March 17, 2025

Dear Seattle community,

I recently returned from Israel, my first visit there since October 7, 2023, where I traveled with some of the leadership of the Samis Foundation, key partners in much of our work. We saw firsthand the impact of October 7 and the ongoing multi-front war, and had the opportunity to meet with many organizations who are doing remarkably impactful work on the ground.

One of the most powerful themes of the conversations I had with Israelis was the way people across the country mobilized to support one another after October 7 and continue to do so today. I met Israelis who have spent the last 15 months caring for displaced children, Israelis whose high-tech businesses pivoted to provide logistical support early in the war, and Israelis who have been providing continuous mental health support to their fellow citizens. One person told me that this collective response — the deep sense of responsibility for one another — is a manifestation of modern Zionism in Israel. I found that to be a powerful sentiment; I heard plenty of criticism from Israelis about their government, but at the same time, Israelis hold a deep sense of commitment to, and love for, their country. Holding both feelings at once is a level of nuance I think has often been lost in conversations here in North America.

There were two words that kept coming up over and over again during my trip: trauma and resilience. In a country the size of Israel, everyone was personally affected by October 7 and the war. It felt like everyone was, at most, one degree of separation from someone taken hostage or killed. While each person’s experience was unique, trauma felt like a universal experience that Israelis have had to share. At the same time, there was universal talk of resilience—the need to persevere, have hope, and to find ways to heal. Some of the most powerful efforts I witnessed were from organizations in Israel focused on exactly this work.

There is also an element of Israel being frozen in time, still stuck on October 7. I visited Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, which has turned into both a center for activism and an ever-evolving memorial. I was there just a few days after the funeral of the Bibas family and the scene of memorial candles and flowers piled high next to a picture of Shiri Bibas and her children, Ariel and Kfir, depicted as angels was extremely powerful. Israelis are still talking about October 7 like it was yesterday and for those with loved ones still in Gaza, or still actively serving in the army, some of the initial trauma is still ongoing. I don’t think Israel will be able to have any closure from this dark ongoing chapter until the rest of the hostages are home.

Across North America, the Federation system has raised nearly $900 million to support Israel since October 7. I saw the impact of that investment firsthand—organizations that are helping to rebuild the agricultural infrastructure in the south along the Gaza border, much of which was destroyed; organizations that are providing counseling and retreats to process trauma for reserve soldiers and civilians; hospitals that are engaged in long term rehabilitation work with those injured; and organizations that have shifted their work to support the care of evacuees from both the North and South.

One of the recipients of money from the Federation system’s Israel Emergency Campaign is the Israel Midwives Association, which, after October 7, has supported women whose partners were killed, injured, or in active military service.

This Thursday night, we’ll be joined by the leaders of the Israel Midwives Association, at our annual women’s event, Connections, and if you are not yet signed up, there are still a few tickets left to hear their inspiring story. I hope you’ll consider joining us.

As my plane landed back in the United States, the last announcement from the El Al crew was a prayer for the return of the hostages—a reminder that October 7 is constantly at the forefront of Israelis’ minds. I know it is for many of us as North American Jews as well. 

Am Yisrael Chai,

Solly Kane, President & CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle