Operation Rising Lion
(All data below was found on the Government of Israel’s website, last updated: June 19, 2025, 9:30 am)
Since the beginning of the operation, approximately 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) have been launched at Israel. More than 40 impact sites have been identified.
Yes, Israelis are courageous and strong. And yes, the losses are significant.
24 people have been killed and over 838 people have been injured (785+ with light injuries).
More than 5,000 people have been evacuated from their homes.
Damages to residential neighbourhoods and private property, to roads and infrastructure, to hospitals and research centres will take billions of dollars to rebuild.
The Holy Blossom Temple Board met last night. We urge you to be generous in supporting whichever worthy organizations you choose. Here are three which are providing rapid response and support for those with immediate and urgent needs.
Magen David Adom (Israel’s Red Cross)
https://www.cmdai.org/en/content/10-donate-now
“Since 1976, Canadian Magen David Adom for Israel (CMDA) has been the sole authorized fundraising organization in Canada dedicated to supplying Ambulances, Medical Equipment, Supplies and Blood Testing Kits to support the life-saving efforts of MDA in Israel.”
Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (The IMPJ is Israel’s Reform Movement, including 50+ congregations, kibbutzim, schools, and youth groups.)
https://lp.reform.org.il/rising-lion-emergency-campaign/
“Across our Reform Movement in Israel, mutual responsibility —ערבות הדדית— guides our every step. Communities are checking in on one another, offering shelter to those without access to safe spaces. Congregations with proper facilities have opened their doors to the public. And for those confined to their homes, we are offering special online programming to bring comfort and connection.
This is our reality, and we urgently need your help.
We must raise at least $250,000 in the coming days to meet our most immediate needs: emergency care, housing, trauma support, and spiritual grounding. You can help us today.”
UJA: Toronto’s Emergency Campaign
“We woke up Sunday morning to the horrific news that our partner city of Bat Yam was directly hit from an Iranian missile that left nine people dead, including children, and approximately 100 more injured. Dozens of buildings in Bat Yam have been damaged or destroyed.
UJA has been strengthening education and social welfare programs in Bat Yam for 19 years. We are in direct contact with the mayor, community leaders, and our local partners, and we will do whatever is needed. In the short term, we are assisting to provide food, housing, and clothing for people there who have lost everything, respite care for children who now find themselves living in hotel rooms, and additional essential needs and services for vulnerable populations, including seniors, new immigrants, and children with disabilities. A pilot emergency program co-developed with the municipality is already playing a key role in coordinating first response efforts during this crisis.”
עושה שלום במרומיו הוא יעשה שלום עלינו ועל כל ישראל
ואמרו אמן
“May the One who makes peace in the high heavens, cause peace to descend upon us and upon all of Israel. And say, Amen.”
