Skip to content

Information Regarding The Humanitarian Crisis in Israel

 

 

Humanitarian Crisis in Israel: The U.S. Chamber's Response

 
Over the weekend, Israel declared war on Hamas after the group launched a devastating surprise attack from Gaza, killing hundreds.

Our response: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly condemns the heinous attacks on Israel. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Israel and stand in solidarity with them as they battle the scourge of terrorism.

What we're doing: We are mobilizing support for the victims in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America and other organizations.
We are also in touch with our partners from the Israeli government and AmCham Israel as we further explore ways for the U.S. Chamber and the business community to provide humanitarian assistance during this difficult time.

What you can do: If you are seeking to provide humanitarian support, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is compiling a list of organizations responding to the most immediate needs:

  • American Friends of Magen David Adom  have launched an urgent appeal to financially support Magen David Adom (MDA). MDA, also known as the Red Star of David, is the Israeli National Society that is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. MDA provides emergency medical and blood banking services in Israel.
  • For more organizations seeking support, including the  Jewish Federations of North America, click here to review a list from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that will be updated as more resources become available.
Thank you to itrek.org for the following information:
On Saturday, October 7, an unprecedented terrorist attack was launched by Hamas against the State of Israel. Since the assault began, these devastating acts of terror and violence have killed at least 900 Israelis, wounded over 2,600 others, and led to the kidnapping of over 150 Israelis by Hamas. To put this attack into perspective, more Jews were killed this past Saturday than any other single day since the Holocaust. The impacts of these horrific acts have been felt around the globe. World leaders from across political spheres, borders, and time zones have condemned Hamas’s unprovoked action and continued to support the right of Israel — the U.S.’s friend and closest ally in the Middle East — to defend herself. These attacks have also led to the reopening of wounds, fresh trauma, and deepen prolonged fear for Jewish people in the United States.

As your Jewish employees return to work after today’s federal holiday, we are reaching out to suggest some ways you can create space for those who may need support. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that this is not about politics, this is about people. Many Jewish employees are experiencing grief and trauma, and the way you discuss this subject and ensure their safety is paramount at this time.

 

Steps your workplace can take:
  • Voice your support: Share a message of support internally and/or externally from organization leadership (see examples below).
  • Support Jewish employees: Create a safe space for impacted employees to gather and get support from one another. Allow for appropriate use of bereavement leave, or similar PTO policies.
  • Educate: Create a mechanism for employees to learn more from trusted resources (see selection below). Research the topic at hand so that the onus of education does not fall on the community that needs support.
  • Uphold policies: Ensure that you are meeting your legal obligations to protect all employees from harassment and/or discrimination (see additional information below).
  • Listen: It’s ok to acknowledge that you don’t have all (or any) of the answers. Listening is a powerful tool to create a supportive environment.
Key facts: 
  • Hamas is an internationally recognized terrorist organization funded by Iran. Its charter expressly calls for the destruction of the State of Israel.
  • The unprovoked attack was largely on civilians, including a music festival where over 260 attendees were murdered. Hamas has taken over 150 civilians hostage and is threatening to execute them unless Israel stops its military response.
  • Previous violence in Israel has been linked to a sharp increase in antisemitism in the United States.
  • ADL reported that 2022 marked the highest level of antisemitic incidents in the US since they began tracking in 1979.
Example statements of support: 
Resources for further reading/workplace education: 
Employer Legal Responsibilities 
The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law serves as a resource on the various laws and regulations on workplace discrimination that protect Jews based on their religious beliefs and their ethnicity. This includes protection against discrimination targeting the deep religious and ethnic connection to the modern state of Israel, which is an essential element of Jewish identity for many Jews. Current or former Israeli citizens are additionally protected from national origin discrimination.
Employers should be guided by the Working Definition of Antisemitism developed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, which was recognized in the recently released U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. Employers are responsible for protecting their Jewish employees from anti-Zionist rhetoric/conduct and affording their Jewish employees the same opportunities offered to employees of other ethnic identities to come together as an employee resource or affinity group, access crisis counseling and other assistance, and receive public expressions of support during traumatic public events.

 

Scroll To Top