Crisis in Israel: Swords of Iron War | The Jewish Agency - U.S.Crisis in Israel: Swords of Iron War

ISRAEL AT WAR

Our immediate actions and continued efforts on the ground

Since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, over 1,400 Israelis have been killed, with thousands more injured and 241 taken into Gaza and being held as hostages. In times of crisis, The Jewish Agency for Israel is the first responder of the Jewish people. Through our Fund for Victims of Terror, we have been providing immediate financial assistance to victims and their families, and following up with long-term rehabilitative support. We are also ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations, immigrants in our absorption centers and our program participants and beneficiaries across Israel, and helping rehabilitate the communities devastated by the war. Our efforts rely on the generosity of The Jewish Federations of North America / United Israel Appeal, Keren Hayesod, foundations and donors from Israel and around the world, and people like you. Please donate today and check this page for news and information as we will post updates as the war continues.

 

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Real stories, real people: Who our vital work is helping now

An update on our activities: (as of November 16)

Jewish Agency Leadership

Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog and Director General and CEO Amira Ahronoviz have been visiting new olim (immigrants) in our absorption centers and those who have been evacuated to safer locations. They have also met with Amgiour residents in regions under fire and visited some of the injured in hospitals, accompanying representatives of the Fund for Victims of Terror as they deliver financial assistance to those impacted.

On October 18, Doron had the privilege of being part of a small intimate meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden during the president’s historic wartime visit to Israel.

Fund for Victims of Terror

As of November 16, 5,681 grants have been processed and an additional 715+ are in process, providing immediate financial assistance to victims impacted by the war and the families of those killed or kidnapped. Our hotline number has received over 4,721 calls so far.

To support the Fund, donate here.

Shlichim

Our Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) have organized, attended and spoken at over 120 rallies and gatherings in solidarity with Israel occurring on college campuses and in cities and countries globally. Working with the Shlichut Institute, we are providing Shlichim with the necessary tools and resources to talk about the war and to pivot in their roles to best serve their local communities, especially amidst a rise in antisemitism.

Olim in Jewish Agency Facilities

The Jewish Agency has evacuated thousands of olim from the south and north to safer locations elsewhere in the country, including central Israel, Eilat and Ein Gedi, and organized respite activities and provided ongoing support. The overwhelming majority of these evacuees are new olim from Ethiopia, Ukraine and Russia, many of whom are experiencing rocket fire for the first time. As of November 16, an accumulated 71,487 nights in evacuation stays have been covered by The Jewish Agency and an accumulated 214,461 meals have been provided.

Elderly Residents in Amigour Homes

Approximately 5,000 residents live in The Jewish Agency’s Amigour apartments in the Southern and Central Israel regions. We are supplying food packages and essentials directly to residents in need; 14,600+ food baskets have been distributed. We are also stocking communal bomb shelters with food and supplies.

Lone Soldiers

We are working closely with Wings, our program for lone soldiers serving in the Israel Defense Forces who do not have family in Israel, and sending social workers to visit those who have been wounded.

Emergency Grants and Loans for Businesses in the South

We are providing emergency grants of up to 20,000 NIS to 889 small businesses in the south as well as interest-free microloans of up to 100,000 NIS; we have approved 17 loans so far and have 166 applications still in process.

Our Staff

The Jewish Agency is increasing its Security Personnel at all of its Southern Absorption Centers and programming. We have also recruited volunteers for educational activities, staff reinforcement and emotional support for immigrants and refugees. So far, more than 1,413 volunteers have been recruited.

While we do not know how long this war will last, what we do know is that we will continue to be there for the victims, survivors and the global Jewish people during this dark time. To support our critical efforts, please donate today.

 

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