Dear Friends:

The Boston Marathon attack and its aftermath left us reeling, but we were also more aware than ever of the unity and strength of our Jewish community, both here and in Israel.

As soon as news of the bombing reached Israel, we received an offer of help from the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), an organization that assists communities following disasters and traumatic events.

As highlighted in today’s Boston Globe, we’re pleased to let you know that CJP was able to bring the ITC team to Boston and Watertown this week. This project has also been covered by the Times of Israel (on May 3 and May 8) and by WBUR/NPR.

ITC experts have assisted hospital workers, first responders, school children, parents and teachers who were either directly or indirectly impacted by the trauma. They are also training local experts to support as many people as possible using existing resources that will benefit victims long after the ITC program has ended.

We are so grateful to our partners in Israel for their willingness to share the insight and skill they have learned through very difficult times. CJP’s strong relationships with organizations and individuals in Israel made it possible for us to coordinate this program in just a matter of days, and through the generosity of our donors, we were able to cover the expenses of bringing this team of experts to the people who needed them most.

I’m writing from Israel, and yesterday morning we met with President Shimon Peres who told us that the essence of the highest Israeli and American and Jewish values is to create a society built on giving, not taking. The ITC’s response represents the true Israel in the best possible way, as a society that responds to the suffering of others whether in the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti or the pain of Boston in the aftermath of the marathon tragedy.

I encourage you to share this post and the linked news stories with your friends and family.

Sincerely,

Barry Shrage

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