Federation raises $65K for Israel

This summer, the Jewish community rallied to support Israel in an extraordinary fundraising campaign. The Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando in collaboration with community agencies and synagogues held three events fostering unity and support for Israel. In addition, the Federation launched an Israel Emergency Fund to raise much needed cash for relief efforts. To date the Federation’s Israel Emergency Fund has raised $65,000.

At the beginning of this summer’s conflict, the Jewish Federations of North America sprung into action to assist the people of Israel, pledging $13 million towards the conflict. The $65,000 raised locally in our community will go directly toward that fund. One hundred percent of all donations are being used for relief efforts in Israel. No administrative costs will be deducted from funds raised.

How were the funds used? Necessary funds provided and continue to assist in the following ways:

Providing immediate relief from the line of fire for more than 45,000 children: Federation dollars allocated in this emergency campaign have already helped 45,000 children. A day away from the front lines—in summer camps, youth villages and enrichment classes—is more than a day in the country. It is a respite from the confines of the indoor playgrounds that, for more than 13 years, have become their “normal” play spaces.

Extending an extra helping hand to 20,000 of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens: In normal times, Federation supported senior centers provide thousands of seniors living in poverty—many of them Holocaust survivors—with food and comfort. Today, it’s too dangerous for them to travel, and many are living within the walls of their apartment bunkers. The Federation’s partners deployed caseworkers to bring food, medicine and comfort to the elderly—and other vulnerable groups like the disabled—in their homes. Crews also installed equipment, like air conditioners, to make them more comfortable, and Internet connections to give them access to the outside world.

Expanding trauma support for 15,000 Israelis: When sirens blare, tens of thousands of Israelis take cover. But when the all clear sounds, many continue to suffer from trauma that may not be as visible as a physical injury, but is just as real. Partner programs continue to provide psychological assistance to help 15,000 civilians and first responders weather the current storm.

Strengthen assistance to dozens of communities hit hardest by the conflict: Communities are at the forefront of managing local services and responses to attacks. Federation support for NGOs working in these locales enhances the resilience of individual communities.

Now and in every time of crisis, Federation is at hand providing crucial support to Israel. To learn more about how we are impacting our community locally, in Israel, and around the world, visit http://www.JFGO.org.