02/19/2024
Jewish Cleveland to Partner with One of the Kibbutzim In Israel Attacked by Hamas on October 7, 2023
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The Jewish Federation of Cleveland today announced a new partnership with Kibbutz Kissufim, a community in the Gaza Envelope, that was among the 22 locations targeted by the terrorist group Hamas on October 7, 2023. On that day, Hamas attacked Israel and brutally murdered more than 1,200 innocent people in multiple locations near the Gaza border – injuring thousands more and kidnapping over 250 individuals, including Shlomo Mantzur (age 85), who lived on Kibbutz Kissufim. A kibbutz is an intentional community in Israel that focuses on a communal lifestyle.
“The people of Kibbutz Kissufim – like so many in Israel – have suffered an unthinkable horror,” said Jared Miller, chair of Federation’s Kibbutz Kissufim partnership. “We are taught as Jews ‘Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh – all of Israel are responsible for each other.’ It is an honor to be able to work with these strong and determined people at this time of need.”
According to Mark Holz, chair of Federation’s Overseas Connections Committee, the partnership will work with the leaders of Kibbutz Kissufim as they begin the long process of addressing the various needs of the community. “There is no easy fix to what the people of Israel have had to endure since last October 7,” Holz said. “Through this partnership, we will be able to help Kibbutz Kissufim – a strong community in its own right – every step of the way as it moves forward.”
Kibbutz Kissufim, which was established in 1951, is known for its dairy and poultry farming, citrus groves, and avocado orchard. Prior to October 7, Kissufim was home to 318 residents.
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland has a long history of supporting the humanitarian needs of the people of Israel. In 1995, it further deepened its connection to Israel by adopting Beit Shean and the Valley of Springs as its sister community, where it continues to invest significant time and resources to better the lives of those who live in these periphery cities in Israel.
For more information, please visit www.jewishcleveland.org.
