Live video from Bruce P. Sholk, current Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee of The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and Eric D. Fingerhut, President and CEO of The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA).

”There are so many stories that are tragic but at the same time, I think what we saw here is the strength of the people,” Bruce P. Sholk, current Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee of The Jewish Agency for Israel, previously Chair of the Board of The Associated.

A personal note from Linda Elman, Chair, Jewish Life Lead Team

We are fine but our hearts are breaking. Horrible devastation. So sad. So much is like the Yom Kippur war when I was also here – but this time not on the borders – in the towns and in homes!! Many civilian casualties – brutally murdered. Not to be believed. Every male called up. Lots of our friends’ kids and in-law kids. The list of boys to daven for is never ending….

We are feeling so sick right now. Hard to even write this. We received the news this a.m. that a young man, with the most gentle soul, who took us ATV’ing on Thursday lost his life in battle.

He left behind a wife, children and a brand new baby we met. I write this through my tears. We were in the desert near the border of Gaza looking into Egypt. It was so calm and beautiful. He took such good care of us.

Most of the country is shut down. No men and boys around so minimal transportation available. Our small grocery stores are getting limited deliveries. We were able to get milk and eggs and even pizza for the kids today! We are so grateful to them that they are open and thank them profusely.

We are working on getting back. Right now most flights are canceled. A bomb just fell near the airport with our friends there. We are booked for three different flights later in the week hoping one will work out.

Please pray for our boys and our people.

Thanks again for reaching out to us.