Gathering for the public to offer donations, cards, letters, and supplies for the crisis in Israel and in Gaza

This event is not co-sponsored by the Library. 

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18 from 4:00 – 6:00.  A Gathering for the Brookline community and and general public to offer support, cards, donations, and space to light a “candle” for the people in crisis in Israel and in Gaza.  All are welcome: people of all backgrounds and faiths, and people of ages from young children to elderly, everyone is welcome.

Location for Weds. Oct. 18, 4:00-6:00 at the BROOKLINE PUBLIC LIBRARY, 361 WASHINGTON STREET, BROOKLINE VILLAGE.  2ND FLOOR, HUNNEMAN HALL.

We will have four tables (four different stations) set up for families, children, adults, and the public to:

1) MAKE A CARD or decorate a card of love and encouragement which will be mailed to hospitals, kibbutzes, and organizations helping in both Israel and in Gaza.  This will be age-appropriate and “safe” for young children to send messages of “I love you” and “we care” without any mention of the terrorist attack prompting this.

2) LIGHT A CANDLE (a battery tea light candle) and say a prayer or silently hold sacred all human life in whatever language or form expresses your concern and care.  All are welcome.

3) DONATE supplies (such as mini first aid kits, personal body products, women’s sanitary supplies, not food), for shipments to the priority areas most affected by the terrorist attack.  Any supplies that are not needed will be taken to the International Institute of New England which helps refugees here. This back up arrangement has been made so that whatever supplies are donated will be used, even if the donation doesn’t meet the specific needs.

4) DONATE directly to non-profit organizations most urgently in need of financial support, including hospitals, Jewish organizations, Israeli organizations, Palestinian groups, peace groups in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as international groups and humanitarian organizations.  People may choose which organization they wish to send funds to, all choices are welcome, as we see all human life as sacred.  We will facilitate and support by having a list of groups which have been designated as urgently in need of funds to address the terrorist attack and immediate crisis.  Nearly all the groups listed are 4-star-rated on charity navigator.

All are welcome in the Brookline community and general public who see all life as sacred.  This will not be a space for political debate, only for expressions of support, of caring, of prayer, and donations to help our fellow human beings who are suffering.