Israel's resilience

A message of gratitude

Nat Ritter Federation Board Chair

The war that began on Oct. 7, 2023, has deeply impacted Israel in ways most of us can scarcely comprehend. Every Israeli knows someone who has been killed, wounded or taken hostage. The wounds — both physical and emotional — run deep.

In January, I joined a remarkable trip through Temple Shalom with the Emergency Volunteer Program (EVP), traveling with 16 fellow Naples residents to support Israeli soldiers and communities. Our mission was simple but profound: to prepare meals for 3,500 IDF soldiers and offer tangible support during these challenging times.

What struck me most was the palpable sense of isolation many Israelis feel. In Tel Aviv, hotels house families displaced from the north, with children adapting to uncertain lives away from their homes. Restaurants were quiet, tour guides hadn't worked in two years, and everywhere we heard the same message: Israel feels alone.

At Kibbutz Aza, we met a young IDF soldier whose father was the first victim of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Walking through the devastated kibbutz, he shared that no one expects to return until 2026 or 2027. At Kibbutz Ne'ot Mordekhai, we helped prepare for residents’ return, witnessing incredible optimism in the face of constant threat.

Our visit to Mount Hermon, along the Syrian border, revealed soldiers who had just completed a mission pushing back Hezbollah. Their appreciation for our support was overwhelming — supplemental gear, meals and simply being present meant more than we could imagine.

Jewish Federation of Greater Naples has been instrumental in this support. Our Israel Emergency Fund — now the Israel Resilience Fund — ensures 100% of local donations directly support Israeli needs: housing, food, medical care and mental health support.

But beyond material aid, our most important contribution is showing solidarity. We're demonstrating that diaspora Jews stand united — that we take care of each other regardless of where we live.

To everyone who has donated, supported or simply cared — thank you. Your contributions are keeping the Israeli fighting spirit alive. In these challenging times, every act of support matters. Let us continue to stand with Israel, to show them they are not alone.