Jews all over the world will be celebrating Purim tomorrow night, usually one of the most raucous and joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar. Many of us read the Megillat Esther (the Book of Esther), exchange mishloach manot (baskets of food and gifts), make charitable gifts, and otherwise celebrate the failure of Haman’s plot to exterminate the Jews of Persia.

This year, of course, things will be different. Hamas is a modern day Haman, and the fierce fighting to end its threat continues. The war in Gaza and the plight of the 130 hostages still in captivity weighs heavily over all of us, and no more so than in Israel, from where I flew back on Wednesday night having attended the Jewish Funders Network (JFN) conference.

Not surprisingly, “How is it over there?” is one of the first questions people have asked me since returning to the States. I tell them that my visit was unlike any of my many prior trips, including those during the indiscriminate terrorist bombings of the First and Second Intifadas (uprisings) of a generation ago. Even in those horrible and scary times, there was an unshakeable resolve in the air. People feared for their lives, but not for their country. People questioned their leaders but stood firmly behind their government. People had to cry out for an end to the violence, but not for the release of 130 innocent people kidnapped and dragged into enemy territory. The threats to Israeli society were very real, but few felt they were existential.

Such is not the case right now. The horrific events of October 7th have shaken Israel to her core. Confidence has been shattered, the path forward is uncertain and the Israeli bravado once on full display is in short supply. I felt all of this and more when I attended the “Bring Them Home Now” rally for the release of the hostages last Saturday night. I met with released hostages and the families of those still in captivity. No words can adequately describe the simultaneous sadness and fury engulfing the crowd. There is much rebuilding to be done for the families and communities brutally ravaged by Hamas, and for everyone and everything else damaged and suffering in Israel.

And yet, I discovered during the JFN conference that the news is not all bad. The inner strength of the Israeli people is remarkable, as are the myriad of stories of courage and heroism I heard throughout the week. Many legacy organizations are delivering much-needed programs and services efficiently and effectively, and new groups have sprouted to fill gaps neither the government nor NGO community were prepared to address. Diaspora Jewry are also stepping up in unprecedented ways. The future may be cloudy, but rays of light are beginning to pierce through the skies.

I was also uplifted by the number of our advisory board members who attended the conference and how positively others responded when they learned about Global Jewry. Our mission of connection, collaboration, and community struck a chord with many, and they were excited to hear about how far we have come in such a short time. Several were so impressed they agreed to join our advisory board on the spot!

Back at home, our team was working hard on updating the resource page of our website. They were also developing ways to meet the request by many members of the advisory board to be more connected with one another, one of which we may be ready to share as early as next week.

Thank you for your friendship and support. As was reinforced to me by so many at the JFN conference, our mission is very important. You honor us with your participation and encouragement.

Shabbat Shalom and may this be the week the remaining hostages return home safely,

Sandy Cardin