Clearly, the needs for the land and people of Israel have changed dramatically since the war began. Jewish National Fund-USA is addressing those needs as it partners with its affiliates in Israel to provide what’s most important. Security is critical for the farms which produce the food supply for a country of over 9 million people. The thousands of people who have been displaced need safe places to live, plus the support services that go along with everyday life. Psychological counseling is critical for everyone. Support for Israel’s brave soldiers manifests itself in a myriad of ways. With the help of Jewish National Fund-USA, Israelis from every walk of life are coming together with a strong sense of duty and patriotism to do the hard work and move forward.
HaShomer HaChadash
JNF-USA affiliate HaShomer HaChadash (“The New Guardian”) is a volunteer recruitment organization dedicated to safeguarding land and farms in the Negev and Galilee. Typically, volunteers watch 47 farmland posts that help protect over 145,000 acres of farmland from “agricultural terrorism,” such as illegal seizures, thefts, arson, vandalism, violence, and other crimes.
Since October 7, HaShomer HaChadash’s mission is more critical than ever. Over 10% of the workforce has been called up for the reserves. The dedicated Thai workers have gone home and the use of Gazan workers has been suspended. As a result, many isolated farms are now unprotected, leaving them more vulnerable to theft and arson. Farmers are desperate for help.
On the first day of the war, HaShomer HaChadash created an Operations Room and used it to recruit 160,000 volunteers (a huge increase from their normal ranks) from Israel and other countries to support more than 880 farmers to compensate for the “lack of working hands” to deal with the huge amounts of produce waiting to be harvested. The organization is working to get more foreign workers to come to Israel.
As always, but especially now, it is critical for Israel to remain self-sufficient and feed its citizens without relying heavily on imports. Although farmers typically prefer having experienced workers on their farms, having these volunteers right now helps ease the workload and is greatly appreciated. Jewish National Fund-USA has been running volunteer missions to Israel since December and those volunteers have been working (in part) with HaShomer HaChadash on the farms. Their assistance in picking vegetables and other crops ensures that we will help prevent a massive shortage in the Israeli market, that damaged farms are restored, and that no farmer is left alone.
Timna Park
Timna Park, a Jewish National Fund-USA supported historical site and thought to be the site of King Solomon’s fabled copper mines, has been repurposed from a tourist site to a safe space where 200 Israeli evacuees and survivors of the Oct. 7 attack in Gaza are being housed. Within 3 days of the attack, a website was created by the Jewish National Fund-USA-supported Eliot Regional Council that streamlined the process for people seeking emergency housing there. The evacuees have been given living spaces in the park’s facilities including campsites with spacious tents and small cottages. Timna Park, 20 miles north of Eilat in the Eliot region, features a lake, hiking trails and the Chudnow Family Visitor Center.
Timna Park also offers a cafeteria that serves food which can be eaten outdoors if weather permits, and a Visitor Center where people can gather. Here, refugees feel safe and know that their needs and concerns are understood and appreciated. It is in this tranquil environment that children and adults can try to cope with the effects of the traumatic events they have endured.
Activities for children and adults are provided daily – music, crafts, even computer workstations. Thirteen educational centers with activities available for all, and several pre-schools, plus an elementary school help provide some sense of normality.
Jewish National Fund-USA has also provided support for the residents of the Eliot region to open their homes to those who have lost theirs. Some have been given housing in the spare rooms of Eliot’s residents, or in facilities used for seasonal workers, or in holiday homes in the region’s kibbutzim. In addition, The Eliot Regional Council is currently serving 7,200 free meals each day. There are social workers and psychologists as well as a resilience center providing psychological support and financial counseling. The Eilot Regional Council has stepped up and clearly demonstrated how Israelis band together in times of crisis.
Special in Uniform
Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate Special in Uniform (SIU) gives young men and women with special needs the opportunity to support their country and volunteer in the IDF. Typically, they work in the IDF warehouses and kitchens, perform in the Special in Uniform band, and help train the canine unit. Some are trained to observe and report on critical satellite photos. Since the war began, their responsibilities have changed.
SIU soldiers have assembled packages for the soldiers to include essential hygiene products, first aid kits and portable chargers for phones. The Special in Uniform Bands have boosted morale for so many as they performed for soldiers, at the hospitals and for evacuees living in hotels. Since December, about 500 Special in Uniform soldiers have been able to return to their work at the IDF bases. Their presence is important because they bring order to the warehouses and organize emergency equipment including the kit bags, uniforms, vests and helmets. In addition, Special in Uniform soldiers and staff set up the “Tablet Van” and distributed over 3,000 tablets tailored to special needs children to help them retain their skills and remain engaged.
One SIU soldier brings a unique skillset to the war. He investigates the malfunctions of the flights of the unmanned aerial vehicles. He has even developed an application that saves hours in searching for the malfunctions. This soldier was the first SIU soldier to sleep at the base with all the other soldiers during wartime. He is very proud to be able to fully participate in the war effort just like the other soldiers.
And by the way, Special in Uniform just welcomed their 1000th soldier to their team!
But along with all the important contributions the SIU soldiers have been making to the war effort, there is another side to their story. Just like the rest of the Israelis, they have been severely impacted by the stress, trauma and uncertainty of these times. Special in Uniform is providing emotional and psychological treatment for these young adults. Their treatment includes tools to manage emotions, process traumatic events and build resilience; all essential for maintaining mental health amidst the war.
Israel and its people need our support NOW and for the foreseeable future. Jewish National Fund-USA will continue to stand with Israel. Please donate to the Jewish National Fund-USA Emergency Resilience Campaign.
Written by Lyn Buzen, Chair Long Island Board and Vice Chair National Women for Israel Newsletter
Roni Wolk, Chair National Women for Israel Newsletter, National Chair of Jewish National Fund-USA affiliate LOTEM and member of Jewish National Fund-USA’s National WFI Executive Board
Penny Bustin, Chair Jewish National Fund-USA Women for Israel of Greater Washington DC