On Thursday, Jewish Federations of North America President and CEO Eric D. Fingerhut delivered messages from North America’s Jewish community expressing their love and support for the Israeli people to Israeli President Isaac Herzog. 
 
Over the past year, Jewish communities across North America have drawn tremendous strength and inspiration from the Israeli people’s resilience and ability to find hope in darkness. 

Leading up to October 7, Jewish Federations of North America asked Jewish people from across the United States and Canada to share messages of hope to the people of Israel demonstrating their solidarity and the unwavering bonds that we share. A sampling of those messages was compiled into a book, which Fingerhut delivered to Herzog. Fingerhut was joined in the meeting by Rebecca Caspi, Director General of Jewish Federations Israel Office.

 
"The Jewish Federations of North America have been not only moved, but so inspired by the resilience and the strength of the Jewish people and the people of the State of Israel," Fingerhut told Herzog. “This is a small selection of the beautiful letters that were sent to the people of the State of Israel from all across the United States and Canada." 
 

Herzog thanked Fingerhut and the Jewish Federations for their work to support the people of Israel, including the unprecedented March for Israel that became the largest pro-Israel event in US history.
 

"In this terrible year since October 7, we've seen the incredible solidarity of the Jewish people come alive in its utmost strength, especially the Jewish community in North America through its agents and organizations, but predominantly through the Jewish Federation system," Herzog said. 
 

"Keep on going from strength to strength, because our battle is not over. We have to fight antisemitism, we have to fight for our only nation state of the Jewish people, and these letters mean so much because it shows are 'lev echad, am echad,' one people, one heart." 
 

On Monday, over 130 Jewish Federations held commemoration events in their communities marking a year since the October 7th attacks, and Jewish Federations of North America supported 400 campus and communal events in 180 cities through $1 million in microgrants.
 
The book opened with a letter to Herzog, saying "Let this book serve as a reminder that you are not alone, and that the bonds uniting us are stronger than any force seeking to divide us."  

You can also see sample pages of the book and video of the exchange below. 

 

Sample Messages: 

“Dear People of Israel,

In these challenging times, know that you are not alone. The world watches and many hearts beat in solidarity with you. Your resilience and spirit inspire countless people everywhere, and your courage in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of your nation.
 
Though the road ahead may seem uncertain, remember that hope endures even in the darkest of moments. Your unity and determination will light the way forward. Please hold onto that hope, and know that many stand with you, offering thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support. Stay strong, stay united, and may peace find its way back to you soon.” -- Brittany Davis, Dallas, TX 

“As descendants of Holocaust survivors from France, Germany, and Poland, we know what it is to feel despair, disillusionment, and heartbreak. We also know that the Jewish people are one and the two of us are PART of that ‘one.’ This email is an expression of our love for the State of Israel and its people. Sending them strength, love, light, and courage.” -- Renee & Nils Skudra, Greensboro, NC 

“Our hearts and prayers are with you all. The bravery, fortitude and spirit of the Israeli people is a wonder. And the Jews around the world, including me, take great solace in that and hope to offer our light to help you shine. B’shalom and Am Yisrael Chai!” -- Susie Sorkin, San Carlos, CA 

Letter from the Federations’ system to President Herzog: 

Dear President Herzog,

  
Over the past year, our hearts have ached witnessing the profound loss and immeasurable pain endured by the Israeli people. Yet, we’ve also borne witness to their remarkable courage and resilience, and your extraordinary leadership throughout this crisis. 

 

The strength of the Israeli people in the face of immense hardship and your own ability to bind people together and help them find hope in such darkness, are a powerful inspiration to us all. 
Know that the North American Jewish community stands united with Israel, today and always. We share in your grief, offer our most heartfelt prayers, and reaffirm our steadfast support for the Jewish state. 

 

We present this book to you and the Israeli people as a symbol of our unity and unwavering commitment. The messages and photos represent a small example of the love, hope, and solidarity of our communities across North America with the Israeli people. Let this book serve as a reminder that you are not alone, and that the bonds uniting us are stronger than any force seeking to divide us. 

 

As you continue to navigate the difficult path ahead, may you draw strength from the knowledge that millions of Jews and our allies around the world share your hopes and dreams for a vibrant, secure, and prosperous Israel.  Am Yisrael Chai!
 

  
With Love, 
Jewish Federations of North America