Israel Forever Foundation

Today is Yom HaAliyah, a day that honors the journey of Abraham, who left his homeland to follow God's call, as told in Parashat L**h L**ha. This day celebrates the enduring spirit of Aliyah, the return to our ancestral land, and the ongoing contributions of immigrants to Israeli society. May we draw inspiration from Abraham's faith and determination as we continue to build and strengthen our nation.

Yom Aliyah and All Year Round: Fulfilling the Vision of L**h L’cha Israel each year honors the generations of immigrants on Yom Aliyah. Coinciding with the Torah portion of L**h L'cha, this day celebrates Olim who have come from the North, South, East and West to call Israel home. But the recognition of our national return deserves celebration every day, all year r...

Today marks the anniversary of Hannah Senesh's death.

Born in Budapest in 1921 to an assimilated Jewish family, Hannah Senesh was profoundly influenced by her father, Béla Senesh, a journalist and playwright who passed away when she was six. Experiencing rising antisemitism in Hungary, she embraced Zionism and immigrated to Eretz Yisrael in 1939. There, she studied at the agricultural school in Nahalal and later joined Kibbutz Sdot Yam.

In 1943, motivated by the plight of European Jews under N**i occupation, Hannah volunteered for a British mission to parachute into Europe to assist resistance efforts and rescue Jews. After training in Egypt, she was one of 37 Jewish parachutists from British Mandate Palestine who undertook this perilous mission.

In March 1944, she parachuted into Yugoslavia and joined partisan forces. Attempting to cross into Hungary, she was captured by Hungarian authorities near the border. Despite severe torture, she refused to reveal details of her mission or her comrades. On November 7, 1944, at the age of 23, Hannah was executed by a firing squad in Budapest.

Hannah Senesh's legacy endures through her poignant poetry and unwavering courage. Her poem "A Walk to Caesarea," commonly known by its opening words "Eli, Eli," has been set to music and remains a significant piece in Israeli culture.

In 1950, her remains were reinterred in Israel at the military cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. She is commemorated as a national heroine, symbolizing the spirit of resistance and the enduring hope of the Jewish people.

This Shabbat - 9th November, marks the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

Kristallnacht is emblematic of a significant change in the dynamics under which Jews were forced to live in Germany. The broken glass and extinguished lights of the Jewish homes and houses of prayer, business, and community centers are, these many years later, still piercing our hearts with questions. It is time we examine these questions and find answers that will aid us as we endure this next chapter of the breaking glass.

Watch our webinar to learn more about this dreadful day in Jewish history.

https://israelforever.org/vci/webinar/facing_broken_glass_live/

Jews in Conflict: Facing the Broken Glass Kristallnacht is emblematic of a significant change in the dynamics under which Jews were forced to live in Germany. The broken glass and extinguished lights of the Jewish homes and houses of prayer, business, and community centers are, these many years later, still piercing our hearts with question...

On the anniversary of Hannah Senesh’s death (November 7, 1944) we honor her bravery. She has a place of honor in the “pantheon” of Zionist feminist role models.

Wonder Woman and the Jews: Exploring Zionist Female Role Models Israel Forever Foundation activity for girls and boys, teenagers and older to learn about Zionist Feminists, be inspired and create a better future

Congratulations to President Donald Trump on your re-election!

As you prepare for the term ahead, we pray for your success in advancing peace, securing the safe return of our hostages, and strengthening stability across the region and the world. 🇺🇸🇮🇱



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Today marks the anniversary of Operation Harvest Festival (Aktion Erntefest), one of the most brutal and devastating events of the Holocaust. On November 3-4, 1943, the N**is systematically executed approximately 42,000 Jewish prisoners across the concentration camps of Majdanek, Trawniki, and Poniatowa in the Lublin District. This massacre, intended to eliminate the remaining Jewish presence, was the largest single massacre of Jews during the Holocaust.

This mountain of human ash at Majdanek still stands as a haunting and terrifying testament to the unfathomable loss and suffering endured during these dark days. It is a powerful reminder of the scale of the tragedy, representing the countless lives lost in moments of unspeakable cruelty.

In London today, pro-Palestinian protestors ripped and destroyed a painting of Lord Balfour.

It would have been no coincidence as yesterday marked the anniversary of the Balfour declaration that was so pivotal in the establishment of the State of Israel.

Check out this episode of A Jew Today where Dr Elana Heideman is joined by Albert Wexler as they take a deep dive into the historical significance of the Balfour Declaration.

Recorded in the inspiring halls of the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem, this episode is a perfect way to commemorate Balfour Day and discuss how this pivotal document paved the way for the establishment of the state of Israel.

LISTEN HERE > https://open.spotify.com/episode/1gBVkgbItxFYSq38gq8hSu?si=ccb5942ead5e41a5

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, a pivotal moment in Jewish history that laid the groundwork for the creation of the State of Israel.

On November 2, 1917, Lord Arthur Balfour’s declaration expressed British support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in the Land of Israel—a beacon of hope during a time when Jewish self-determination was still a dream.

