The Bender JCC reaffirms our unwavering support for Israel and condemns Hamas’ heinous acts of terrorism.
We stand in solidarity with our Israeli community members and Israeli staff who have made the Bender JCC and the Greater Washington Jewish Community their home away from home. We grieve with our community members and staff whose lives have been directly affected: their loved ones in Israel are under siege, deploying to the front lines, still missing, or gone.
As a community of human beings of all abilities, backgrounds, identities, and religions, we understand that many Bender JCC members may struggle to comprehend the barbarity and scale of these grotesquely evil acts of terrorism. Please know we are here to support you – the Bender JCC will always be a safe home to you and your family.
Together, we mourn the senseless murder of innocent civilian victims, including infants, young children, families, and the elderly. We pray for the families who are learning the worst possible news about their loved ones, for a refuah shlayma (complete healing) for those wounded, and for a safe return to those missing.
In friendship and support,
Daryle Bobb, Board Chair
Josh Bender, Chief Executive Officer
To read the Bender JCC’s full response, click here.
The safety of our community is our top priority.
We are in contact with Montgomery County Police Department and the Secure Community Network (SCN) – the official safety and security organization for the Jewish Community in North America. Additionally, our own security team is always present in and around the building. For specific questions, feel free to reach out to membership@benderjccgw.org.
Gather
Upcoming
In Conversation with Eyal Hulata and Barak Ravid
February 5, 2024 | 7:00 PM | FREE EVENT | Limited Seating
A conversation between Eyal Hulata (Israel’s former National Security Advisor) and Barak Ravid (a prominent Israeli reporter) about the complexities of the war in Israel and the broader turmoil in the Middle East.
Keren Peles
February 13, 2024 | 8:00 PM
Join the Bender JCC for an unprecedented concert with one of the biggest stars in the world.
- Letters for Ohad Munder Celebrating His 9th Birthday
Ongoing
The Israeli Ambassador in Washington, DC, Michael Herzog, is collecting letters and birthday cards for Ohad Munder, who will be celebrating his 9th birthday next week while in Hamas captivity in Gaza. The goal is to collect thousands of letters and cards from all over the world, from parents, children, soldiers and all of Am Yisrael. Ambassador Herzog will forward the birthday greetings tht are received to the Red Cross and demand that they be delivered to Ohad. Please send your letters to Ohad to KIDnappedBday@washington.mfa.gov.il.
Past Events
- Antisemitism at Schools and College Campuses: Addressing the Problems, Implementing Solutions
December 17 | 3:30 – 6:00 PM | Bender JCC
This bipartisan event will discuss the rise of antisemitism at educational institutions nationwide, legislation to push more Holocaust education in Maryland schools, how to increase security resources at synagogues and other religious institutions, and how we can come together as a community when hate comes knocking at our doors. Christian and Jewish organizations will be present, as well as elected officials from all over the state. If you would like to sponsor or make an in-kind donation, please contact Alexandra Levine at 941-685-3063 or arlevine85@icloud.com.
- Come Together: DC Area Vigil for Israel: Prayer, Song & Solidarity
Tuesday, October 10 | 7:00 PM
Attend in person at Adas Israel, 2850 Quebec St. NW, or by livestream
Together, we will draw strength from one another as we mourn those we’ve lost, stand with those in peril, and pray for Israel’s peace, safety, and security. Closed captioning and ASL interpretation provided.
Hosted by Adas Israel and Washington Hebrew Congregation in partnership with DC area synagogues; sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, ADL, American Jewish Committee (AJC), and Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies.
- The Empty Shabbat Table | DC Community Gathering
Friday, October 27 | Lincoln Memorial | 3:00 – 4:30 PM
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum invites the community to participate in a special Kabbalat Shabbat as we call for the release of the hostages, pray for their safety, and welcome Shabbat in their absence. In attendance will be a delegation of families from Israel, representing those with loved ones held hostage. Please join us on Friday as we gather to hear the important message from this delegation, show our solidarity, and come together, united, in conversation and song to #BringThemHomeNow.
