Support Israel

With Israel in crisis, we stand together fully focused on helping and praying for Medinat Yisrael and Am Yisrael.

SAR Academy Commemorates Oct. 7 Anniversary

SAR Academy gathered as one to mark the anniversary of the October 7 tragedy with a powerful school-wide commemoration. Alongside elected officials, clergy, soldiers, survivors, and community leaders, we stood On the Steps for a moving program featuring heartfelt songs by our Middle School choir, a tribute to our IDF… Read More

SAR Shows Up for Israel’s Day on Fifth

SAR showed up LOUD & PROUD, dancing and singing #AmYisraelChai 🇮🇱 in a sea of people standing strong for Israel on Sunday, June 2 at the Israel Day on Fifth parade. Thank you to all who marched with us including our local elected officials, Congressman Ritchie Torres, Bronx… Read More

Welcoming Outspoken Leaders

We came together as Congressman Ritchie Torres, joined by Israeli Special Envoy for Combatting Antisemitism Michal Cotler-Wunsh, held a press conference denouncing anti-semitism and anti-Zionism in our Middle School Beit Midrash. They were joined by local leaders including Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, Councilmember Eric Dinowitz, Mark Treyger, Chief Executive Officer of… Read More

SAR Academy Celebrates Israel at 76

The SAR school community commemorated Yom HaZikaron and celebrated Yom Ha’atzmaut in meaningful ways. With 132 hostages still in captivity and our chayalim actively fighting, these days hold profound significance as we honor their sacrifices and celebrate Am Yisrael’s unity and resilience. We transitioned from Yom HaZikaron to a joyous… Read More

SAR Academy Commemorates Yom HaZikaron

SAR Academy commemorated Yom HaZikaron in meaningful ways as a school community. We honored the memory of fallen soldiers who bravely fought and sacrificed their lives for Israel as well as victims of terror. Sunday night we joined the larger Riverdale community at SAR High School for the annual Riverdale… Read More

Commemorating Yom HaShoah As a School Community

SAR Academy commemorated Yom HaShoah as a school community. In the morning students in Grades 3-8 gathered on the steps for a powerful program which began with the sound of the siren and a moment of silence. We were privileged to welcome survivors, children and grandchildren of survivors to light… Read More

Please visit this page for daily updates on the initiatives underway, both in and out of the classrooms of SAR Academy & SAR High School.

Giving

The SAR community has raised over $1,100,000 to support various fundraising campaigns and projects to assist Israel. See below the growing list of efforts funded by our community’s generosity via the SAR Supports Israel Fund.

We are eager to harness this incredible momentum. Give today at this link to help grow the SAR Supports Israel Fund. 

Funds have already been distributed to:

