Last week, my husband and I returned from a transformative trip to Israel, where we joined a UJA Israel Solidarity Mission. There has been no shortage of information about the impact of the October 7 attacks on the people of Israel, but hearing first-hand stories was another experience entirely.
My heart broke as I met families holding onto hope for missing loved ones still held hostage. I was at the same time devastated and deeply moved by the stories of survivors from the Nova Festival, Kibbutzim Be’eri, Nachal Oz, and K’far Aza. The unwavering courage of IDF soldiers and their families humbled me as they retold their experiences. These stories were powerful testaments to the Jewish people’s ability to endure hardship and emerge stronger.
Your past generosity has played a crucial role in supporting critical first responders like Magen David Adom, Zaka, and United Hatzalah. The largest recipient of your philanthropic largesse for Israel has been UJA’s Israel Emergency Fund. As of January 30th, UJA has allocated over $73 million to 245 organizations in Israel, supporting municipalities, Kibbutzim, and other vital services through the Israel Emergency Fund. I invite you to learn more about the impact of this fund HERE. A takeaway from my trip was that mental health remains a critical concern for many Israelis. Several UJA-funded organizations within the Israel Emergency Fund are meeting this need, including:
- The Nova Healing Home: Offers ongoing support to Nova Festival survivors and their families.
- Assaf HaRofeh/Shamir Medical Center (SMC): Pioneers innovative therapies to treat PTSD.
- Early Starters International (ESI): Helps displaced children reintegrate into a sense of normalcy.
- IDF Widows and Orphans Organization (IDFWO): Provides support programs and advocacy for military families.
*See footnote for more information on making grants to these organizations directly.
The strength of the Israeli people resonated throughout our entire trip but was perhaps most embodied by Moran Freibach, a farming leader from Kibbutz Nachal Oz. Since October 7, Moran and Kibbutz Nachal Oz have endured the unthinkable: members have fallen, homes have been shattered, and their farm and irrigation equipment have been ruthlessly destroyed. While others might have given up hope, Moran’s unwavering dedication to rebuilding the Kibbutz agriculture exemplifies the indomitable spirit that defines Israel.
Am Yisrael Chai. Bring them home.
| *To recommend a grant directly to these organizations, please do the following: – The Nova Healing Home: Choose Giving Back Fund, Inc. and write Nova Community as the purpose – Assaf HaRofeh/Shamir Medical Center (SMC) – Make grant recommendations to American Friends Shamir Medical Center – Early Starters International (ESI) – Make grant recommendations to P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds, Inc. and write in Hatchala, for Early Starters International as the grant purpose – IDF Widows and Orphans Organization (IDFWO) – Make grant recommendations to P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds, Inc. and write IDF Widows and Orphans Organization as the grant purpose |