Israel at War
Find our official statements, videos, prayers, articles, and content related to the conflict against terrorist organization Hamas that have erupted in Israel in October 2023.
On 7 October 2023, terrorists led by Hamas launched a large-scale invasion and offensive against Israel from the Gaza Strip. They broke through the Gaza–Israel barrier and forced their way through Gaza border crossings, entering nearby Israeli settlements and military installations.
Article | Is Zionism racism?
"Thirty years ago, in his book “A Place Among the Nations,” Bibi Netanyahu observed that even beyond its army, its technological advances, and its service to global humanitarian causes, “Israel’s great shield…was its moral stature.” Natan Sharansky noted that Israel’s enemies have sought to erode its moral stature by demonizing and thus delegitimizing the existence of the one Jewish state."
Article | Israel does not meet the definition of settler-colonialism
"A popular canard leveled against Israel and Zionism is that of allegedly being rooted in 'settler-colonialism.' (...) ...why does the accusation persist? As noted on the AJC’s website: “By charging Israel with colonizing Palestinians, Hamas and its supporters are manipulating the cause of racial justice to advance their terrorist goals….
Article | Does Israel practice apartheid against its Arab and other non-Jewish citizens?
"Anti-Defamation League executive director emeritus Abraham Foxman defines 'apartheid' as 'the system of racial segregation enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994….' The system featured 'second-class enclaves where relatively powerless people were forced to live together, often in abject poverty.'”
Article | Are Americans abandoning Israel?
"Day after day, news reports document Israeli air strikes against Hamas targets inside Gaza. (...) To the consumer of current events, concern mounts that American citizens will turn against the Jewish state in its war of survival with Iran-sponsored terror groups."
Article | On the Way to a New Israel?
"We are living in a historic moment. Undoubtedly, October 7 marks an important milestone in Israel's history. The impact of the events of the so-called “Black Shabbat” generated a deep trauma in Israeli society, not comparable to other tragic events in the history of our country."
Article | Back from Israel: A love letter of worry, mourning, pride, and resolve
"The Israeli motto of the moment is #BringThemHomeNow, translated to or from the Hebrew, “Machzirim otam ha-bye’tah akhshav.” But the Hebrew and English are not exactly the same, and the difference is instructive".
Article | The evolution of campus antisemitism
"When I discuss the war pitting Israel against Hamas — and the worldwide reaction to it — people often ask: “Why is there so much antisemitism/anti-Zionism on American campuses?” Here are few points to consider gleaned from a variety of podcasts and essays".
Article | Is public support eroding for Israel in its battle with Hamas?
"The latest extensive national poll in November, conducted by NBC, led to headlines reporting a decline in support for Joe Biden in a head-to-head presidential face-off with Donald Trump".
Special Briefing: The Rise in Antisemitism
After October 7, our communities have been glued to media outlets, trying to understand what is happening in Israel and how they could help. When the IDF started attacking the Gaza Strip, the number of antisemitic incidents increased dramatically.
Article | A Ceasefire Is the Wrong Approach
"On October 7, as Hamas massacred 1,200 people of all ages, Hamas admirers in the United States and abroad celebrated. Immediately, they demanded that Israel institute 'an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation'".
Message from Rabbi Mauricio about the Mission to Israel
A special message from our Executive Director about the Masorti Solidarity Mission to Israel and the importance of having the Global Masorti/Conservative Leadership in Israel during these challenging times.
🎞Watch the message with subtitles in English, Portuguese, or Spanish
Masorti Leadership Solidarity Mission to Israel • Special Report
From November 6-8, 35 participants from the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Germany, UK, and Israel joined the initiative by Masorti and MERCAZ Olami, Masorti Movement In Israel, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and Rabbinical Assembly.
Article | Distorting Israel’s Treatment of the Arabs in Gaza
"In routinely condemning Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians, most media have ignored the context of the administration of the “territories” since l967. Israel has treated the "Palestinians" far better than did their Arab brethren".
Masorti/Conservative Solidarity Shabbat
Members of Masorti/Conservative kehilot, schools, camps, youth programs, Jewish centers, and communities across the globe gathered in solidarity to mark the 3rd Shabbat since the attacks of October 7th on over 20 communities in Israel.
Article | Hamas Second Stage Assault - Media Distortion
"On October 7, Hamas monsters stormed the two dozen kibbutzim and yishuvim in Israel’s border so-called “Gaza Envelop.” (...) They did not hide their assault on civilization. Instead, Hamas posted copious videos publicizing genocidal deeds for their shock value".
Special Emergency Briefing with Tal Schneider
Diplomatic and political correspondent for The Times of Israel and frequent commentator on Israeli radio and TV, the award-winning Israeli journalist spoke about the diplomatic aspects of the current war against the terrorist group Hamas.
Article | Pride In the Resilience of the People of Israel
"Two parallel emotions have dominated the horrific hours of October 7 and its aftermath --- Shock and fury against the barbarity of ISIS-style Hamas and pride and gratitude for the remarkable resilience of the People of Israel".
Article | Myths and facts in the Israel-Hamas conflict
"Every few years, relentless Hamas terror attacks against Israeli civilians require Israeli responses. (...) When our self-defense takes place, Hamas employs Gaza’s civilians as 'human shields.' Hamas then inflates the number of casualties in order to galvanize international support for 'humanitarian concerns'".
Prayer for the Welfare and Return of Captured and Missing
A prayer for the Welfare and the Return of Israel’s Captured and Missing from Among our Sisters and Brothers from Masorti Movement in Israel and Rabbinical Assembly in Israel.
Prayer Service for The State of Israel
A worldwide prayer service for the safety of the captives, the healing of the wounded, the memory of the murdered and the safety and security of IDF soldiers, security and rescue forces and all citizens of Israel took place in Jerusalem.
Support Masorti's Emergency War Campaign
Masorti Israel has targeted four areas of action for which we are best placed: spiritual and emotional support; guiding, supporting and strengthening resilience; updated information to Conservative Jews outside Israel.
Latest Statements From Our Leadership
Statements from Rabbi Alan Silverstein and Emily Levi Shochat, Co-presidents of MERCAZ Olami; and Margo Gold, President of Masorti Olami; and a drasha from Rabbi Mauricio Balter, Executive Director of Masorti and MERCAZ Olami.
Special Leadership Briefing with Major General Noam Tibon
DF Major General (res.) Noam Tibon, who spent his military career specializing in counterterrorism and internal security, talked to Masorti/Conservative world and helped us better understand the situation in Israel and the IDF's next steps.
Prayer for Simchat Torah War
A prayer for Simchat Torah War from Masorti Movement in Israel and Rabbinical Assembly in Israel in English, French, German, Hebrew, Portuguese, Spanish, Ukrainian.
Statement on the War
"Masorti and MERCAZ Olami deeply condemn the heinous attacks and acts of violence by Hamas that have erupted in Israel, and unequivocally stand in solidarity with our Country and its need for self-defense and for restoring security to the Israeli population. This is a moment of profound crisis for our beloved State and People of Israel, for bereaved families and families of the wounded, and for loved ones of the hostages".
