How can one even begin to capture the range of emotions we have experienced over the past two years?
We have mourned the barbarism of October 7. We have wept and embraced our brothers and sisters—whether in Israel or here at home. We have raised funds to help our partners on the ground bring comfort, healing, and hope to those in pain. Seven hundred and thirty-four days later, Israel is still sitting shiva. October 7 scarred Israel’s soul—and ours. The hostages and victims remain forever in our hearts.
And yet, there is light at the end of the tunnel. As we enter this Shabbat, at a pivotal moment in our nation’s story, we pray that the President’s peace plan moves forward—that all hostages are freed, reunited with their families, and that the deceased are brought home for sacred burial.
On Sukkot, we hold the lulav, etrog, hadassim, and aravot—symbols of all Jews coming together as one. Our strength transcends distance and familiarity. We are bound together by our love of Israel, our faith, and our shared values. That unity is our source of energy, pride, and resolve. Even through immense pain and anguish, our determination will never waver. Our bond is unbreakable.
Your Federation stands steadfast: fighting hate and antisemitism, sustaining Jewish life, and dreaming the Jewish future together with you.
May hope fill the land of Israel and the Middle East, guiding us all forward toward peace and healing.
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach.
Am Yisrael Chai,
Robert French
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas