We continue to be alarmed at the increasing rates of antisemitic sentiment, speech, and acts in our community and across the country! We know you are eager to step up, speak out, and assist because that is what our community does and what we do at the Jewish Federation of Omaha. We remain steadfast in our unwavering support and stand with Israel for as long as necessary to eradicate the HAMAS terrorists.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the provisional unity government warned of a “long and difficult war” ahead, and that brings particular challenges and opportunities to us as Jews in America. Attacks on Israel are almost always followed by harassment, vandalism, and violence against Jewish institutions and individuals here in the U.S. and abroad. We are following the ADL’s constant and reliable monitoring of increasing extremist and antisemitic acts. To view the most recent data on antisemitic incidents and anti-Israel rallies, visit the ADL’s website.
The JFO also wishes to make clear that we mourn the tragic loss of Palestinian civilians who are in harm’s way in Gaza because of the deliberate and irresponsible actions of HAMAS, and we support those members of our community who stand in support of the safety of Israelis, while simultaneously expressing their concern for Palestinian civilian safety. Of equal concern to us are the safety and well-being of our friends in the Muslim communities in our city and state. Just as there is heightened antisemitism, there has also been an increase in Islamophobia-motivated incidents and crimes and we unequivocally condemn such actions.
This page will be regularly updated with resources, local events, and ways you can help support Israel from afar. From FAQs on how to combat anti-Israel disinformation in social and conventional media, to resources to links for parents of children of all ages, the JCRC is here to provide information and support.
The JFNA’s Community Mobilization Center is monitoring major developments in Israel and North America related to Israel’s war to defend herself against HAMAS, and rapidly disseminates resources to help mobilize and support our local communities as we work to build and sustain civic and political support for Israel in this conflict. The Community Mobilization Center is monitoring major developments in Israel and North America related to Israel’s war against Hamas. The Community Mobilization Center will rapidly disseminate resources to help mobilize and support our local communities as they build and sustain civic and political support for Israel in this conflict. The work of the Community Mobilization Center will continue as long as it takes Israel to eradicate the terrorist threat and restore security to the country.
The Community Mobilization Center is at your service. Open Zoom hours to ask questions and seek support in your community’s response efforts will be held daily from 10-12 ET at this link. Click here to send us an email.
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JFNA’s Instagram is live and growing and we encourage you to follow, like, and share JFNA’s recent posts, reels, and stories. Follow Jewish Federations on Instagram
We also encourage anyone with questions or information to call or email us at 402.334.6572 or JCRCinfo@jewishomaha.org.
The Omaha community gathered to commemorate the victims of the tragic events of October 7th. We remember the lives lost and demand the safe return of all remaining hostages. We are committed to supporting Israel and our Jewish community through these difficult days. Let’s stay united and keep advocating for peace, safety, and security. ##NeverForgetOct7
Find a Fact Sheet of Frequently Asked Questions about the war and HAMAS here.
We also highly recommend this document that was prepared by our JCRC colleagues in St. Louis.
Want more information? We recommend:
The Anti-Defamation League‘s Myths and False Narratives About the Israel-HAMAS War
From Myths & Facts to social media kits, The American Israel Public Affairs Committee has many resources! Check out AIPAC’s Israel at War library.
American Jewish Committee has published “Everything You Need to Know About The October 7 Attack on Israel”
View a video from the IDF about “10 Need-to-Know Facts About Hamas”
How to Talk to People Who Hate Israel is an interesting article from The Forward’s Senior Columnist Rob Eshman.
If you’re not familiar with Stand With Us, check them out! is resource-rich, and its social media is also very good! Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Evacuation, Transport, Housing, Basic Needs
Respite Activities for Frontline Communities
Fund for Victims of Terror
Special Populations
Trauma Relief/ Psychosocial Support Emergency Medical Services&. Healthcare Emergency Operational Support Volunteers
Mid-to-long term needs
Report Antisemitism
Elevate Awareness of the Hostage Situation
Spread awareness about the many civilian hostages, among them women, children, and elderly, who were abducted from their homes. Here is a list of names: https://stories.bringthemhomenow.net/ as well as downloadable flyers to distribute at https://www.kidnappedfromisrael.com/.
