Aug 8, 2014

Thousands of Miamians Rally Together in Support of Israel

More than 3,500 Miamians of all faiths and backgrounds came together to demonstrate their support for Israel in its battle against Hamas terrorists during a Community Solidarity Rally, dubbed “Miami Unites for Israel,” on Thursday, July 31 at the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center in North Miami Beach. At the rally, Miamians donated more than $32,000 in support of the Israel Emergency Fund.

Immediately after the escalation of rocket activity in Israel began, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation (along with Federations across North America) reopened its Israel Emergency Fund, to support humanitarian and relief efforts for the people of Israel at this most difficult time.

Sponsors of the rally included the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, its Jewish Community Relations Council and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Miami in partnership with the Israeli-American Council, area synagogues, and other Jewish organizations and agencies.

Rally speakers included Florida Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera; Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez; the Honorable Chaim Shacham, Consul General of Israel to Florida and Puerto Rico; Pastor Carlos Ortiz, National Hispanic Coordinator of Christians United for Israel; IDF Paratrooper Samuel “Shmulik” Falic and IDF Reservist, First Sergeant Izzy Ezagui; and others.

Participants were encouraged to wear blue and white – the colors of the Israeli flag – and to bring picnic blankets for the outdoor event. A variety of educational children’s activities were offered, along with the opportunity to write letters of support to IDF soldiers and elected officials.



In advance of the rally, Federation also created Israel Emergency Fund tzedakah boxes, which were given to summer campers and their families at the Michael-Ann Russell JCC, the Alper JCC Miami and the Galbut Family Miami Beach JCC. Campers are using their boxes to collect cash and checks for the Fund. At the same time, the box is a teaching tool for children about future generations’ support of Israel, the current situation in Israel, the meaning of tzedakah and the very real difference we all can make in the lives of Jews in need. Tzedakah boxes can be dropped off at the JCCs on the last day of camp.

If you would like tzedakah boxes for your family or group, please call 305.576.4000.

One hundred percent of all dollars raised for the Israel Emergency Fund will be used for vital services.

For more information on how your gift to the Israel Emergency Fund is helping those in need, click here.

To donate to the Israel Emergency Fund, click here.