Gaza's Future is at a Crossroads

We hope you have been staying warm and dry this week! We wanted to share a few items of news in addition to our upcoming events. Yesterday we celebrated Tu B’Shvat, the “new year for trees”. Although it seems strange to us with all of our snow, Tu B’Shvat represents the start of Spring in Israel. We celebrate by planting seeds of hope and renewal. To learn more about Tu B’Shvat, click here . In response to the memorandum released last Friday by the Trump administration directing Federal Agency executives to review all federal funding allocated to NGOs, Jewish Federations of North American (JFNA) put together an issue brief outlining its key points and implications. We continue to work with HIAS on the continuation of our refugee work. We’re grateful to those who have donated to our refugee programs to help combat the cuts that have been made; we’ll be highlighting more news and those donors in our monthly update later this month (see below to sign up). Follow our social media over the weekend for updates on additional hostage releases and updates on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Despite lack on mainstream coverage and reports to the contrary from Hamas, there is growing concern about the treatment of the hostages during their captivity. JFNA has more details . Times of Israel has coverage of President Trump’s plan for rebuild in Gaza, including other Arab countries’ attempts to come up with an alternate plan and response by a number of American rabbis and Jewish celebrities who disapprove of the administration's plan . The JCA Weekly newsletter is sent out every Friday afternoon, featuring upcoming events and important updates from our leadership. Additionally, we now offer five other newsletters you can subscribe to! Simply click this link and answer a few quick questions to customize your preferences.

Refugee Resettlement Update

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal: Hostage Releases and Ongoing Challenges

The bagel, that beloved ring-shaped bread, has traveled a long journey through time and geography to become a staple in Jewish cuisine and a favorite breakfast item worldwide. Its story is as rich as its flavor, steeped in tradition and innovation. Bagels in Jewish History The origins of the bagel can be traced back to Jewish communities in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland, during the early 17th century. The first written mention of bagels appears in 1610, in the Community Regulations of Krakow, where bagels were noted as a gift to be given to women after childbirth. This suggests their symbolic association with fertility, continuity, and life—qualities reflected in the bagel’s circular shape, representing eternity and unity. The bagel’s rise in Jewish communities can also be attributed to practical reasons. Its dense, chewy texture allowed it to stay fresh longer, making it a practical food for working-class families. Additionally, the dough was boiled before being baked, creating a crust that preserved the bread's moisture and made it easy to transport. The Bagel Comes to America Jewish immigrants brought the bagel to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, settling in cities like New York, where bagel-making became a thriving industry. Bagel bakers often belonged to powerful unions, such as the Bagel Bakers Local 338, which dominated production in New York City during the mid-20th century. These bakers adhered to traditional methods, hand-rolling and boiling each bagel before baking them in wood-fired ovens. By the 1960s, bagels had begun to expand beyond Jewish enclaves, thanks in part to mass production and marketing innovations. The Lender’s Bagels company, founded in 1927, played a major role in popularizing bagels across America by introducing frozen bagels that could be easily transported and stored. Bagels Today: A Global Phenomenon Today, bagels have become a global food phenomenon, appearing on menus from Montreal to Tokyo. While traditional flavors like plain, sesame, and poppy seed remain popular, modern variations include everything from rainbow bagels to flavors like jalapeño-cheddar and chocolate chip. The “everything bagel,” with its signature mix of seeds, salt, and garlic, is a contemporary favorite. Beyond flavor innovation, bagels have taken on new roles in global cuisine. Sandwiches, pizza bagels, and bagel breakfast sandwiches have all emerged, showcasing the bagel's versatility. Meanwhile, artisanal bakeries and bagel shops have revived interest in traditional techniques, offering hand-rolled, boiled, and hearth-baked bagels that honor their origins. A Symbol of Resilience and Community The bagel’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and its deep roots in Jewish history and culture. For Jewish communities, it remains a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and connection. Whether served with lox and cream cheese at a family brunch, or enjoyed simply with butter, the bagel carries with it a story of tradition, migration, and creativity.  Next time you savor a bagel, take a moment to appreciate the journey it’s taken—from Krakow to your plate—and the rich history baked into every bite.

The Jewish National Fund/Keren Kayemeth L’Israel ( JNF/KKL) blue box. How many grew up putting tzedakah coins in that blue tin? Or perhaps you received a certificate at your B’Mitzvah announcing: “A tree has been planted in your honor in Israel.” Although JNF was initially created to purchase land (1901) and most recently is trying to deal with preserving and sharing water, it is best known for planting trees, particularly on Tu B’Shvat.

In a significant breakthrough, a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, temporarily halting the recent surge in violence. The deal, brokered by international mediators, includes provisions for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages, offering hope to families who have endured weeks of uncertainty. Over the weekend, three hostages were released and reunited with their families, bringing moments of immense relief. The ceasefire reportedly includes the following key points: Mutual Halting of Hostilities : Both parties have agreed to an immediate cessation of military operations, including airstrikes and rocket fire. Humanitarian Access : Provisions for increased humanitarian aid to reach affected areas in Gaza, ensuring access to essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid. Negotiation Pathways : A commitment to reopen channels for long-term negotiations aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. Ceasefire and Hostage Releases A pivotal component of the ceasefire agreement is the release of hostages held by Hamas. In coordination with international organizations, several hostages have already been freed, with additional releases expected in the coming days. These developments mark significant progress on the humanitarian front and provide solace to families awaiting news of their loved ones. International Reactions World leaders have applauded the ceasefire and the ongoing hostage releases. U.S. President Joe Biden and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres have praised the progress while urging all parties to exercise restraint, honor the agreement, and prioritize long-term peace efforts. Challenges Ahead While the ceasefire and hostage releases are steps in the right direction, the situation remains fragile. Previous agreements have faltered due to violations and unresolved disputes. Without addressing fundamental issues such as the Gaza blockade, territorial disagreements, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there is a risk that violence could reignite.  The Human Impact The ceasefire and the release of hostages bring moments of hope, but they also highlight the devastating toll of the conflict. Thousands have been displaced, and infrastructure in Gaza has suffered extensive damage. International organizations emphasize the need for sustained efforts to rebuild communities and alleviate the humanitarian crisis. As hostages are reunited with their families and aid begins to flow into affected areas, there is cautious optimism that this ceasefire could mark the beginning of a longer-term resolution. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this fragile peace can be maintained.

Federations express joy at release of Gonen, Damar, and Steinbrecher

January 17, 2025: First and foremost, I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone in the JCA community who has reached out to me since my husband passed away. It has meant so much to my family and to me to feel the love and support from our new community. We are still reeling, but all the messages, the meal train, the cards, the visits have all made things much more bearable. Particularly for my children, who don’t yet have a social support network here, it has been wonderful for them to feel the welcome of the Portland Jewish community. Todah rabah, truly.  I’m sure everyone has seen the news of the ceasefire, which Israel formally approved today. Although there are still many unknowns ahead, we're hopeful that this agreement will be fully implemented so that all remaining hostages can be safely returned to their families, the war can end, and we can begin the difficult work of moving toward a future that involves a lasting peace in the region and ensures the safety and dignity of both the Israeli and Palestinian people. Here in Portland we continue the work of helping Jewish live thrive, locally and around the world. There is much work to be done, and the staff and board are dedicated to carrying out that work. Your support makes that possible, and we’re grateful for all those in the community who support us financially as well as with their time. Shabbat Shalom