By Hermione Gilpin, Chief Development Officer and Liat Alon, Chief Learning and Engagement Officer
Photo: Ronan Horesh
This month, we mark a year since the horrific attacks on October 7. We have watched from that moment onward as a nation was tossed into a chaotic war and harsh public spotlight that has been unrelenting, traumatizing, and cruel.
While the days have been long and hard, there have been glimmers of hope especially as our community has come together to support each other, our local Israeli neighbors, and all of Israel. Since October 7, we have raised more than $2 million for our Israel Emergency Campaign. Together with our partner Federations and Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), we have raised almost $850 million with a focus on four core areas: Lifeline Services, Medical and Trauma Relief, Economic Recovery, and Community Resilience and Rebuilding. We were also able to send direct grants to several Israeli organizations, providing the essential funding to medical care, rebuilding relief within a kibbutz, aiding lone soldiers, and mental health.
Nadi from Israel Defense Forces, Unit 36 shared about the impact of new night vision equipment: “They enable the soldiers of Division 36 to complete their assignments better and help keep them safe. It was one of Sgt. Major Adi Shani’s (who fell in combat in Gaza in December, 2023) last wishes that the soldiers be provided with this vital equipment.”
Shavit, a sixth-year medical student at the Hebrew University who grew up in Ashkelon said: “As both part of the medical system and as a resident of Ashkelon, I know first hand how vital the aid that Barzilai received was for my community. The federation’s assistance supports the teams at Barzilai, Ashkelon’s only hospital, in caring for my community during this terrible war that has been going on.” In the first 90 days of the war, we sent a relief grant to Barzilai Hospital where they were providing medical treatment for victims from October 7 and continuing their trauma efforts to support civilian and soldier casualties.
Prof. Mooli Lahad PhD, Founder and President of the Community Stress Prevention Center (CSPC) shared with us: “In the midst of escalating war, constant bombardment, and the pervasive uncertainty and fear, one can only hope to have someone who cares and provides both practical and spiritual support. CSPC’s staff are working tirelessly, day and night, to support and care for the many evacuees and those whose homes have been destroyed, burnt, or abandoned. The hands-on activities and emotional support are felt on all levels. As Margaret Mead once said, ‘Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.’”
To learn more about our impact in Israel and how you can make a difference, click here.