  • TALKING TOGETHER – PARENTS AND CHILDREN – $75,000 – Immediate intervention with the children and families who have experienced trauma during and after the Hamas massacre of October 7th to reverse trauma and initiate healing.
  • SP Darn Tough – $2,600 for thick socks for soldiers
  • KFAR AZA – raised over $400,000 for Kfar Aza is partnership with Love Support
    Love Support provides the most vulnerable of those families with monthly support for three months – to enable them a sense of continuity and security.
  • GIVAT SHMUEL – $750 for hosting a Chanukah party 
  • MEALUIM – $3,600 to adopt reservists’ families and sponsor a midweek meal
  • SOLDIERS SAVE LIVES – $5,000
    Soldiers Save Lives is one of the largest international suppliers of humanitarian aid, medical aid and tactical equipment to Israel
  • HOLY FIRE TOURS – $2,700 for production of Tzitzis For Soldiers
  • ADOPT A SOLIDER | RESTART GLOBAL – $1,000 
    Adopt a Soldier allows us to reach the soldiers and their families with the Restart Hospital Volunteers – each of whom are wounded soldiers or family of wounded soldiers and know from first-hand experience how to engage with our heroes.
  • MESAYAT COMPANY, BATTALION 66, BRIGADE 55 (PARATROOPERS) – $1,000 to support families of soldiers 
  • UNIT 7398 OF THE 98TH DIVISION OF THE PARATROOPERS – $1,000 for military supplies 
  • SMILES FOR KIDS – $6,400
    Smiles for the Kids is a grassroots initiative operating in Modiin, Israel, with a mission to bring happiness and comfort to the families of soldiers and those impacted by the ongoing war. In the wake of the tragic events of October 7 and the call-up of 350,000 soldiers, it became apparent that this was not a short-term conflict, and our soldiers would be away for extended periods, some for months on end.
  • ISRAEL EXPERIENCE – $5,000 to cover the freight of a grill shipped to Israel for Grilling for IDF / Grilling for Israel.
  • WOMEN OF THE SHILO COMMUNITY – $1,000 to arm the women of the Shilo Community
  • GAZA BORDER COMMUNITIES – $1,000 in funds for these soldiers, who have lost so much while also serving in the army, can buy the basic items they need.
  • MECHINA MAGEN SHAUL – $1,000 for essential supplies as they are housing a platoon of reserve soldiers
  • HAOGEN – $2,500 
    The “Ogen עוגן” (anchor) is a nationwide volunteer-only network which was quickly established after October 7. Today, over 20,000 volunteers currently assist nearly 20,000 “milum” spouses and children from over 240 cities and towns (and the number continues to grow), providing both practical and emotional support.
  • TAHINA HUMMUS STORE IN SDEROT – $2,500 to support a Kfar Aza displace family’s store and its employees
  • ELAZAR – $1,000 for emergency security equipment 
  • ORANIT – $1,000 for emergency security equipment 
  • OPERATION IRON SWORDS RELIEF EFFORTS – $1,000 for emergency security equipment 
  • GIVATI COMMANDO UNIT – $500 for coats for soldiers
  • HERMESH TANK UNIT 9212 $500 for winter gear for soldiers
  • BIRMA COFFEE – $2,000 for coffee for soldiers
  • SOLDIERS SAVE LIVES$2,500
    Soldiers Save Lives is one of the largest international suppliers of humanitarian aid, medical aid and tactical equipment to Israel
  • HEBREW INSTITUTE OF RIVERDALE – $1,000 to support frontline families
  • WIVES AND MOTHERS OF MITZPE ILAN – $250 for toys and activities for children, cleaning and cooking assistance, and self-care for wives and mothers
  • 910 BATTALION IN THE GUSH ETZION AREA – $500 for vests and helmets
  • STANDING TOGETHER – $1,000 
    By providing snacks, drinks, and simple gestures like hugs and a pat on the back, Standing Together has a significant impact on the morale and well-being of the IDF soldiers who are currently in challenging and high-stress situations.
  • IRON SWORDS EMERGENCY MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (ISEME) – $2,500 for emergency medical equipment 