Say Kaddish
This week, as the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists against innocent Israelis mount, our hearts are heavy, as we mourn too many lives lost. Nearly 1,300 people have been murdered and we estimate the numbers will rise. We invite you to adopt one person from this list to say Kaddish for them so that their memory may be a blessing.
Thank Elected Leaders
What NOT To Do!
We encourage our community NOT to counter-protest.
Antisemitic and anti-Israel content and disinformation online are not only deeply disturbing but they can also contribute to a sense of insecurity and helplessness. There are, however, steps we can take to combat, report, and not perpetuate falsehoods. Here is one of the best articles with links to additional resources to provide some tips for when and how to engage – or NOT to engage.
Jewish Federations of North America has created a very helpful document, “War in Israel: Fighting Back Online.” It’s full of strategies to combat disinformation as well as guidelines and facts.
The U.S. Department of State Office of Religion and Global Affairs has also published a guide to combat Antisemitism on Social Media. Read or download that document: Report-to-State-Department-on-Best-Practices
The Combat Antisemitism Movement also has valuable information on how to report antisemitic content here.
To recognize, distinguish, and address these types of bad information, check out this Media Literacy Resource.
What do you say to your kids when they are out in the world and learn that there are people who say and do hateful things to Jewish people, even though those people don’t even know us? PJ Library has some good advice and resources to empower and support parents.
The ADL is reporting alarming increases in antisemitic incidents compared to the same time period last year, and our Jewish students, teachers, and families confirm that with every call they make to the JFO. We like the portal developed by The San Diego County Office of Education for educators https://www.sdcoe.net/about-sdcoe/news/post/~board/news/post/resources-for-educators-families-to-discuss-the-events-in-israel-and-gaza-with-students.
The Child-Mind Institute also has some excellent tips for speaking to our children about the horrific current events. Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event can be found here in English, and here in Hebrew
Kveller published a very helpful guide broken down by age group, How to Talk to Kids About What’s Happening in Israel Right Now
For more general advice, please see the ADL’s guide on having family conversations about difficult topics
The precipitous rise of virulent and violent antisemitism and anti-Zionism on college campuses has been particularly disturbing. We want to thank JOFA ( the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance) for compiling these resources on everything from data and talking points to where and how to report and take legal action.
Hillel International: Resources for Students on the Hamas-Israel War and Antisemitism on Campus
The horrific events unfolding in Israel are understandably triggering fear, anxiety, anger, and more, especially among people with close personal ties to Israelis or with children or other relatives serving in the Israeli Defense Forces. If you or someone you know and love needs emotional support and/or mental health services should contact Jewish Family Services at (402) 330-2024.
Nearly 200 innocent civilians, soldiers, Israelis, and non-Israelis, including babies, children, elderly, women, and men, were abducted from Israel by Hamas and taken into Gaza. Bring Them Home Now.
Federations are mobilizing physicians, mental health professionals, nurses, nurse practitioners, and others who can volunteer their services to the victims of the Israeli tragedy via telemedicine and tele-mental health technologies. The goal is to offload the Israeli healthcare system that is already impacted by an upsurge of the medical and mental health needs of the Israeli population. Sign up here to get involved in the American Telemedicine and Mental/Behavioral Telehealth Initiative for Israel.
Please contact the Israeli Consulate in New York at 917-756-8387 or 212-499-5321 for information about relatives or loved ones currently in Israel.
If you encounter an antisemitic or other hate incident, you are not alone. Your first call should be to the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) in Omaha at 402-334-6572, or email JCRCreporting@jewishomaha.org. Our office will contact law enforcement if necessary and report it to the ADL for data collection and additional support.
The Secure Community Network (SCN) has created an Incident Reporting Form (IRF) to standardize an online form for the public to use to report threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members. Report Here
