Veterans Day: Call for the Common Good

A view of Tacloban City in the Philippines Photo: Reuters

As our national community commemorates Veterans Day, we are hearing stories about devastating destruction and death in the Philippines. Veterans Day falls on November 11 because that date in 1918 marked the temporary armistice and end of hostilities and devastation during World War I. Veterans Day celebrates American military veterans not only for their patriotic love of country but also for their willingness to serve the common good.  

The tragedy in the Philippines calls on all citizens of the world to serve the common good - of rescue, restoration, and healing.   

As you may know, there is a special connection between the Philippines and the State of Israel. My colleague, Rabbi Ari Luebitz, referred to it earlier today with his Oakland Hebrew Day School community reminding them that "Filipinos have become beloved and valued members of Israeli households, known throughout [Israel] for their compassion and humanity, and their capacity to give and to care well above and beyond the call of duty." In an earlier generation, the Filipinos sheltered 1,000 European Jews fleeing the Nazis during World War II.   

In partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the San Francisco based Jewish Community Federation has established relief fund for direct support in the city of Tacloban and other areas that have been hardest hit. One hundred percent of all funds collected there will go directly to Federation partners on the ground in the Philippines, including JDC, for emergency response and long-term recovery. Click here to donate now.

   

Israel itself has dispatched relief teams to the Philippines. One of the leading organizations involved is IsraAID. You can learn more about IsraAID here and might consider contributing to their efforts. 

May our prayers and deeds bring light to a place so broken now by darkness and death.  May the strength of our community be shared for the common good.