From the Liveblog of
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Israeli activists in US raise funds, coordinate hosts for canceled flights
Luke Tress is a JTA reporter and a former editor and reporter in New York for The Times of Israel.
Israeli activists in the US launch a crowdfunding campaign to assist residents of southern Israel.
The activists from the anti-overhaul protest movement leverage their network of thousands of Israelis and US Jews in the US to respond to the Palestinian terror onslaught in Israel.
The funds will go to medical, psychological and physical support for the victims, the campaign says.
“We join hands to support the needs of Israelis under attack. This is what we can do from here now,” organizers say. “This is exactly the same solidarity from which we stand in rallies every week.”
All protest activities are suspended.
With some flights to Israel canceled, the activists are also organizing local hosts who can house Israelis who are unable to return home.
Activists from the UnXeptable protest group urge Israelis who are in the US and need assistance to contact them.
An open support gathering will take place at the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan at 76th Street and Amsterdam Ave. between 2-4 p.m. this afternoon.
The Israeli consulate in New York also says it is accepting all offers of help and support.
