Alt text: “Israeli flags waving in solidarity with Jewish causes. As the October 7 anniversary of the Hamas attacks approaches, Janine Lowy calls for renewed support for Jewish communities and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of preserving Jewish culture and security.”
As the first anniversary of the deadly October 7 attacks in Israel fast approaches, many American Jews are continuing to look for ways to strengthen their commitment to Jewish causes and to support efforts that safeguard the Jewish future. The Oct. 7 attacks, carried out by Hamas militants in southern Israel, resulted in the deaths of more than a thousand innocent people, leaving a profound impact on the global Jewish community.
Janine Winkler Lowy, a prominent Jewish philanthropist based in Los Angeles, is working to support the Jewish community in the wake of this tragedy. Upon the one year anniversary of the attacks, Lowy is urging American Jews to contribute to initiatives that enrich and preserve Jewish heritage, culture and security.
“The events of October 7 were a wake-up call for Jews everywhere,” Lowy says. “We witnessed a devastating attack on our people, a reminder of the dangers that still exist for the Jewish community. Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we unite and support organizations that are investing in a robust and flourishing future.”
Janine Lowy emphasized that the strength and resilience of the Jewish community are deeply rooted in collective action. She noted that financial contributions to Jewish causes can have a significant impact, particularly in times of crisis.
“Every donation, no matter the size, helps to bolster the work being done to support Jewish causes, communities and institutions,” said Janine Winkler Lowy. “We must do all we can to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a world where Jewish culture thrives, and where they can live without fear.”
As American Jews reflect on the significance of this somber anniversary, Lowy suggested several ways that they can get involved.
First, Winkler Lowy said, you should look for opportunities to support your local Jewish federation. Most major American metropolitan areas will have a Jewish federation that advocates for the interests of Jews locally, from providing grants to Jewish schools in the region to security services at synagogues.
Janine Lowy also highlights the importance of supporting local Jewish organizations that provide essential services to communities across the United States. “We need to ensure that Jewish life in America remains vibrant and that our communities are strong and secure,” she says.
To directly support relief efforts on the ground in Israel, Lowy recommended that prospective donors look toward Magen David Adom. Israel’s national emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, was on the front lines during the October 7 attacks, providing lifesaving care. Donations help fund emergency medical services, ambulances, and blood banks that are vital to Israel’s security.
No matter how or where you get involved, Lowy said, contributing to Jewish causes this September and October, as the Jewish High Holidays and Oct. 7 anniversary coincide, represents a strong show of resolve and commitment to the Jewish people and the Jewish future.
“The memory of those we lost on October 7 should inspire us to act,” Janine Lowy says. “By supporting Jewish causes, we’re not only honoring their memory but also building a safer, stronger future for the Jewish people.”
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