The Balfour Declaration was a public statement issued by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour during World War I, announcing support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine (which at the time was part of the Ottoman empire).

What we now call the Balfour Declaration is part of a letter dated 2 November 1917 which Balfour sent to Lord Walter Rothschild, a leader of the British Jewish community. He requested Lord Rothschild transmit its message to the Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland. The text of the declaration was published in the press on 9 November 1917 and was heard around the world:

Today, as we find ourselves facing new and growing threats to Jewish communities around the world and challenges to Israel’s right to exist, the legacy of Balfour’s promise is a call to remain steadfast in defending our homeland, celebrating our identity, and uniting against those who seek to undermine our right to live in peace.

Read more > https://israelforever.org/programs/balfourinitiative/

Yesterday was Balfour Day - how well do you know your history? Take our Balfour Quiz and find out!

10 Minute Balfour Quiz Feeling like you got your knowledge down pat from discussing the discussion questions with your friends? Try out this quiz and let’s find out if you are a real Balfour Wiz!

Today is Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, marking the start of a unique month in the Jewish calendar. Cheshvan is distinct because it is the only month without any festivals or holy days, often earning the name "Marcheshvan"—with mar meaning "bitter." After an intense period filled with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and the spiritual peak of Simchat Torah, it can feel as though we've entered a quieter, perhaps even empty time, with no chagim to sustain the spiritual momentum until Chanukah in Kislev.

However, there’s a hidden message in the name itself. The letters of mar (מר), when reversed, spell ram (רם), meaning "exalted" or "elevated." This suggests that Marcheshvan is actually a month of great potential. With no chagim to structure our connection to God, we have a unique opportunity to deepen our Jewish identity and relationship with Him on our own, outside the usual framework of holidays and mitzvot.

Where last month offered abundant opportunities to connect with community through synagogue gatherings and festive celebrations, this month may seem quieter. Yet, that quietness is a perfect opening for us, as Israel Forever Ambassadors, to take proactive steps in strengthening our communities. Without the busy calendar of synagogue events, now is the time to create meaningful gatherings of your own. Consider organizing a Healing Hearts event to support Israelis who are struggling or displaced, reaching out to those who have been unable to return to their homes for over a year.

In a month that may feel devoid of light, let us each become a beacon. Be the inspiration and bring the warmth of connection to your community. Reach out to us if you’d like guidance or support in setting up an event; we’re here to help you make an impact. This Cheshvan, let’s transform the quiet into something truly exalted.

In Parashat Noach, the Torah uses the word mabul for flood, which connects deeply to the Hebrew word bilbul—confusion. The world at that time was filled with confusion and moral corruption. For 120 years, as Noach built the ark, people looked on, questioning, doubting, unwilling to believe or heed his warning. They carried on in their blindness, lost in a fog of disbelief, not realizing the storm that was about to come.

Today, Am Yisrael finds itself in a similar state of chaos, fighting to stay afloat amidst a world that seems to misunderstand and misjudge us. We are faced with a tide of opposition, battling not just physical threats but waves of misinformation and a confusing disregard for the truth.

It is also worth noting the word that the Torah uses for violence is the Hebrew word חמס - Hamas. The exact same word as the name of the terror group that has brought an unfathomable amount of pain and suffering into the world.

Yet, the story of Noach doesn't end in despair. It ends with a dove—a symbol of peace—returning with an olive branch, a promise that the storms would calm and a new beginning would dawn. Like Noach, if we can hold steadfast to what is true and what is right, if we stay anchored in our faith and our unity, we too will see the calm after this storm. Am Yisrael is here to stay, and we will witness days of peace, even if the waters rise before us.

Wishing everybody Shabbat Shalom!

Where is the world's outrage? Will they still continue to blame us for the continuation of this war? The human rights groups remain silent. The media remains silent.

Over a year has gone by. Are people still so ignorant and brainwashed that they still cannot accept that Hamas does NOT care about their own people? They would rather keep 101 innocent Israelis than end the suffering of millions of their people and refuse them the chance of peace. All they care about dragging this war on and making Israel and our people suffer.

Over 101 hostages remain scattered around Gaza. We don't know of their fate.

We pray for their return home immediately.

ON THIS DAY - 1956:

Israel’s eight day Sinai Campaign (Operation Kadesh) began, in order to reduce attacks from Gaza by the Egyptian-backed Fedayeen (su***de) units. The campaign was coordinated with France and England, whose forces were supposed to occupy the Suez Canal Zone, which had been nationalized by Nasser. Under massive American and Soviet pressure, British and French forces were forced to withdraw from the Sinai back to the original cease-fire line. About 170 Israeli soldiers died and 800 were wounded.

In 8 days.

We are 1 year into war. The casualty count amongst our soldiers grows and continues to cause pain with every knock at the door. But sometimes we have to gain a little perspective by looking at history, by no longer being shocked or dismayed but rather realistic as to the endless fight for Israel's freedom that continues to be fought with every war.