  • MOSHAV EIN HABESOR – $2,500 for emergency security and infrastructure equipment 
  • SAMSON ASSUTA ASHDOD HOSPITAL$2,500 for emergency medical equipment
  • KIBBUTZ RESHAFIM- $2,500 for tactical combat equipment
  • MAALE HEVER EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM – $1,500 for emergency security equipment
  • PROTECT OUR CHAYALIM – $500 for emergency tactical gear
  • SAYERET 98 – $1,000 for emergency military gear
  • BOOTS FOR ISRAEL – $9,000
  • YAHALOM SOLDIERS – $1,000 for boots
  • PLATOON 3 COMPANY 3’ BATTALION 9220 – $500 for military equipment 
  • ARMORED ARTILLERY CORPS 215 DIVISION 403RD BATTALION 3RD BATTERY COMPANY – $500 for military equipment 
  • BEIT HAKNESSET MIGDAL HASHOSHANIM – $5,000 for transportation 
  • BROTHERS FOR LIFE – $1,000  Brothers for Life is a non-profit organization, created and run by injured Israeli veterans, which gives critical and immediate help to other injured Israeli combat veterans who sacrificed their lives for the safety of the Jewish people.
  • KARAKAL BATTALION – $1,000 for an all female unit in Karakel
  • OKETZ -$1,000 to the IDF Elite K9 Unit Soldiers 
  • KIBBUTZ TIRAT TZVI – $1,000 for medical and security equipment 
  • PSAGOT FIRST RESPONSE TEAM – $5,000 for upgraded combat equipment
  • MEALS FOR ARMY FAMILIES – $500 
  • HESDER YESHIVA IN NAHARIYA – $500 for shelter for evacuees
  • HOSHAYA COMMUNITY SUPPORT – $4,950 for the purchase of first aid kits
  • MAGEN DAVID ADOM – $2,384 for the purchase of CAT tourniquets
  • MOSHAV EIN HABESOR – $2,500 for security equipment
  • SAMSON ASSUTA ASHDOD HOSPITAL – $2,500
  • KIBBUTZ MEFALSIM – $2,600 for supplies for security and maintenance teams
  • YERUCHAM CAMPAIGN – $1,000 for shelter for refugees
  • FRIENDS OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES – ARYEH ZIERING FUND – $1,000
  • OPERATION FALCON – $5,000
    Operation Falcon is a coalition effort between Maniv Mobility, a venture capitalist fund, the Jewish Agency and FedEx. They are planning to fly 10 planes to Israel/week with emergency supplies for the civilian home front.
  • TOKEA LIBRARY – $1,000 – FOR BOOKS
  • ADOPT A PLAYGROUND $2,500 – TO ADOPT A PLAYGROUND OF ONE OF THE AFFECTED MOSHAVIM OR KIBBUTZIM
  • AMIT CHILDREN – $5,000 
    AMIT provides an innovative, Jewish values-based education to over 40,000 children in Israel each year.
  • KEHILAT TZEDEK – $250 – TO A LOCAL CONGREGATION IN GONEN NEIGHBORHOOD
  • ISRAEL OPERATIONS ROOM – $5,000
    We support our country by providing gear and supplies to the front line in real time
  • CHABAD OF WEST HOUSTON INC $500 – FOR VESTS AND HELMETS
  • MINISTRY OF HEALTH – $3,600 – FOR BREAST PUMPS
  • TZANCHANIM UNIT – $3,500 FOR THERMAL UNDERWEAR
  • SHIELDS OF STEEL – $10,000 FOR TRANSPORTING EQUIPMENT
    ShieldsofSteel.org works closely with suppliers, handles all logistical/regulatory barriers, and ensures delivery of gear.
  • THE MAKO GROUP – $2,500 FOR EQUIPMENT TRANSPORT
    A group of former Israeli Secret Service agents (Shin Bet) working directly with El Al and UPS ensuring equipment is delivered.
  • SOROKA MEDICAL CENTER – $40,000 FOR MEDICAL CARE
    The only medical center in Southern Israel and the command center for the hospital’s emergency response.
  • LEKET ISRAEL – $50,000 FOR FOOD SUPPORT
    To provide cooked meals and baby supplies to residents in need in the south, and supporting local suffering businesses.
  • NATAL-THE ISRAEL TRAUMA & RESILIENCY CENTER – $40,000 FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
  • ERETZ CHEMDA – $5,000 FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT
  • RAV RIMON / WORLD MIZRACHI – $10,000 FOR SUPPLIES AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT
    To secure/deliver food, clothing, toiletries, phone chargers, and different kinds of protective specialized military equipment.
