The post below is from the blog of JFN Board co-chair Angelica Berrie.

For more about the Syrian refugee crisis, watch this webinar briefing on the crisis for funders.

Cross-posted on eJewish Philanthropy and the Times of Israel

Israel never had a victory parade.

Even when military triumphs were outstanding and even miraculous, Israelis knew wars are not something to be celebrated. They can feel proud of the way their soldiers and civilian sector dealt with threats and challenges to Israel’s security and very existence. Yet, pride is not joy.

As the scope of the catastrophic destruction from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines continues to unfold, the Jewish community has joined in the emergency response to aid the millions directly affected by one of the strongest storms on record.

What can we do as philanthropists amid the horror of this recent tragedy? Can any parent be relieved? Can any mourner be comforted? Watching the news this week, I’ve wondered why pain isn't a zero sum game. Why can’t we spread sadness thin by sharing it until we make it disappear? Why is it that even though we all share the grief, it doesn’t diminish?

With so much sadness in the news, I wanted to share with you a bit of a bright spot: our efforts to respond to this crisis as a community have been overwhelming.

Following the devastating storm that just hit the North East Coast, our thoughts and prayers go out for all those affected by this unprecedented event.