The Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel and the subsequent war have spurred the Jewish diaspora into action, with many Jewish organizations in Los Angeles and around the country organizing delegations to Israel, fundraising drives and other support services to help.
Beth Jacob Synagogue in Beverly Hills led a group of 14 congregants on a trip to Israel to visit communities affected by the war and learn about current needs and ways the diaspora can help address them.
After traveling more than 7,000 miles to Israel, Beth Jacob’s delegation embarked on a busy itinerary of bearing witness to the atrocities of Oct. 7 and meeting with those working to render aid to those affected by them.
The delegation first visited K’far Aza in southern Israel, where Hamas militants launched one of the war’s first attacks. The group walked through the wreckage from the attacks, their tour guide often stopping to pick weeds and clean up. Rebuilding, he noted to the group, would take years.
The group then moved to the site of the Nova Music Festival, where they heard more stories of Israelis killed by Hamas, along with survival accounts from people who escaped.
Janine Winkler Lowy, a Jewish philanthropist and advocate who attended the trip, said that these experiences strengthened her resolve to support the Jewish state and her citizens during this time of need.
“I was humbled by the heroism I witnessed on the ground in Israel,” said Janine Lowy. “As we saw firsthand during this delegation, communities across Israel are in dire need of support as they continue to navigate the aftermath of the tragic Oct. 7 attacks. Jewish philanthropists across the diaspora have a duty—an obligation—to lend a hand.”
Janine Lowy and the delegation then proceeded to visit the Hadassah Hospital’s underground medical facility constructed within the war’s first two weeks, where they spoke with wounded soldiers.
The group finished their three-day tour in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square. They met with hostages’ families and friends, including the best friend of Noa Argamani, a 26-year-old hostage who was ultimately rescued in Israel’s recent raid of central Gaza.
This visit took place before Israel’s successful rescue mission, and the delegation described the families’ unwavering commitment to freeing their loved ones. The group also expressed the importance of diaspora support for these families, who are forced to relive the pain and uncertainty of losing spouses, children and siblings every day.
“This experience reminded us that the situation in Israel is far more dire than what’s reported in the media,” said Lowy. “The stories of resilience and strength we encountered during this trip served as an important reminder of the resolve of Israel and the Israeli people.”
That resolve, Janine Lowy said, could also be a catalyst for action among the diaspora.
“As we return to the United States, we’re more committed than ever to serving and uplifting those affected by this tragedy,” said Janine Lowy. “Israel is the guarantor of Jewish life and the Jewish future. We must do everything we can to ensure its people can live peaceful, vibrant lives.”
