War: Day 11

 b''H a quiet day.

President Biden is arriving tomorrow, for which I would like to say, "thank you, Mr. President, for showing up FOR Israel and showing up IN Israel. Now keep it up even as this likely gets more messy....." 

Today's good deeds were Chana baking over 50 cookies and Penina baking more than 50 muffins. 2/3 went to soldiers (along with yesterday's winter hats and today's 8 pairs of winter socks) and 1/3 to the refugees STREAMING into our city. Ilana, thankfully, went back to school for a half day (SO grateful that her school finally moved into their new building last year, as they were in caravanim/trailers [THANK YOU to everyone who donated to the "move the school" fundraiser. There's no way they'd be having school if they were still at the old site).

Menashe and Penina went back to to their apartment tonight after sleeping here since the war started. Hoping that there will be no sirens tonight. 

A number of people have asked about sites to donate to. Here's my take:

Magen David Adom (MADA): the ambulance corps of Israel. Donate and, as they say, "Save a life in Israel from thousands of miles away". They are a 4-star charity on Charity Navigator.

Friends of the IDF: 100% of each contribution goes to helping Israeli soldiers. They are a 4-star charity on Charity Navigator. Cheryl and Haim Saban are matching gifts currently, which makes me say, "go, go Power Rangers" and thank you, Sabans. 

The Koby Mandell Foundation: I have heard that on the 7th of October, the number of Israeli victims of terror DOUBLED. The Koby Mandell Foundation helps support victims of terror and their family members. 3 stars on Charity Navigator (they didn't turn in tax returns. Otherwise, they are 100%); Charity Navigator says that 3 stars means "give with confidence". 

Ezrat Achim: This is THE local organization that is doing incredible things, both for soldiers, families with a member suddenly called into reserve duty, and displaced families from the South that have temporarily settled in our city. Not as fancy a site as the other ones and no "American Friends of" (i.e. no Charity Navigator rating), but they do tremendous things in our city. 

Before I sign off for the night, please take a moment to think of the 200 people still being held hostage in Gaza. Send them strength.