NEW YORK: Jewish National Fund-USA-supported community volunteer groups across Israel have moved quickly to assist residents living under emergency measures. Through more than 300 communities and local initiatives, these groups are stepping forward to support their neighbors and strengthen local resilience during this difficult period.
During the current crisis, cities and towns throughout Israel have experienced repeated missile attacks and ongoing security alerts. Schools have closed, many workplaces have paused operations, and public gatherings — including public Purim celebrations— were cancelled. Residents across the country are spending extended periods near protected spaces while following safety instructions from authorities.
In response, local governments, civil society organizations, and grassroots community networks backed by Jewish National Fund-USA have mobilized to assist families, seniors, and vulnerable populations.
A nationwide network of community initiatives led by Jewish National Fund-USA-affiliate, MAKOM Communities, has activated volunteers and local leaders across Israel to provide critical support and strengthen community resilience during the emergency.
Across the country, hundreds of volunteers are actively assisting residents in communities from the North to the South, reaching thousands of people through emergency response efforts and community-based support.
In the southern Israeli city of Sderot, the “Mountain” Jewish community has launched a Russian-language hotline to assist elderly immigrants and vulnerable residents. Volunteers are also organizing activities for children sheltering during alerts and responding to urgent needs within the community.
In the city of Beit Shemesh, just outside of Jerusalem, following a direct hit by an Iranian ballistic missile that resulted in multiple fatalities, Jewish National Fund-USA-supported organizations and local community members coordinated with municipal partners to ensure support systems remained available for those in need.
In one of Israel’s Northern most towns, Kiryat Shmona, members of a young adult community initiative are reaching out to elderly residents, delivering care packages and holiday gifts, checking on residents’ well-being, supporting families of reservists, and helping clean and prepare public shelters to ensure residents have safe spaces during alerts.
In the Northern coastal city of Nahariya, Jewish National Fund-USA-supported volunteers have established a hotline and outreach program dedicated to elderly residents, providing regular check-ins and personal support for seniors and homebound individuals.
Additional efforts taking place across Jewish National Fund-USA’s network of volunteers in Israel include:
- Preparing and maintaining public shelters in neighborhoods across multiple cities
- Supporting families of reservists and responding to urgent community needs
- Organizing activities and educational programs for children sheltering in protected spaces
- Maintaining youth and community engagement through online gatherings and support networks
- Distributing hundreds of holiday packages and preparing meals for soldiers and families in need
- Conducting direct outreach to more than 2,000 elderly residents across different communities
- Mobilizing over 4,000 artists nationwide to provide creative programming via Zoom that supports emotional resilience during the crisis
Even amid uncertainty, these community-driven efforts demonstrate the enduring strength of Israel’s civil society — neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping forward, and communities standing together in the face of adversity.
Support from Jewish National Fund-USA partners (donors) continues to play a vital role in sustaining these efforts and ensuring communities remain strong, connected, and able to care for one another in times of crisis.
To support Israel’s home front, visit jnf.org/israelstrong or call 800.JNF.0099.
