Since day one, Federation CJA has been in constant communication with our partners on the ground to understand the immediate needs. We're mobilizing the entirety of our non-profit network and donor community to provide help — immediately and strategically, with full compassion and broken hearts. Today, we want to update you on the Federation CJA Emergency Fund and share details on the urgent funding we sent to our partners in Israel. We are grateful that more than 4400 donors have already given over $18 million!
This is a moment where Israel needs our support more than it has in decades. Please give to our Israel Emergency Fund and stand with the people of Israel. 100% of funds raised will go directly to needs in Israel.
Federation CJA sent over $9 MILLION to our partners in Israel, to be deployed on an emergency basis. In the coming weeks, additional waves of grants will be deployed as we receive payments from donors to the Emergency Fund, ensuring a strong flow of funding based on available resources. In the interest of transparency, we are providing a complete list of the emergency grants. Funds have been strategically directed to:
$2 million for emergency grants to victims of terrorism and traumatized communities (via The Jewish Agency for Israel). Providing direct aid to 2,000 families victimized by terror—roughly half of the total national number of affected families currently identified by The Jewish Agency. In addition, $800,000 (in partnership with the City of Ber Sheva and B’nai Shimon) will assist 1,000 vulnerable families who are traumatized in our devastated partner city.
$1 million for protective equipment and emergency kits for first responders (via Magen David Adom). Providing much needed trauma medical kits, as well as helmets and armor-plated vests to help protect from rockets and other attacks, used by paramedics, social workers, and resilience staff.
$1.7 million for trauma and emotional first aid (via Israel Trauma Coalition $ 1,000,000; Youth Futures $ 100,000; Rimon Farms $ 250,000; Duet Centre Ben Gurion University $ 385,000) funds mental health professionals providing emergency support to devastated residents, support youth at risk in this time of need, offer trauma and psychological training, as well as respite for frontline workers.
$1 million providing medical supplies and equipment for first responders at Soroka Medical Center. Supplies intended for months have been used up in days. The need for lifesaving equipment like X-ray machines, infusion pumps, and operating tables is greater than what they have on hand. Funding will ensure that they have what they need to care for the hundreds upon hundreds of wounded soldiers and civilians arriving at their doors.
$700,000 for critical services for evacuees from Israeli communities near Gaza (via Katef le Katef $ 200,000; Lev Tov $ 100,000; Adi Negev $ 100,000; Leket Israel $ 200,000; SAHI $ 100,000). We are funding the evacuation of residents from the south to safer parts of Israel; providing frail elderly and others who cannot leave their homes with food, generators, and medical services; supporting youth activities; and providing emergency cash assistance. This includes native Israelis and Ethiopian and Ukrainian refugees who fled from conflicts in their homelands and are now facing the horrors of another war. We are also helping towns replace essential security and emergency services infrastructure and equipment and assisting agriculture businesses that have sustained tremendous losses.
$250,000 for equipment aiding in the recovery, identification, and burial of victims (via ZAKA). Providing protective gear, body bags, and rescue and recovery equipment for the process of ensuring those murdered in terror attacks can receive a proper burial. Since the Hamas attacks, ZAKA volunteers have recovered hundreds of bodies under horrific conditions. Watch this interview with ZAKA’s rescue service commander about their efforts. [Warning: extremely disturbing content]
$400,000 for life-saving emergency supplies for emergency medics (via United Hatzalah). Providing vital items such as: trauma first-aid kits, tourniquets, defibrillators, and protective gear. United Hatzalah is a fully volunteer emergency medical service, with many of their 6,500 medics across Israel serving as first responders and saving lives throughout the recent attacks. Watch this interview with United Hatzalah about their efforts. [Warning: disturbing content]
Our funding focus remains on meeting the most urgent needs of this rapidly evolving emergency. Hear directly from President & CEO, Yair Szlak:
While identifying where funds can make the greatest impact, we are continuously coordinating with our partners to ensure efforts are in sync. In a crisis like this, it is critical to work with organizations that were there long before the emergency—and will be there for the long-term recovery. This is how we are deploying funds to help Israelis across the country, as well as those living in communities for which we have a special connection.
Our Montreal community’s unique relationship with those who are hurting, as well as those who are helping, carries with it an important responsibility; we are awed at the resilience of the people of Israel. The needs are great, but so is our resolve and our ability to make a difference. We do not know what the days and weeks ahead will bring, but we do know that with you by our side, we’ll continue to provide urgently needed relief to Israel and all of her people.
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