizuk, and more, below: An important security update about tomorrow; a letter of appreciation to President Biden; a joint statement from Agudah and Torah Umesorah about war-related media; chizuk and guidance for today from Rabbi Elya Brudny and Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox (10 pm EDT, 9 pm CDT); divrei chizuk from Rabbi Aharon Dovid Goldberg; an Atzeres Tefillah led by Rabbi Yitzchok Sorotzkin; a Pirchei tehillim call and words of chizuk at 8 pm EDT tonight; and, finally, a special update for Floridians seeking to return home from Eretz Yisroel. Upon consultation with members of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, Agudas Yisroel is tabling its plan to organize a mass public Atzeres Tefillah on the streets of Manhattan in today's environment. Needless to say, we continue to encourage all members of Klal Yisroel to intensify their tefillos on behalf of Yidden in Eretz Yisroel; to gather together to daven and say Tehillim for the wellbeing of the brave soldiers on the front lines of the current war, for the safe return of those taken hostage, and for the refuah sheleimah of those injured; and to beg rachamei Shomayim for all of Klal Yisroel b'chol mokom she'heim. Vigilance, Not Fear: Security Update Regarding Tomorrow:  The former leader of the terrorist group Hamas issued a statement calling on the international community to voice solidarity with the Palestinian people and their cause by engaging in mass gatherings tomorrow, Friday, October 13th. Other sources have called on members to engage in "uprisings."  It should be emphasized that the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and local police forces that Agudath Israel has met with over the past 24 hours have reported no known, credible threats at this time. Law enforcement have informed Agudath Israel that, even so, they are increasing patrols and are on high alert for any suspicious or threatening activity. That said, it is prudent for members to exercise additional caution and vigilance tomorrow, and as the war in Israel and Gaza continues. Particularly, if you see anything suspicious, do not hesitate to alert law enforcement; be alert and aware of your surroundings; and avoid higher-risk areas tomorrow. Common sense goes a long way.  This notice is being sent out of an abundance of caution. Part of the mission of Hamas in this attack, and why they have uploaded ghastly footage of their evil to social media, it to instill fear and despair amongst Jews everywhere. It is psychological warfare. While we must be vigilant, we cannot allow Hamas to succeed in these goals. Vehaboteach ba'Hashem, chesed yesovivenu. The following letter was sent by Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Executive Vice President, Agudath Israel of America, to President Joe Biden: Dear Mr. President:   Your words to the nation – and the world – on Tuesday about the murderous attack on Israel were powerful and poignant.  We share your grief about the Israelis and Americans murdered in cold blood. And we pray that the Israeli and American hostages be reunited with their families. Your clearly heartfelt expression of outrage at Hamas' barbarism and full-throated declaration of concern and support for Israel, Jewish Americans and the global Jewish community are more than just appreciated by Agudath Israel of America and its constituents nationwide. They are treasured.   And as we beseech Heaven to protect the Israeli soldiers on the front lines and the innocent hostages stolen from their families from the designs of the evil, to you we say, simply: Thank you.   Sincerely,   Rabbi David Zwiebel Rabbi Abba Cohen, Vice President for Government Affairs, Washington Director and Counsel, Agudath Israel of America, attending yesterday's meeting of Jewish leaders with President Biden Joint Statement of Agudath Israel of America and Torah Umesorah Regarding War-related Media  With the death count over 1,200, thousands injured, over one hundred taken hostage, and soldiers on the front lines, the Israel-Hamas war is unparalleled in our generation. Horrifying pictures and videos of hostages, soldiers, victims, and those injured are circulating on social media and news sites. Much of this information is being distributed by Hamas and pro-Palestinian social media accounts with the abhorrent and traumatic goals of weakening the morale of Jews worldwide, and to show contempt to their victims. We anticipate that this disturbing material will only increase in the days to come, Hashem yeracheim, G-d forbid. Please understand that exposure to this gruesome material can be extremely damaging emotionally. Therefore, anyone with social media accounts should refrain from using them, and to delete the apps from their phones to prevent seeing graphic images that can cause long-lasting psychological trauma. It is all the more incumbent upon us not to share these pictures or articles with our children. While we never recommend that people should be on social media, at this time it is important to be especially vigilant. We request that anyone who sees any disturbing images not forward, share, or repost them in any way. We call upon responsible news outlets to be sensitive to these concerns as they consider how they are covering the war in Gaza. May our continued tefillos help bring a yeshuah. Agudath Israel of America Torah Umesorah Chizuk and Guidance: How to Process the Current Events Tonight, Thursday, October 13 at 10:00 PM EDT/ 9:00 PM CDT Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Elya Brudny, Rosh Yeshivas Mir. Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services. TorahAnytime.com/AgudahLive Hosted by The Midwest Agudas Yisroel Council of Synagogue Rabbonim As the danger increases for all those on the front lines in the war in Gaza, please join us for divrei hisorerus. May Hashem keep all of our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel safe - v'yotzi'eim m'shibud l'ge'ulah. For divrei chizuk from Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Aharon Dovid Goldberg, click here or listen in on Torah Anytime: 718.298.2077, press 9 and class ID 259390 then #. Please join a worldwide Atzeres Tefillah tonight via phone, which will include divrei hisorerus and amiras Tehillim by Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Yitzchok Sorotzkin. This 20 minute program will begin at 9:30 pm EDT. Join by calling: CHAZAK 718-258-2008 then 9,1 CHAYEINU 712-432-4305 INSPIRE BY WIRE 718-906-6451 then 9,9 TISCHADSHIE 732-645-9444 Join Pirchei Agudas Yisroel's special live teleconference for children with divrei chizuk and tehillim.  Tonight, Thursday, October 12, at 8:00 - 8:15 PM EDT. Divrei Pesicha will be given by Rabbi Nosson Muller, Mesivta Yeshiva Tiferes Tzvi, Chicago. Divrei chizuk on Thursday will be given by Rabbi Moshe Tuvia Lieff, Mora D'Asra, Agudas Yisroel Bais Binyomin. Call In: US: 605-477-3000 UK: 03-3336-60871 IL: 04-3750153 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Florida in response to the ongoing conflict in Israel. In the order, Governor DeSantis emphasizes that Florida is home to one of the world's largest Jewish populations. Consequently, he calls upon the state of Florida to undertake logistical rescue operations to ensure the safety of its citizens. On Twitter, the Governor expressed his commitment, stating, "We will not abandon our citizens. For the many Floridians currently in Israel, seeking a way back home, rest assured that help is on the way." In addition, the Governor activated the State national guard to respond to the emergency as needed, and also directed that sufficient funds be made available for all emergency responses throughout the state. The Florida Department of Emergency Management is arranging chartered flights for Floridians needing safe transport from Israel - completely free of charge. If you are a resident of Florida who wishes to return home click here and fill out the form. The State Department has issued an update for those American travelers who wish to return home from Israel.  Since the crisis began, Agudath Israel has been working directly with the White House and the State Department towards finding solutions for Americans in Israel who want to return home. We have been advising Americans in Israel to register to receive updates and advisories from the State Department and receive U.S. assistance if and when needed.  This afternoon, the State Department informed American citizens who filled out the form asking for assistance in returning home that plans are being arranged to help them travel to a nearby country. The State Department said that while American air carriers are still not flying directly to/from Israel, plans are being arranged to bring interested American citizens to a nearby safe country that is NOT the United States. The US government will provide travelers with a loan to cover the costs of their initial flight. After that, any lodging and other transportation needs to be arranged and paid for by the traveler.  Only those individuals who respond to this email will receive further updates about the departure assistance plans.  Agudath Israel encourages any American who filled out the form and received an email from the State Department to reply to the email in order to continue receiving updates and travel plans.  Agudath Israel continues to work with our partners in seeking solutions for Americans in Israel who want to return home and will continue to provide updates as the situation progresses.  If you have not yet filled out the State Department intake form, do so immediately by clicking here or by calling 833.890.9595 or 606.641.0131. Americans who do not wish to leave Israel at this time should still complete the form, as the information provided will provide the State Department with an accurate accounting of Americans citizens present to assess the situation.  May Hashem heed our tefillos - and may we share besuros tovos. View as Webpage

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