Organisations launch emergency appeals for Israel
"As Israel faces this challenging moment, we remain steadfast in our commitment to its safety, strength and future."
JNF Australia has launched an emergency campaign to build protective shelters and boost mental health support as Israel faces what it describes as “one of the most dangerous and uncertain periods in its history”.
The “Israel in Crisis Emergency Campaign” aims to address the urgent need for safe spaces, with almost 25 per cent of Israel’s population lacking immediate access to shelters and protected spaces during missile attacks.
As of this week, 24 people have been killed and nearly 600 injured in attacks on civilian areas across Israel. Many of those killed, including children, were unable to reach shelter in time.
The campaign comes after more than 20 months of rocket fire from Hamas and Hezbollah, followed by an unprecedented missile onslaught from Iran. Entire communities, particularly those in designated conflict zones, often have a few seconds’ warning before impact.
JNF Australia CEO Doron Lazarus said the campaign would provide shelter construction, fortification and additional protected spaces, as well as bolstering resilience, trauma therapy and mental health infrastructure.
“Supporting this campaign is about safeguarding Israel’s future,” he said. “By helping build protective shelters and bolstering our efforts in resilience, trauma and mental health, we are giving the people in Israel the reassurance and support so desperately needed.”
Lazarus emphasised JNF Australia’s ongoing commitment to Israel during this challenging period.
“As Israel faces this challenging moment, we remain steadfast in our commitment to its safety, strength, and future. JNF Australia will continue to stand by Israel in its national endeavours to rebuild, renew, grow, and heal,” he said.
“In times like these, the strength of the Australian Jewish community and its unwavering commitment to Israel truly shines.”
The campaign will fund immediate and ongoing needs of Israeli communities to ensure safety and security requirements are met. The lack of safe spaces has placed hundreds of thousands of citizens at what JNF Australia describes as “unacceptable risk”.
Donations to the Israel in Crisis Emergency Appeal can be made at jnf.org.au or by calling 1300 563 563.
Magen David Adom is operating at the highest level of alert and needs help funding Israel’s emergency response.
Every ambulance is mobilised. Blood drives are running. Medics are working around the clock.
It costs over USD $200,000 each day to maintain this lifesaving response and donations today will keep the system running — and save lives.
Donations to Magen David Adom can be made at https://www.magendavidadom.org.au/
UIA is working with Keren Hayesod, The Jewish Agency for Israel, local municipalities, the Home Front Command and government ministries to assess where assistance and funds are most urgently needed.
All funds raised through the Emergency Response Appeal will be directed to providing: immediate financial grants for bereaved families, the injured and those with serious property damage; care and emotional support for young Olim and economic support for immigrant families; food and emergency packages for Holocaust survivors who are homebound in the Amigour sheltered housing; provide trauma therapy and psychosocial support from the north to the south; support for municipalities through support for public safety, mental health and resilience programs.
Donations to UIA can be made at https://uiaaustralia.org.au/donate-emergency
WIZO is stepping in wherever the need is greatest.
Early on, the Israeli government requested that WIZO open emergency day care centres so that at any time, key hospital workers can report for duty knowing that their infants and children are in good hands.
In addition, WIZO is restoring safety through structural repairs, giving essential support to community, including veterans and families of war victims.
Donations to WIZO can be made at https://wizonsw.org.au/donate/#down
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