The Jewish Agency for Israel, responding to the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran, announced on Friday it had opened a situation room in Jerusalem in an attempt to monitor all of the populations worldwide who fall under its umbrella of care.
These populations include those in Israel, such as olim (new immigrants) residing in absorption centers as well as those expected to arrive in the country soon, students in youth villages, young people and representatives from communities around the world currently visiting Israel, and overseas, hundreds of Israeli shlichim (“emissaries”) operating on behalf of the Jewish Agency in Jewish communities worldwide.
“The IDF has launched a preemptive attack [against Iran] in a war that was forced upon us against those who seek to destroy us,” Agency Chairman Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog said. “The embrace and support we receive from our sisters and brothers around the world provide the foundation for the biblical prophecy that has also become the name of the operation, ‘Rising Lion’—‘A nation that rises up like a lioness, like a lion it stands tall (Numbers 23:24).’”
Additionally, in a letter sent recently to Jewish community leaders and members of the Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors, the heads of the Jewish Agency wrote, “In these days, we strengthen and thank our brave soldiers from the bottom of our hearts.”
“Air Force pilots and security forces are protecting all of us on the home front and the frontlines,” the letter continued. “The coming days will not be simple, and we appreciate all those who reach out to check on our well-being from around the world.”