With Eretz Yisroel in the midst of crisis, how does the Torah world in the United States move forward? Speakers at this year’s Agudah Convention in the Armon Hotel in Stamford, Connecticut, addressed questions pertaining to the situation in Eretz Yisroel, its effects on American Jewry, and what our response should be.

The convention, ‘Call to Action,’ began Thursday, and emphasized the need for American Jews to take action in response to the current situation. With presentations from leading Rabbanim and askanim, participants are already receiving tangible direction from our Gedolim and committing to put practical solutions into effect.

Among the many sessions, and emblematic of the focus on our responsibility in this time of tzoroh, was this year’s Thursday night keynote, titled ‘Reb Yisroel Bein Ha’Amim: Challenges, Opportunities, Issues, and Solutions.’ Rabbi Gershon Miller, Rosh Hamosad of Yeshiva Beth Yehuda, said, “We would assume that the first casualty of what happened would be emunas Yisroel… and get the very opposite took place. Everywhere in the world we ran into Hashem’s Hands!”

And in the words of Rabbi Shmuel Dishon, Menahel, Yad Yisroel, Karlin Stolin, “We are responsible for every single yid in the world – if we have the ability to help him, we have to help him.”

“How can you be a Yid and not want to help? How can you be a Yid and not cry out to Hashem?” said Chaver Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah Rabbi Yosef Frankel, Vyelepoler Rebbe.

In that vein, the session included a presentation of Agudah’s Keren Yeshuah’s efforts to assist those displaced because of Hamas’ terror attacks, both during this trying time and for the long-term.

The Agudah Convention continues through Sunday afternoon. All Friday, Motzoei Shabbos, and Sunday sessions are open to the public. For a full program and other convention information, see agudahconvention.org. The Agudah Convention will also be livestreamed, available at agudahconvention.org/live-event.