A message from Gilad Cohen, Ambassador of Israel to Japan:
I am writing to you in the midst of difficult times for the State of Israel, perhaps the most difficult since the establishment of the state. Israel is at war, a war for our home, the peace of our children and citizens, and for our existence as a nation that must guarantee our security.
As the father of two sons who were recruited to the front, along with many of my friends in Israel and Jewish communities abroad, the concern for the safety of all our sons and daughters, the soldiers of the IDF, is growing, in preparation for the challenging days that lie ahead.
The brutal terrorist attack, which struck us on Shabbat-Simchat Torah, was a level of murderous barbarism the modern world has never witnessed. It will be etched in our history forever. Innocent citizens, including elderly men and women, young people who were celebrating at a festival, children, and babies, were mercilessly murdered, burned, raped, and violated. These were acts reminiscent of the Holocaust.
We, the entire team of diplomats at the embassy in Tokyo, have been working tirelessly since the outbreak of the war with the goal of mobilizing the Japanese government to stand firmly by our side, without hesitation, to condemn the murderous terrorism of Hamas and recognize Israel’s right to self-defense. We’ve conducted dozens of meetings with top Japanese officials and various politicians, arranged for the flights of reservists who were drafted, supported expressions of solidarity such as events that took place in Shibuya crossroad in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, and more, and have been continuously interviewed on various media outlets, including television stations, newspapers, press conferences, YouTube channels, and social networks.
Yesterday, early in the morning, Japan, along with the USA, the UK, and France, voted against a proposed Russian resolution in the Security Council to enforce a ceasefire. This was the first time Japan, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, voted against a proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East. Separately, Japan announced its intent to send humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. Upon hearing this, we reminded the Japanese of the suffering of the surrounding Israeli communities, which also require humanitarian assistance, and, of course, mentioned our abducted citizens in Gaza.
This aid is subject to Israeli approval for its entry, in accordance with the general rules for humanitarian aid from Egypt and other sources.
This will be a long and difficult war, and it is crucial that our support endures. We need your help to continue mobilizing public opinion in Japan, to amplify our message clearly and fairly, to share videos and materials.
For the eloquent Japanese speakers among us, please don’t hesitate to participate in interviews on local networks and panels. We welcome various initiatives to encourage mayors of cities and districts to illuminate public buildings with the colors of the Israeli flag and participate in solidarity events organized by the embassy and other organizations supporting Israel. This is the embassy’s focus, and we rely on your assistance as ‘force multipliers.’
It is important to emphasize that the fight against terrorism is a global effort. What affects Israel today could impact Japan tomorrow, as Hamas is equivalent to ISIS.
David Ben-Gurion, the founding father, said, “The fate of Israel depends on its strength and righteousness”. We are just, and Israel has a strong army capable of achieving the goals of this war. We have no alternative.
Unfortunately, in the past, the Jewish people were led like sheep to the slaughter because we couldn’t defend ourselves. No More.
I would like to express my gratitude to the dedicated embassy staff for their round-the-clock efforts and to all of you for your support, initiatives, and commitment.
Together, we will overcome Hamas and ensure a safer future for Israel.
-Gilad
Services
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, October 20th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, October 27th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Lech Lecha
Bar Mitzvah of Kenny Schamisso
Saturday, October 28th
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush Luncheon: 12:30pm
All are welcome.
Please RSVP via our website
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, November 3rd
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, November 10th
Services: 6:00pm
Dinner by reservation: 7:00pm
Shabbat Chayei Sarah
Kiddush open for sponsorship
Saturday, November 11th
Services: 10:00am
Kiddush: 12:00pm
Events
Masha the Rich Man
“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours” are the wise words of Sir Elton John. Join us for a performance by Ukranian-born, Berlin-based folk-pop singer Maria Raykhman for an opportunity to bring us together in unity and provide healing at this time when we need it more than ever.
About Maria Raykhman aka “Masha the Rich Man”
Through her melancholic folk-pop, the artist creates a timeless parallel world that welcomes listeners into a state of loneliness. Masha’s lyrics are about world-weariness, dreams, formative memories and at the same time mark the beginning of her self-healing. More info and recordings here.
Thursday, October 19th 7:30pm at the JCC
Registration Details
JCJ Platinum 70th Anniversary
Saturday, November 11th 6:30pm at the JCC
Couvert: 15,000 yen
Registration Details
If you have an idea for an event or a topic you would like to share with others, please visit our website.
Announcements
The Jewish Center of Fukuoka, Japan will be hosting a Stop Terror, Stop Hamas demonstration this Saturday, October 21st at 6:00pm in Kego Park. Please share with anyone you know who can attend.
Amidst the heartbreaking news from Israel, our 70th anniversary celebration at the JCC will proceed. We believe it’s crucial to honor our enduring commitment to Judaism and showcase our solidarity with Israel. Please sign up soon and feel free to invite non-member friends to join us in this meaningful event.
Yiddish Club with Jack Halpern: Please contact Jack at jack@cjki.org if you are interested to join. All levels are welcome, from beginner to advanced. Much more than just language, the club’s monthly meetings explore Yiddish culture as well.
Shabbat Noach
Candle Lighting: 4:42pm
Havdala: 5:37pm