Pray for the well-being of Jerusalem; may those who love you be at peace. - Psalm 122:6

It’s 9:30 PM on Tuesday night and I just read that ‘loud booms’ were heard all over Tel Aviv. I’m wondering how my family is doing. I’m wondering how colleagues and friends in Tel Aviv are dealing with it. I’m wondering how parents I’ve never met are comforting their children while bombs reign down overhead. And so, if, like me, you’re finding yourself trying to not read too much news but also not being able to stay away, I wanted to share some safe, thoughtful sources for honest reporting. I urge you to stay off Instagram and Twitter and other social media platforms. There’s a lot of untruths out there and they are louder, more popular, and tend to be unhealthy for our Jewish souls. However, if staying off social media is your Everest, then might I suggest the following resources listed below. Remember, it’s easy to shoot off a quick Tweet or reduce a decades-long struggle into a blame and shame Instagram post. What’s harder is taking a step back and doing the work. Israel is complex. What is happening in Israel this week is a situation of overlapping narratives and pain, which are being simplified, reduced, and eradicated by folks who don’t know any better but would sure like some more follows and likes. And so, below is a curated list of yes, primarily Jewish resources. I am very happy to receive emails with more suggested reading if you have recommendations. I can be reached at whitneyf@muhillel.org. In the meantime, thank you so much to community partner, Jackie Congedo, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council, part of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati for compiling this list. And, remember, just because you are Jewish doesn’t mean you have to know the deep history of Israel nor does it mean you have to speak for Israel, the IDF, or the Jewish people. I encourage you to learn but please relieve yourself from feeling like this is yours to take on.

Honest Reporting
Twitter @honestreporting

Zioness

Twitter: @zionessmovement

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zionessmovement

The Hartman Institute

Twitter: @hartman_inst

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShalomHartmanInstitute

Israel Policy Forum

Twitter: @israelpolicy4m

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IsraelPolicyForum

They also have a dedicated website for this crisis, with explainers, etc: https://israelpolicyforum.org/from-jerusalem-to-gaza/

- https://www.instagram.com/hey.alma/ (this explainer about the current situation is particularly helpful, I think: https://www.instagram.com/p/COtbY-INVN6/)

- https://www.instagram.com/progressivezionists/ (mostly California focused but good content)

- 4 Myths and Facts about the Violence in Jerusalem: https://www.ajc.org/news/4-myths-and-facts-about-the-violence-in-jerusalem?ms=EL_EML_20210510_TakeAction-05.10.21&utm_campaign=TakeAction&utm_source=LuminateEmail&utm_medium=Email&utm_content=TakeAction-3a&p2asource=TakeAction-05.10.21

- The Fighting in Gaza, Jerusalem and Across Israel Explained: https://www.jta.org/2021/05/10/israel/the-fighting-in-gaza-jerusalem-and-across-israel-explained

- Sheikh Jarrah: The Story Behind the Story: https://unpacked.education/sheikh-jarrah-the-story-behind-the-story/

-This has nothing to do with Sheikh Jarrah by Bassem Eid - https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/this-has-nothing-to-do-with-sheikh-jarrah/

Resources for learning more:

Remember that your Hillel staff is here for you should you need someone to vent to or practice radical empathy with. We are here for you. Whether you are searching for learning on the recent events or best practice in how to take care of yourself while unpacking all the news, your Hillel at Miami staff is present and ready to be of support. We may not have the answers, but we are happy to hold the space to listen

Love & Honor,

WhitneyHey Alma