This event is hosted by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum and is approved by local government with support of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
- “Navigating the Noise: How to Have Clarity When There’s So Much Misinformation”
Wednesday, November 1 | Virtual via Zoom | 8:00 PM
The JCC Maccabi Community will be coming together to hear from Benji Davis of IMPACT Israel Education. There will be an opportunity for questions, solidarity, and dialogue. This is a teen-focused event hosted over Zoom. Register for free here.
- Beyond Words: A Rising Song Gathering with Hadar DC — SOLD OUT!
Thursday, November 2 | Bender JCC | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
When the limitations of words may tether our prayers, nigunim – wordless song – can offer a container for the yearnings of our hearts. Come together in heart-opening, participatory song with Hadar’s Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz and facilitators from the DC communal song community. All voices welcome into this uplifting community space. Register for free here.
- Israel Relief Concert
Thursday, November 2 | Washington Hebrew Congregation – Hybrid | 7:00 – 9:00 PM
In support of relief efforts in Israel, cantors from over 15 congregations across the DMV will gather for one special evening of song. Featuring music of Israeli composers and artists, in addition to some traditional melodies, our Jewish community can come together as one strong voice. Purchase tickets here.
Sponsored by Adas Israel Congregation, American Conference of Cantors, Cantors Assembly, J License, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, and Washington Hebrew Congregation, the event is hosted at Washington Hebrew, 3935 Macomb St. NW, Washington, DC.
- DMV Community Gathering to Mark Shloshim
Tuesday, November 7 | Rockville | 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Communities around the United States will be gathered on Tuesday, November 7, to mark 30 days since the brutal Hamas attack on Israel and the murder of 1,400 Israelis. Please join us in marking the Shloshim with members of our community and the bereaved families. For more information, contact Maytal Regev.
- March for Israel
Tuesday, November 14 | National Mall, Washington, DC | 1:00 PM
We’ve all heard voices of hatred and antisemitism around the globe glorifying the October 7th attacks. But these voices will never drown out those of Americans who stand against terror and with Israel. Now it’s time to raise your voice: to defeat antisemitism, to demand freedom for the hostages, and to demonstrate that America stands with Israel. This event is sponsored by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations (COP) and Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). More details are coming soon. Register for free here.
- The Israel-Hamas War: Guns, Pens & Keyboards – Panel hosted by Israeli American Council
Sunday, November 19 | 8:00 PM
For security purposes, the event address will be emailed to registered attendees on the day of the event.
Join a captivating panel discussion on Hasbara – the art and challenge of voicing Israel on the international stage. Panel discussants include Hussain Abdul-Hussain, Research Fellow, FDD Expert in Arab Politics; Gadeer Kamal-Mreeh, Senior Envoy of the Jewish Agency for Israel to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington; and Yuval David, actor, filmmaker, news commentator, and Jewish activist. Pre-registration is required, and registration closes on Sunday, November 19 at noon. Please register each participant by name; ID will be checked at the door. Register here.
- Hanukkah Seats of Hope: Bring Them Into Your Home and Your Heart
Thursday, December 7
Light a candle of hope. Convey the message to the world: Our holidays are not complete until all the hostages are back home. Let’s paint the U.S. map with dots, each representing a family waiting for the hostages to return. Visit seatsofhope.net to connect to a hostage’s personal story, print, and place the ‘waiting for’ sign next to your menorah. Whisper a prayer, snap a picture, and share it on our website and social media with the tag #seatsofhope. This event is hosted by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Donate
- Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Israel Crisis Relief Fund
Federation has always mobilized our community during a time of crisis, and we are working around the clock with our staff and partners on the ground to respond to this crisis. 100% of your gift to Federation’s Israel Crisis Relief Fund will be swiftly deployed where it’s needed most, providing aid, support, and resources to Israelis.
Resources
- How to Talk to Kids About What’s Happening in Israel Right Now
A guide published by Kveller, with discussion ideas broken down by age group.
- How to Talk to Children about Terrorism and War
A resource from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
- 703-J-CARING: The Jewish Community Support Line
For those in need of mental or emotional support, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA), and their network of human service organizations are here for you. Call (703) J-CARING (703-522-7464) to connect with a professional ready to assist you. Serving residents of DC, MD, and Northern VA, support is available Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. All calls are confidential.
