DEAR FRIENDS,

September 2024

Will troubles never end? I am reluctant to write a newsletter because by the time I click the "send" button whatever has been written may be out of date. But I am trying to stay in touch – to keep the ties that bind fresh. In case you visit the Tel Aviv art museum these days you will notice a lot of empty walls. This is because they are taking the threat from Iran seriously and have moved their most precious works of art into a safe and protected area.                                                              

We should all have a safe and protected area, whether you live in a villa or in a multi-storied house. Every apartment has an area that is safest and if that is not possible then you move into the stairwell, which is generally in the center of the building and so the safest from outside injury.

But why should I ramble on? The Home Front Command has a wonderful and in-depth information page (several pages if you count the links). Pardon me if I am repeating myself, but the importance of BEING INFORMED cannot be expressed enough. If you know ahead of time what to do, then – God forbid – if you need to know then you have the information at your fingertips. Looking for information when you need it is not the time to look. NOW is the time to look and be informed. Simply go to www.oref.org.il (you can click on the link right here) then click on the link that takes you to English. (It's on the left on top) The information is thorough and tells you all that you have to know. Read it and learn it – and if we never need it - God willing – then you will have had a little mental exercise. It can't hurt, right?

I know for sure I am repeating myself when I say DRINK WATER, and do so all day long. This has been the hottest year in history, and it's not over yet. Personally, I brew a pot of my favorite tea (no, I'm not British but I like tea) (and there is a rumor going around that it has more caffeine in it than coffee so don't drink it too close to bedtime) and cool it down and occasionally drop in a couple of ice cubes - although I go light on the sugar - and chill out.

That's enough of advice and exhortation for now. (Exhortation – isn't that a cool word?)  I would be amiss (another cool word) if I didn't remind you all to remember the hostages in Gaza. I'm sure that they are always on our mind and in our hearts and prayers. The murder of our six hostages just because they could is heartbreaking. There are no words to express the grief. Say a prayer for them now and then.

And if, GOD FORBID, there should be an alert, here are the simple guidelines from the Home Command: (Courtesy of the AACI)

And now for a little bit of lighter stuff...

And it may be a little early to be thinking of the holidays because Rosh HaShana comes rather late this year. But the holiday spirit is undeniably in the air. If you need to get your car serviced, or you need an appointment by the doctor, or you need anything at all that requires an appointment, you will most likely be told "Acharei haChagim" which means "after the holidays". It seems that every institution employs people who have already made their plans for the holidays and you just have to wait until they return from their holiday. So just to be sure that we don't miss you, we will wish you a Happy New Year and well over the fast right now. From all of us at ESCA. May the best of last year be the worst of the new year. Get it? May the year bring us peace and health and only good news.

Emergency Numbers

Citizens Rights in an emergency situation (Hebrew)
https://www.kolzchut.org.il/he/  (need to google translate if you do not know Hebrew)

Israel Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) Phone: 104
This is the official address for Israeli citizens during these times:
https://www.oref.org.il/en

Israel Police / Phone: 100
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/israel_police/govil-landing-page 

MADA – Ambulance / Phone: 101
https://www.mdais.org/en

National Fire and Rescue Authority / Phone: 1299
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/firefighting_and_rescue_israel/govil-landing-page

Emotional Support

Association of the Deaf in Israel
Contact: +972 52-6033505 / Website: 
https://www.deaf-israel.org.il/contact-us

Al-Anon Israel serves friends and family of alcoholics
https://www.al-anon-israel.org/

Crises Intake for U.S. Citizens in Israel
https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake

Eran Hotline
Sponsored by the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration to provide emotional support, is open for immigrants to Israel in English, Russian, Amharic, French and Spanish between the hours of 4pm and 9pm at *3201.  Website: 
https://www.eran.org.il/helpline-for-olim-eng/

Ezer Mitzion

• psychological support: 1800808100
• special for people 60+: 1800802030 (between 8am and 8pm)
• want to volunteer?: 0732477777
• need medical equipment?: 036144500
• Bayt Cham: *9518
• Special professional hotline, for free, for boys, for girls, in English also: *8147, 24/7 *for more
• info: m1599503232@gmail.com

Get Help Israel
https://gethelpisrael.com/

Help Line for Holocaust Survivors
https://www.k-shoa.org/index.php?language=eng
Number to call is *5105 or 03 5682651

Kav LaOved – Workers Hotline
Foreign aid workers are able to check regulations via this link:
https://www.kavlaoved.org.il/en/

Leket food Bank in Israel
https://www.leket.org/en/volunteers/

Mashaabim Center
Parenting and family in an emergency: 
https://hoseneastgalil.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Parenting-and-family-in-an-emergency.pdf

Health Funds

Meuhedet *3833 – 3 for English
Maccabi *3555 – 4 for English
Leumit *507 – 4 for English
Clalit *2700 – 4 for English

English News Resources:

i24News: https://www.i24news.tv/en/
Ynet: https://www.ynetnews.com/
Israel National News:https://www.israelnationalnews.com/
The Jerusalem Post: http://www.jpost.com
Ha’Haretz: http://www.haaretz.co.il
The Times of Israel: https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Arutz Sheva: https://www.israelnationalnews.com/

Other Helpful Resources:

Libby – Israel Digital Library
LIBBY for the Southern Evacuees Click here

Behavioral guidelines while driving a vehicle during sirens
https://www.oref.org.il/12487-16149-en/Pakar.aspx

Choosing a Protected Space – Pikud HaOref
https://www.oref.org.il/12487-15895-en/Pakar.aspx

How to explain the war to our children: A guide for parents
https://www.oref.org.il/12487-15895-en/Pakar.aspx

The Silent Radio Broadcast Stations Activated During Shabbat
https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/12102023_2

Foreign Embassies in Israel

• U.S Embassy Jerusalem 
  
• Canadian Embassy Tel Aviv 
  
• British Embassy Tel Aviv
  
• Australian Embassy Tel Aviv