Urgent Call for Action
August 18, 2025
The ongoing crisis in Gaza is a devastating reminder of the human cost of war. Nearly two years into the war Hamas forced on Israel, Israelis are still waiting for the return of their loved ones held hostage, and innocent Palestinians are caught in a mounting humanitarian crisis. Hamas has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to sacrifice the Palestinian people in its pursuit of Israel’s destruction and to use Israeli people as political weapons. We unconditionally condemn calls by several Israeli government officials to decimate the Gaza Strip which is indefensible.
The Israeli government must acknowledge the suffering in Gaza. Therefore, we call for authorizing and assisting in the supply of food and medications to civilians in Gaza, and this should include also providing food and medication to the 20 living Israeli hostages. We urge the international community to work with Israeli and Palestinian leadership to reach an agreement for the release of the remaining hostages, the disarming of Hamas, ending the war and assuring the safety of Israeli and Palestinian civilians.
National Council of Jewish Women San Francisco
Solidarity and Hope Amidst Difficult Times
October 7, 2023
Today, as we observe Shabbat across different parts of the world, we find ourselves in shock and horror. In the U.S., we commemorate Shemini Atzeret, while in Israel, the spirit of Simchat Torah rises. While our tradition calls for a pause, reflection, and celebration, the urgent realities in Israel compel us to reach out.
Today’s distressing events on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War in southern Israel have escalated to a state of war. Days like Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah should be moments of spiritual joy, but they are now shadowed by mourning and conflict. Our bond with Israel has remained unwavering since its inception. At NCJW-SF, we are deeply invested in the safety of the people living in Israel and in the country’s enduring future as a democratic Jewish state.
NCJW-SF stands firm in condemning these acts and hope for a swift, peaceful resolution, ensuring safety for all in the region. Our steadfast support for Israel’s right to protect its citizens remains undeterred. The broad-reaching support from the Biden Administration and global leaders gives us hope for unity against these horrors. As we reflect on the High Holidays, our thoughts remain with the affected families in Israel, yearning for security and peace. Every life deserves safety and freedom.
National Council of Jewish Women San Francisco
Israel at 74 – Opportunities and Challenges
June 20, 2022 | via Zoom
Featured speaker: Matan Zamir, Deputy Consul General of Israel for the Pacific Northwest
Matan Zamir is the Deputy Consul General of Israel for the Pacific Northwest. Previously to this position, he served as the Deputy Director for the Public Affairs Department at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Between 2015-2018 Zamir served as the Israeli Deputy Consul General to New England. He has been a member of Israel’s Foreign Service since 2011, also serving as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Israeli Consulate in Mumbai, India. Zamir led a decorated career in the Israeli Defense Forces. He served in the IDF from 1999-2003 and was released as a lieutenant. In 2003, Zamir received the President’s medal of excellence for Israel’s 55th Independence Day. Before joining the Foreign Service, Zamir was an International Business Manager for an Israeli Telecom Company (2010-2011) and the Director of the Training Department of the Israeli Supreme Court (2007-2008), a position that was part of Israel’s Center for Citizenship and Democracy. Zamir grew up in Jerusalem where his family has lived for nine generations. He is a lawyer; he received his L.L.B. from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 2008.
The Refugee Crisis and Human Trafficking Explosion throughout the Middle East and Europe: Jews Muslims and Christians join forces in refugee assistance and human trafficking prevention
March 29, 2016 | Jewish Family and Children’s Services | San Francisco
Reception, Video Screening and Panel Discussion with IsraAID’s:
Chief Operating Officer – Navonel Glick (Voni)
Emergency Medical Team Leader – Dr. Iris Adler
Global Partnership Director – Yotam Polizer
Find more information about IsraAID HERE.
The Bay Stands With Israel Rally
July 3, 2014 | Civic Center | San Francisco
Three thousand people joined the Bay Stands With Israel rally to show their support to Israel and peace. Thirty-eight organizations, including NCJW San Francisco Section, co-sponsored the rally.
Photo credit: Miri Ekshtein
