ST. LOUIS — Mary Caltrider sat down with Brian Herstig, President & CEO of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis to discuss the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and ways St. Louisans can help.
The Jewish Federation of St. Louis mobilizes the Jewish community and its human and financial resources to preserve and enhance Jewish life in St. Louis, in Israel, and around the world. The mission of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis is important all year long, but particularly important at this moment after the recent attack in Israel on October 7th. Specifically, Brian spoke of what a dark day October 7, 2023 was for the Jewish community; whether for Jewish people living in Israel, the United States, or any part of the world. Brian wore a blue ribbon on the lapel of his blazer and explained the significance of the blue ribbon. The sole mission now is to bring the hostages home to their families and loved ones. Blue Ribbons are being worn nationwide to bring awareness to the Jewish Federation's initiative of finding and returning those held captive and returning them safely home. He further explained Israelis and Jews around the world want to live in peace. This is about fighting terrorism.
St. Louis has a big connection to Israel; we currently have about four hundred families from Israel living in the St. Louis area. Those four hundred individuals have seen family and friends called up to the Israeli army. As Brian mentioned the one thing you can do right now is if you know someone who is Jewish, please ask how they are, they are not ok right now.
He further re-iterated there is trauma and terror in the region. The focus is to help those in medical need, move people out of harm’s way, and begin the rebuilding process. Any dollar donated to this mission goes 100 percent to help those in need on the ground in Israel.
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