This morning marks Day 32 of Operation Protective Edge. While the IDF remains positioned along the Gaza border, officials confirm that Hamas' terrorist infrastructure has been severely crippled, and that immediate threats posed by terrorist tunnels (which resulted in 11 IDF fatalities) have been removed. With this long-awaited moment of respite, I am reminded that after an anxiety-ridden four weeks, there is still more work to be done. 

We hope you've received your printed copy of the August Jewish VOICE, our Back-to-School edition. This is the first issue with our new Editor, Jaidy Schweers. You can also find our digital e-dition online by clicking here.

On Wednesday, Federation and the Siegel JCC co-sponsored the Israel Scouts Friendship Caravan who performed for Camp JCC's campers and counselors in the afternoon as well as a free community-wide performance later that evening. This is the third consecutive year that we have brought the Tzofim Caravan to Delaware and a wonderful way of bringing a taste of Israel to our community.

Our Facilities Management Board (FMB) who manages the Jewish Community Campus under the leadership of Ken Kamm and Arnie Caine, met on Thursday morning to assess current and pending campus projects and initiatives. Scheduling quarterly meetings and monthly conference calls ensure the campus is properly managed and operated efficiently. Special thanks to Jordan Smith, Facilities Director and Sodexo General Manager, for his guidance and counsel.

Some of the more relevant and thought-provoking articles of the week from a variety of sources for your review;

Under Hamas fire, Israel keeps humanitarian aid to Gaza flowing 

Israel Has a Duty to Defend Its Citizens 

The Geography of Horror 

America's Moral Compass Must Point to Israel 

Stop the Anti-Semitism When Talking Gaza 

World Ignores Christian Exodus from Islamic World 

New York Times Photographer Confirms IDF's Claims  

Owner of One of Nation's Biggest Football Franchises Surprises Family Of Slain American IDF Soldier 

Measured by a different yardstick 

By the time you are reading this, the 72-hour cease-fire agreement will have ended and we do not know what Hamas will do moving forward but we do know that Israel will be ready to defend itself and protect its citizens. This Shabbat let us all pray for peace.

TOGETHER We Are Federation.