Erik Martin, Executive Director, JFNHDear friends,

 

Over the last few days, we have all been watching closely as events continue to unfold involving the United States, Israel, and the Iranian regime. These developments are serious and fast moving, and they understandably bring a mix of concern, uncertainty, and deep emotion for many in our community.

 

As your Jewish Federation of New Hampshire, we want you to know that we are following the situation closely and remain in regular communication with our national partners at the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), as well as the broader network of Jewish communal and security organizations. Our priority is to help keep our community informed, connected, and supported during a time when clarity and steadiness matter most.

 

JFNA has shared ongoing updates and resources that you can access by clicking on any of the links below. We encourage our community to review them.

 

 

At moments like this, we are reminded that Jewish community is not only about programs or events; it is about standing together, supporting one another, and responding with both strength and compassion. We hold in our hearts the safety of Israeli civilians, the members of the Israel Defense Forces and United States Armed Forces, and all those affected by the conflict.

 

We also recognize that periods of heightened conflict abroad can lead to increased anxiety and rising antisemitism closer to home. JFNH is in contact with national security partners and local community leadership, and we encourage everyone to remain aware and connected while continuing to gather proudly and safely as a community.

 

As we approach Purim, a holiday that reminds us of Jewish resilience and responsibility across generations, may we find strength in one another. A strength that creates the enduring bonds that connect Jews in New Hampshire to Israel and to Jewish communities around the world.

 

We will continue to share updates and resources as they become available. In the meantime, please take care of one another, check in on friends and neighbors, and know that your Federation is here to support you.

Sincerely,

 

JEREMY BERGER BOARD CHAIR

ERIK MARTIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR


Upcoming Israel-Related Events from JNFH:

See our full events calendar for community events. Suggest an event using our online form.

  • From the Desert to the Table
    An Evening with Raif Rashed
    An Unforgettable Evening of Story, Resilience & Druze Cuisine

    April 16 | 7:00 PM
    Manchester, NH
    Address Provided upon Registration

    Join us...

  • Jun

    07

    Israel Bazaar

    Camp Tel Noar | Hampstead, NH
     
    Join Jewish Federation of New Hampshire and synagogue partners from across the state for a joyful, family-friendly celebration of Israel inspired by the vibrant e...

What has JFNH been doing to help the situation in Israel and here in the United States?

 

JFNH director Erik Martin is in regular contact with religious and political leaders in New Hampshire, as well as with Consul General to New England Meron Rueben and with the FBI. Should there be any credible threats to the Jewish community in New Hampshire, JFNH will be contacted and distribute that information as appropriate.

 

In the meantime, we are doing our best to hold events that support our statewide Jewish community, to release vetted resources and articles, and to maintain clear communication about upcoming events and gatherings.

 

Public event information can be submitted through our online submission form. Questions can be sent to [email protected]

Memory & Hope

NH came together as a community at the State House on the anniversary of the events of October 7.

Remembering October 7th

A Statewide Memorial Service of Hope and Healing

  • New Hampshire Political Leaders Speak Out

    Official Statements from Governor Chris Sununu, Representative Ann McLane Kuster, Representative Chris Pappas, Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Maggie Hassan condemning the acts of Hamas.

Media from Past Events

 

  • Video: Defending Israel on Social Media

    On Sunday, October 22nd our former Shaliach Ra'anan de Haas joined us via Zoom to speak about social media use and bias. Note: videos shown contain sensitive, triggering or graphic images.

Press Statements

Supporters Gather in Solidarity With Israel in Concord, by Ani Freedman, 

Granite staters come together in solidarity for IsraelCommunity hears from soldiers fighting with Israel Defense Forces,
by Imani Fleming and Ray Brewer, October 11, 2023 for WMUR

Extra security planned for Israel vigils, solidarity events in New Hampshire, by Hannah Cotter, October 10, 2023 for WMUR

NH's Jewish Communities and Elected Officials Gather To Support Israel, by Ani Freedman, 

NH congressional delegation and Sununu condemn Hamas strike on Israelby Todd Bookman, October 10, 2023 for New Hampshire Public Radio

Resources for Children

 

 

PJ Library Little Hands, Big Hearts CampaignLittle Hands, Big Hearts

Send messages of hope from your child to a child in Israel

 

To turn our hopelessness into action, we invite our PJ Library subscribers to participate in Little Hands, Big Hearts, a campaign to send messages of hope from PJ Library kids in North America to Israeli children. Please ask your child to write a message or draw a picture to send to a child in Israel, and then mail your card to the PJ Library office in New York:

PJ Library,

165 East 56th Street,

Attn: Little Hands, Big Hearts, New York, NY 10022. 

 

New Hampshirites are welcome to bring or send cards to the JFNH office as well that will be sent along to PJ Library in New York.

 

 


 

Talking to Children About the War in Israel infographic

Recommended Links for Talking to Children:

 

PJ Library's Israel Hubhttps://pjlibrary.org/israel 

 

Kveller's "How to Talk to Kids About What's Happening in Israel Right Now": https://www.kveller.com/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-whats-happening-in-israel-right-now/

 

The Jewish Educator Portal: https://educator.jewishedproject.org/content/teaching-about-israel-time-crisis (Especially their recent webinar "How to Talk to Children About Israel Today")

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources for Adults

Useful Links and Resources

 

Shalom Hartman Institute's "For Heaven's Sake" Podcast episode "Israel at War - How Did This Happen?

 

Thank Israeli Soldiers via WhatsApp
Want to thank an Israeli soldier for their service? Record a video thanking them, speaking in whatever language you wish. Send your video over WhatsApp to +1-201-6208540. Organized by Thank Israeli Soldiers.

 

Camera
Founded in 1982, the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) is a media-monitoring, research and membership organization devoted to promoting accurate and balanced coverage of Israel and the Middle East. 

 

EMET
The Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET) provides accurate information and analysis to Senators and Members of Congress in regards to Israel and the Middle East.

 


 

 

Political Actions

 

Please urge your elected officials at the federal, state, and local level to speak out and make a clear and unequivocal statement in support for our ally Israel and its right to defend itself. JFNA can connect you to your representatives through this form.

 

Join ADL in calling on your Senators to urge a swift confirmation of Jack Lew as U.S. Ambassador to Israel using this form.

 

JFNH Staff will continue to vet new links and resources in an effort to keep our website up-to-date.

 

See our Full List of Resources and Links

 


 

Blue Ribbons for IsraelBlue Ribbons for Israel

 

Jewish Federation of New Hampshire is proud to support #BlueRibbonsforIsrael and staff will be wearing the blue ribbons in a symbol of unity and solidarity with hostages and their families.

 

We have a few extra ribbons available at the office (first come first serve) or visit https://www.blueribbonsforisrael.org/ to place orders (individual or bulk).

 

Learn more about #BlueRibbonsForIsrael