Shahar Azani from the Israeli Consulate Urges Support for Israel

The UJA Federation of New York and Westchester Jewish Council hosted a briefing on Israel featuring Shahar Azani, the Consul for Media and Public Affairs for the Consulate General of Israel in New York at Temple Israel Center in White Plains on August 14. The goal of the event was to update local residents on the current crisis in Israel and to inform them about how they can get involved. Azani provided insight on the war in Israel and delivered a moving presentation on why the public should assist Israelis in fighting for their country.

Azani spoke about the importance of supporting the Israeli people, the atrocities committed against the Jewish population and how American Jews can assist those affected by the war. "In times when the sky closes, and planes cannot make their way to Israel, everyone who is able to make his way to Israel, to hug an Israeli, to visit the women soldiers, to show support, to spread the support, it means a lot," said Shahar. He informed the crowd that if they have an opinion, they shouldn't hesitate to share it through social media. He believes it is crucial to spread awareness of the war and inform others of the events taking place in Israel. According to Azani, educating others on the topic increases the number of people who will support the cause. He preached about the power of standing together as a Jewish community to take down the enemy, otherwise known as Hamas. "Together is how we stand as Israelis in Israel, together is how we stand as Jews, as a Jewish community, here and in Israel. Together we are facing these challenges, stronger than ever before, in our joy, and in our grief, and in our belief that this is our home, and we are there to stay." Azani's speech presented the idea that the more unified the Jewish population is, the easier it will be to rise above the enemy. He stated, "we are a united people, stronger than ever before to face our enemies, sending a clear-cut message: we are in our home to stay."

The night was also sponsored by the UJA who manages the Israel Emergency Fund. As the world's largest local philanthropy, the UJA Federation strives to make a difference in lives of Israeli citizens who are struggling to cope with the war that has plagued their country. Statistics show that the Israel Emergency Fund has moved more than 65,000 kids to safe play areas and has cared for more than 60,000 elderly people this past month. Martine Fleishman, a member of the UJA Federation of New York's executive committee, commented, "today when there is a crisis that requires that we take responsibility, that we do something, we are there, and Westchester is there, standing in solidarity for our brothers and sisters, and offering real help."