  • ALMAGOR ISRAEL FUND – $1,000 FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT
  • BAR ILAN UNIVERSITY – $3,000 FOR MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
    For handheld ultrasound machines for emergency field use.
  • YASHAR L’CHAYIL – $1,000 FOR HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT AND COMFORT TO SOLDIERS
    Dedicated to helping Israeli soldiers and making their service more comfortable while they are protecting the Jewish homeland.
  • FEED ISRAEL – $1,000 FOR FOOD SUPPORT
    Delivery of grocery packages to needy Israeli families.
  • PIZZA IDF – $1,000 FOR FOOD SUPPORT
    To raise food and other items for IDF soldiers.
  • BEIT HAKNESSET HARAMBAN – $1,000 FOR SUPPLIES
    To purchase 15,000 power banks for soldiers.
  • DUVDEVAN UNIT – $2,500 FOR EQUIPMENT
    Funds used to provide sewing machines needed to repair gear after battle.
  • EIN PRAT – THE ACADEMY FOR LEADERSHIP – $770 FOR EQUIPMENT
    Funds used to provide a soldier with a vest and helmet.
  • UNIFORMS FOR ISRAELI RESERVE UNIT – $1,000
  • MATAN B’SETER HASHMONAIM – $1,000 FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT FOR CHASHMONAIM COMMUNITY
  • EASTERN BORDER TOWN FUND – $2,500 FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT
  • TZANCHANIM BATTALION – $1,000 FOR MILITARY EQUIPMENT
    Funds used for helmets.
  • KIBBUTZ MASHABEI SADEH – $2,500 FOR SUPPLIES
    Funds used for essential supplies for the evacuees at Kibbutz Mashabei Sadeh.
  • THE GUSH ETZION FOUNDATION – $1,000 FOR GENERAL WELFARE
    To assist and promote the communities and residents of Gush Etzion.
  • AMERICAN FRIENDS OF SHEBA MEDICAL CENTER – $1,000 FOR MEDICAL SUPPORT
    American Friends of Sheba Medical Center (AFSMC) is dedicated to raising awareness and philanthropic support across the U.S. for Sheba Medical Center’s compassionate clinical care, comprehensive educational training, humanitarian missions, cutting edge research, and medical innovation.
  • ISRAEL ALLIANCE – $1,000 FOR GENERAL WELFARE
    The Israel Alliance organizes complimentary pastor tours and subsidized missions, teaches the Bible to the masses, and raises critical funds for Israel’s needy.
  • EMERGENCY SHELTER FOR DISPLACED RESIDENTS – $700 FOR HOUSING SUPPORT
    Funds will sponsor a family for an entire week.
  • PASSION FOR A PURPOSE FOUNDATION – $1,000
    Passion For A Purpose is home to The PFAP Foundation, which supports community projects that advance Judaism, Zionism and pro-Israel sentiment as well as the welfare of the Jewish people in the Jewish State.
  • KFAR AZA COMMUNITY – $2,500
  • BROTHERS IN ARMS – $35,000
  • MEDISON PHARMA – $40,000
    Former SAR parent Gal Naor is intrinsically involved in this initiative to efficiently deliver equipment and essential items for civilians and directly to our chayalim.
  • YASHAR LACHAYAL – $1,250
    Yashar LaChayal was duly established as a recognized non-profit organization in Israel and the United States, dedicated to helping Israeli soldiers and making their service more comfortable while they are protecting the Jewish homeland
  • KAL GAV TRADE LTD – $2,536 – NEW BOOTS FOR DIVISION 551 GDUD 669 PALSAR HOD
  • GRILLING FOR IDF – $250 – FOR FEEDING SOLDIERS
  • SULAMOT – $10,000 – FOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES
  • ARMORED COMPANY – $250 
  • JEWISH NATIONAL FUND – $250 – FOR ESSENTIALS FOR EVACUTEES
  • GIRLFRIENDS OF FALLEN IDF – $250
    The GFIDF was founded in 1998 to provide psychological and emotional support to the unmarried partners of fallen IDF soldiers
  • KIBBUTZ ALUMIM – $2,500 – FOR THE KIBBUTZ INFRASTRUCTURE 
  • ZAKA – $500 
    ZAKA does the remarkable work of gathering the different parts of bodies to make sure people are buried “whole” as commanded by the Torah.

