TBF Statement on Recent Events in Israel

October 10, 2023

The Boston Foundation joins in solidarity with those in our community, our nation and the world who condemn the horrific and brutal attack by Hamas terrorists on Israel this past weekend. We grieve with those in Greater Boston and beyond whose friends, family and loved ones have been killed, injured or are missing. This shameless attack, which coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War and the Simchat Torah, a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle, carries with it added significance and symbolism.

The heartbreaking reality is that the conflagration that is likely to ensue will fall heaviest on innocent children and families in the region and will ripple to their families, friends and communities across the globe.  We mourn their loss just as we grieve with those in Greater Boston and beyond whose friends, family and loved ones have been killed, injured or are missing.

There is a Jewish proverb that says “say not in grief 'he is no more' but in thankfulness that he was. As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us; as we remember them. God is closest to those with broken hearts.”