Updates from our grantees in Israel 

The Jewish Agency for Israel - updated 11.28

We resume regular updates post-Thanksgiving. We hope you were able to enjoy time with your families and friends. During Thanksgiving we were relieved to see hostages released, including the family of our own Chairman of the Executive, Doron Almog. Today on a zoom call with the BOG, Doron shared pictures of the emotional reunion with Chen and the children. We pray for the safe return of all the hostages.

Below is a summary of our impact areas during the war:

Direct Relief for Victims of Terror:

• A record 6,218 FVOT grants have been distributed for a total of 7,150 cases currently in process.

• As a point of comparison, since the inception of FVOT in 2002, the Jewish Agency distributed a total of 9,000 FVOT grants pre-October 7^th.

• Similar to what was done with 8 regional council in the South, the Jewish Agency distributed 10 million NIS to 15 regional councils in the north.

• 9,885,000 NIS has been distributed thus far to 1,086 small businesses in the south. 284 humanitarian grants have been distributed to the most vulnerable in additional to the initial grant provided by FVOT.

Supporting Vulnerable Populations:

• Despite the temporary pause, we continue to evacuate and care for vulnerable populations directly under the care of the Jewish Agency such as Olim and elderly in Amigour: 2,644 olim and Amigour residents located in mid and high risk areas of conflict (north and south).

• We are totaling 86,504 nights in evacuation stays (accumulated) for Olim and 259,512 meals provided to evacuees (accumulated) so far since October 7^th.

• Over the last month, 900 Mentors and families of Youth Futures, a program dedicated to the development of children at risk by means of the unique Mentorship model, volunteered with evacuated families, soldiers, and other communities across the country.

• Wings, a program addressing the unique needs of immigrant lone soldiers, is tirelessly responding to the increased needs of the lone soldier community. This includes managing 800 inquiries for financial and emotional aid; visiting and bringing gifts to 32 injured soldiers as well as financing flights to some parents coming to visit them; maintaining contact with families of 2 hostages; and

providing bureaucratic and emotional support to the families of the 11 fallen lone soldiers.

Safety and Security:

• We except a dramatic rise in Aliyah and we already see an uptick in open files, here is the data for new Aliyah files opened: 78% increase from North America, 492% increase from France,  100% increase from Canada, 50% increase from the United Kingdom.

• The Jewish Agency is distributing emergency security grants to 517 community organizations in 38 countries (outside of North America and Israel).

Looking Ahead Rehabilitation:

• The Jewish Agency is playing a key role in the rehabilitation with communities thanks to its expertise and infrastructure. Amigour is the construction arm and plays a key role in assessing the needs, we are working with Jewish Federations and Partnership2Gether communities to make sure no community is left behind.

• The Jewish Agency is coordinating volunteer efforts. So far 1,100 Masa participants have volunteered, and Masa created a new shorter track. 500 Israelis are volunteering on a daily basis in Nitzana and 650 of the participants in the Jewish Agency Mechinot volunteer on a daily basis.

The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) updated 11.16

• 20 Bedouins with disabilities are benefitting from an online support group opened by JDC and partners.  Through weekly meetings, participants gather in a safe space for socialization and support, where they can share their unique challenges and receive professional guidance. Also, 500 kits with toys and craft materials are being distributed to Bedouin families with small children and toddlers. These families live in unrecognized villages with no sheltered spaces, face the ongoing threat of rocket fire, and need help keeping their young children who are still not in school engaged.
• The Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute is developing a comprehensive dashboard to monitor the status of Arab society in Israel during the war. The dashboard was commissioned by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry for Social Equality and will measure progress in key areas including employment, education, welfare, and social resilience. Dashboard indications will help decision-makers address the needs of Arab Society and mitigate disparities during this time of crisis.
• JDC procured first aid supplies including 6,288 burn treatment kits, 3,000 IV kits, 300 first aid kits, and 200 basic life support kits for Jewish and Israeli-Arab local municipalities in areas under threat, and which lack basic medical equipment. JDC continues to source critically needed supplies for local emergency response units in towns close to Israel's borders.
• 400 youth counselors doing National Service are receiving JDC training to provide educational activities for evacuated children residing in hotels. Some 20 training courses are currently taking place across Israel, empowering the trainees with tools for informed trauma intervention and to help build resilience.
• JDC released 7 informational videos and leaflets containing guidelines and tips for effective communication with people with disabilities during emergencies. These resources are being circulated by government ministries and are available to all volunteers and professionals who work with people with disabilities. Watch a sample video (in Hebrew) here.

Most students at the Kfar Silver Youth Village were home for the holiday and were not in the region. ORT was able to evacuate the village’s remaining Na’ale students and shinshinim and staff to the country’s north. A small number of staff remain in the village to care for the animals.

First Round of Emergency Grants:

Core Partnerships:   

1. JFNA: $10K to be distributed through their emergency fund allocations  
2. JDC: $5K to go to their emergency efforts in Israel 
3. JAFI: $5K to go to their emergency efforts in Israel 

Targeted Grant Partners:  

1. Crossroads: $3600 – has continued to see all their clients during the crisis and has gotten numerous calls from anglo teens/young adults in distress; they need help with funding to meet these needs  

New Grantees:  

1. Lev Echad (One Heart): $7500  This organization has emerged as a key coordinating body for addressing needs and volunteers through local “command centers” in different cities/regions called chamals.  About | One heart | Civilian Assistance at Times of Emergency (levechad.org)  
2. Dror: $3600 – a youth program dealing with kids and teens throughout the country focused on the periphery; they have mobilized and are provided important services during this crisis.  Education | Dror Israel | Israel   
3. Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin: $2500  Several lone soldiers (i.e., soldiers in the Israeli army without family in the country) have already been killed in this conflict; there will be many more who are in need of support.  This program helps meet their needs and provide an extended family for these soldiers.  The Lone Soldier Center – In Memory of Michael Levin  
4. Koby Mandell Foundation: $2500  This program, born out of tragedy, helps families of those killed in terror attacks and has several programs especially for kids.  KobyMandellFoundation