As you know, following Israel’s targeted preventive measures to eliminate Iran’s nuclear production capabilities, hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones have been launched indiscriminately at Israel since Friday, targeting anyone and anything in their path. Israelis are again spending their days and nights in shelters as the country remains in a state of emergency, preparing for more attacks from Iran.
As of this writing, 14 civilians including children have been killed in the missile barrages, and hundreds have been injured. As the country hunkers down and braces for what is to come, hospitals and first responder organizations are operating at full capacity to address emergency needs and manage heightened physical and emotional trauma. Hospitals have relocated patients underground while caring for the newly injured. Mental health needs are intensifying as Israelis continue to experience acute trauma from the last 20 months of war. The need for fortified mobile shelters is increasing and the most vulnerable are impacted.
Below are opportunities to give tax-deductible donations
to vetted organizations:
Jewish Federation of San Diego
Our partners at Jewish Federation of San Diego will be establishing a special mailbox to direct donations for providing care, treating mental health and trauma, and rebuilding. To donate to the Federation Israel Emergency Campaign, please click here.
Hospitals
All hospitals in Israel are on high alert, and as targets and impacts change, providing support to any hospital at this time will be beneficial. So far, these four hospitals have treated the most injuries:
Shamir Hospital/Assaf Harofeh is in Rishon LeZion, a city that has been the epicenter of numerous attacks. Shamir is also recognized for its innovative post-traumatic mental health and basic care services. U.S. donations may be made to Friends of Shamir Medical Center.
Sheba Hospital/Tel Hashomer in Tel Aviv is the primary hospital for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and has been providing physical and other rehabilitation services, as well as addressing critical care needs, since October 7. Gifts may be sent to American Friends of Sheba Medical Center.
Ichilov Hospital/Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center is the largest acute care hospital in the country, offering a comprehensive range of surgical and primary care services, as well as serving as a hub for medical tourism. Give to Friends of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.
Rambam Hospital, located in Haifa, is an academic medical center which is a hub for healthcare in the country’s north including for the IDF Northern Command. U.S. donations may be made to American Friends of Rambam.
First Responders
Hatzalah combines a network of over 8,000 volunteers with the latest technology and a fleet of emergency medical vehicles to respond to more than 2,000 emergencies daily, achieving an average response time of under two minutes. Hatzalah is at the forefront of every emergency in Israel, including all trauma and crisis responses to attacks from Iran. Support Hatzalah here.
Magen David Adom is Israel’s national ambulance and emergency service, consisting of 33,000 EMTs, paramedics, and first aid providers. It also manages the country’s blood bank network and serves as the backbone of Israel’s emergency response infrastructure. Give to American Friends of Magen David Adom.
Yad Sarah is Israel’s largest volunteer service, specializing in home-based medical services, equipment, and rehabilitation. It offers real-time equipment and care as the number of hospital patients increases, facilitating effective support from hospitals to homes. Support may be sent to Friends of Yad Sarah.
Mental Health and Trauma
These attacks add to the cumulative stress of the last twenty months of war.
Mental health and trauma service organizations as well as organizations that provide support to vulnerable people, such as the elderly and the disabled who have trouble running to shelters, are all critical to a system of acute care and evidence-based long-term treatments.
The JCF/Leichtag Foundation staff has in-depth expertise in the ecosystem of Israeli organizations and initiatives, which are top-notch performers in providing mental health services, outreach for the most vulnerable, and for many other needs. We are available to advise you on the best ways to contribute. Please email Charlene Seidle at charlene@leichtag.org for any kind of consultation or additional ideas.
Bring Them Home
As Israel navigates this new phase of trauma, impact, and war, we must keep in mind the hostages still held in Gaza for 618 excruciating days. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has worked since day one after October 7th to bring them home now.