The price we pay is heavy, but we are lucky.... Blessed. Grateful.

Think back to the time before people could know right away of their fallen family, neighbors, friends, even from across the world, allowing our nation to come together in our shared compassion. Our collective heart.

Back then we didn't have all the capabilities, are all of the preventative measures. And today we can protect more of our soldiers by providing essential equipment that is needed for the reservists, the fathers the professionals who have put their life on hold to be on the front lines.

Do you want to help soldiers? Special opportunity to help:

**We have received a request from a unit that is in desperate need and you can help us protect 43 soldiers with gear ordered and provided directly through the required system with IDF approval and able to be delivered into the hands of the commanding officers.**

To donate go here > https://israelforever.org/contribute/israel_under_fire/

Today, we honor Israel's National Day of Remembrance for the October 7th Massacre.

1,200 innocent lives were lost, thousands were wounded, and 251 individuals were taken to Gaza as Hamas and Gazan civilians unleashed terror on our communities in the Gaza Envelope.

101 of those hostages are still being held today. Their fate? We do not know.

As we spend another day mourning, Israel suffers even more terror. Just this morning, a bus rammed into a crowd of people, injuring over 40 and killing one.

If it were not for our heroic security forces and intelligence services, these attacks would happen much more.

When will the terror end? When will the world recognize the fight we are in? As long as the world stands on the side of the perpetrators, we fear this will never end.

We mourn for the many souls lost on that day, and all the lives affected since.

We pray for safety and peace for Am Yisrael.

Tonight is Simchat Torah.

It's hard to believe that one year ago today, millions of Jews were celebrating life, dancing with the Torah, to be met just hours later in the early morning of Simchat Torah with unimaginable horror. October 7th will forever be remembered as the day of the largest terrorist attack since 9/11 and the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, but Hamas chose this date for a reason—it wasn’t the secular calendar they cared about, but our sacred Jewish day of joy.

From now on, for countless families, Simchat Torah will also be the Yahrzeit for their loved ones who were lost on that fateful day. A day that was meant to celebrate the joy of the Torah will forever carry the weight of immense loss for so many.

When Hamas chose this date they sought to attack not just our lives but the very heart of what we stand for—life, joy, and hope. While we dance with the Torah, celebrating the moral foundation that gives life meaning, they stand for destruction, death, and terror.

This Simchat Torah will be deeply challenging. Many will relive the trauma, many families will feel the absence of their loved ones, and many will be worried for those fighting to defend Israel in Gaza and Lebanon. But our greatest response, our ultimate victory, is to carry on what we do best—celebrating life, holding onto our values, and cherishing the Torah that has upheld the Jewish people through every generation.

Though this Simchat Torah will be marked with sorrow and reflection, it is also an opportunity to enter the next cycle of the Torah, and of life, with renewed strength, deeper pride, and a commitment to continue playing our part in the eternal journey of the Jewish people.

Chag Sameach, and may Hashem bless us with the return of our hostages, safety for Am Yisrael and peace in the world.

We're well into succot, but there's still time to tap into the festival if you haven't had an opportunity already.

Sit in your sukkah and listen to our latest episode of A Jew Today, as we delve into the rich traditions and profound symbolism of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Our host, Elana Heideman explores the histories and customs that make Sukkot a time of deep spiritual reflection and communal celebration. From the significance of the sukkah huts to the traditional pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Elana shares invaluable insights into this ancient festival as well as touching on contemporary challenges and the solemn reality of celebrating Sukkot amidst the ongoing conflicts.

Join us for a journey into the essence of Sukkot and its relevance today. > https://open.spotify.com/episode/52eFSWSkUGWVuSdqfXj31K?si=ggPe_fqeScCx-Zam53HHBQ

The two most essential physical needs for human survival are food and shelter. Our essential physical needs always remain at God's mercy. Passover and Sukkot serve as twin reminders of that. Passover reminds us not to take the former for granted, Sukkot the latter. On Pesach, we refrain from the sophisticated, fermented bread of civilization for the simple, haphazard, portable bread of the nomad. On Sukkot, we withdraw from the sophisticated, permanent buildings of civilization to the simple, haphazard, portable dwellings of the nomad.

On both, we recall our origins, recognize how precarious our comfort is, and celebrate our redemption by God.

However comfortable our lives are now, we all started as downtrodden slaves. And we all remain enslaved to the same physical needs for food and shelter. However successful we are at providing for them, we never fully escape the need for them and the fear of losing them. The ultimate manifestations of our vulnerability, and our faith - whatever we eat the rest of the year, wherever we live, for seven days of the year we share a taste of the same poverty, the same suffering.

The sukkah (perhaps paradoxically, perhaps not) symbolizes both impermanence AND joy. How can we experience joy when we know that all this beautiful craft will someday be erased? Kohelet provides the answer... there is nothing better in this absurd world than living IN it, and sharing it with the ones we love.