The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County hopes more than 100 brave souls will take the freezing plunge on Jan. 1 to support those fighting in the Israel-Hamas war.

For Tom Patterson, and others from Temple Israel in Westport, the plunge is about raising money for those suffering in the war.

“I'm not really a fan of the cold weather but I do like doing this on New Year’s Day,” Patterson said. “we’ve raised about $1 million over 10 years for different charities."

This year, every dime raised will go to the Israel emergency fund, swimmers participating in the plunge are bringing back the tradition after a several year hiatuses.

Patterson says the Israel-Hamas war was reason enough to bring it back.

“We decided it would be a great year to bring it back and come out of retirement," said Patterson.

Carin Savel, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County says the funds are much needed at this time.

"Procuring supplies, delivering supplies, army equipment, food shelter, some places that have not been bombed need to build safe rooms," said Savel.

For more information on the polar plunge, you can click here.