    This is a growing list and more allocations will be made. If you are aware of a project that we should know about, please email it to [email protected].


Community Mobilization

  • Our community has come together to collect essential items and raise funds to ensure equipment and supplies reach those on the frontlines and in other areas of need in Israel. Below are just some of the many results of our community’s support.

The SAR community donated toward equipment including warm jerseys, warm socks, hats and jackets for the Magen David Adom volunteer medics of Kfar Etzion and Bat Ayin (in Gush Etzion)

We continue to procure, pack and deliver essential items to Israel by the duffle (below)!


Educational Programming

SAR Academy

We connected with our SAR family in Israel.

SAR High School

High School Kumsitz (Tues., Oct. 17)


Advocacy

Resources: How to Advocate for Israel TODAY!

It is critical that our elected officials hear our voices in support of Israel as frequently as possible. Volume and consistency matters. To help, we have created the below list of elected officials representing the majority of SAR families.

Each day we hope to include an updated list of timely talking points that can be conveyed.

The overall message is clear:

1. USA’s support of Israel is critical 
2. USA should do all in its power to help with the release of hostages 
3. Jews in America must be protected from the rise of antisemitism seen in some cities and on campuses across the country. 

Important Dates for 2024 Elections 

CT – https://voterregistration.ct.gov/OLVR/welcome.do

Deadline for party affiliation is 3 months before primary

Deadline to register is 7 days before election

NJ – https://nj.gov/state/elections/vote.shtml

April 10 for party affiliation selection 

May 14 voter registration deadline 

NY – https://www.elections.ny.gov/VotingDeadlines.html

June 15 voter registration for Federal, State, and Local Primary elections (takes place 6/25)

October 26 voter registration for general elections (takes place 11/5)

Scroll down for more action steps you can take today to make your voice heard loud and clear. 
____________________________________________________________________________

To Find City, State, and Federal Representative Contact Info by Region, Visit Here.

By Region:

ALL
President Biden – (202) 456-1111
Vice President Harris – (202) 456-1111
The White House Comment line is open 11-3, Tuesday-Thursday.

Bronx
Mayor Eric Adams: (212) 788-3000
Representative Ritchie Torres – (202) 225-4361
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer – (202) 224-6542
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – (202) 224-4451
Gov Kathy Hochul (518) 474-8390
NYS Attorney General Leticia James – (800) 771-7755
Borough President Vanessa Gibson – (718) 590-3557

Upper West Side and Upper East Side
Mayor Eric Adams: (212) 788-3000
Representative Jerrold Nadler – (202) 225-5635
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer – (202) 224-6542
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – (202) 224-4451
Gov Kathy Hochul (518) 474-8390
NYS Attorney General Leticia James – (800) 771-7755
Borough President Mark Levine – (212) 669-8300


Westchester County
Representative Jamaal Bowman – (202) 225-2464
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer – (202) 224-6542
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – (202) 224-4451
Gov Kathy Hochul (518) 474-8390
NYS Attorney General Leticia James – (800) 771-7755



Queens
Mayor Eric Adams: (212) 788-3000
Representative Grace Meng – (202) 225-2601
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer – (202) 224-6542
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – (202) 224-4451
Gov Kathy Hochul (518) 474-8390
NYS Attorney General Leticia James – (800) 771-7755
Borough President Donovan Richards – (718) 286-3000

Stamford, CT
Representative James Himes – (202) 225-5541  
Senator: Richard Blumenthal (860) 258-6940/202-224-2823
Senator: Chris Murphy (860)549-8436/202-224-4041
Governor Ned Lamont – (860) 566-4840
CT State Attorney Will Tong – (860) 808-5318

Bergen County
Representative Josh Gottheimer – (202)-225-4465
Senator Corey Booker – (202) 224-3224
Senator Robert Menendez – (202) 224-4744
Governor Phil Murphy – (609) 292-6000


Great Neck
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer – (202) 224-6542
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand – (202) 224-4451
Gov Kathy Hochul (518) 474-8390
NYS Attorney General Leticia James – (800) 771-7755


How to Advocate for Israel TODAY!
Message Points and Action Steps You Can Take NOW:

  1. Text Israel to 24722 for 30 second email campaigns to elected officials that can be done daily and using work and home address
  2. Visit https://actnow.ajc.org/ and urge action by the UN and Congress
  3. Reach out to all of your elected officials regarding the importance of unwavering support of Israel and opposition for a ceasefire that would keep Hamas in power.  The volume of messages matter. Give thanks to those who are are standing for Israel!


Reaching Out

Letters of gratitude: Students have been sendings hundreds of letters to chayalim, which have been hand-delivered to Tzahal bases throughout Israel, to volunteers and life saving heroes.

Within 48 hours of receiving letters written by our students, pictures and messages of gratitude from chayalim have made their way back to SAR. The High School even received a call from the captain of an Air Force base who has many of our students’ letters taped up in his operations room. He knew who to call because each letter was on SAR letterhead.



Connecting with Our Family in Israel

  • We have remained in contact with our alumni both in Israel and on college campuses to provide support and guidance during this time.
  • Students are in touch with previous students and faculty now in Israel to let them know we are thinking of them.
  • Students are texting, emailing, and sending video messages of encouragement to chayalim from our community.
  • Students are “adopting” a friend or family member who may require our tefilot at this time. Please share the names of people here.

    We have many alumni, parents, and faculty currently serving in the IDF and helping on the ground. Please keep them in your thoughts and tefilot.

Reach to Teach 

  • Our faculty have launched this educational website designed to support, and cater to the educational needs of, the children of Israel who are currently out of school because of the war.
  • If you know a family that could benefit from this resource, please share it.


In the News