So many ways to help Israel

Nancy Meisenberg is on a mission – to get the word out about how to help Israel in its recovery from the ongoing war. With many ways to help, how can anyone know what organization to trust, what to do, how to donate? There are also so many needs in Israel - the moshavs that border Gaza are still in disarray, their fields need tending; trauma centers are full to capacity with soldiers and civilians dealing with their emotions and PTSD; the basic needs of the IDF; this list goes on.

Meisenberg decided to find a way to help and then share what she has learned with others by speaking to various groups around Central Florida about ways to help. Using a Power Point presentation, she shares how she became involved and what other volunteers are doing. Her intention is to highlight the grass-root organizations that have popped up all over Israel and the volunteers coming from all over the world to support the efforts.

"I mostly created this to provide a bit of background and to stay on track – there is so much one can talk about," she said.

Volunteer work in Israel

There are several websites to learn about travel to volunteer:

Sar-El Work on IDF bases, http://www.sar-el.org/programs/

Authentic Israel, http://www.authenticisrael.com/tours/for-israel-in-israel

Livnot, www. livnot.org/israel-programs/volunteer-in-israel

Agricultural volunteerism

Hundreds of thousands of volunteers from Israel and around the world have helped rescue over 35,000 tons of produce, according to Leket Israel, The National Food Bank.

Nearly a third of Israel's agricultural land lies in frontline areas, with about 22 percent in the Gaza border area and 10 percent on the northern border with Lebanon.

In fact, Jewish News Service reported that by July volunteers have saved agricultural produce valued at $50 million since the start of the war against Hamas in Gaza.

"The war has caused severe damage to Israeli agriculture and its consequences will be felt for many years to come," said Gidi Kroch, CEO of Leket Israel. "Strengthening local agriculture is not only an essential economic need but a necessary condition to ensure food security and strengthen national resilience for Israel's citizens."

Aid to Displace Families

Families from the Kibbutzim and Moshavs in the Gaza border area were evacuated to the southeast. Also another 68,000 families have been evacuated from the north because of the Hezbollah attacks. These families need ongoing help. Volunteers organize activities for the children to help them gain a sense of normalcy. Volunteers also collect and distribute necessities like clothing and hygiene products to displaced families.

Volunteers are also helping to rebuild homes, restore schools and revitalize community centers.

Supporting soldiers and trauma programs

Volunteers prepare and serve meals to soldiers. These volunteers provide psychological support, healing initiatives and long-term recovery.

Gear for soldiers

Before Meisenberg went to Israel, she collected over five duffel bags full of gear and flew it with her to Israel. "This gear was distributed within two days!" she exclaimed. She learned about packing duffel bags through http://www.HelpUsHelpIsrael.com.

"I personally got involved with this company. When preparing for my trip, I saw a request to bring a duffel of gear for the soldiers," she said. "After I agreed, I got to know the mission and have become an active supporter of this group. Hillel Goldstein and his family started this project to be able meet the needs of soldiers and reservists on the frontline. For Hillel, driving gear at all hours of the day or night to troops in need has become the norm for him.

She also helped sponsor an event in Israel to make gift bags for women who are dealing with the stress of caring for the household while their fathers, brothers, husbands are serving in the reserves.

Volunteering from home

"Not everyone can go to Israel," said Meisenberg. "What can you do?"

Fill a duffel bag. The easiest way is to shop on the amazon registry (https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/ 1BYC54L3Y1QQK?ref=gr_search_page_result)

At the registry you will see lists of items needed. Purchase them and they are shipped to Meisenberg, where they are packed in duffels and flown to Israel. (The Scan code is in this article, just scan it)

Necessities such as flashlights, holsters, helmet covers, socks, medic pack and more are in demand.

Share the code with your friends, neighbors, co-workers etc. If you need help or

are interested in creating an event with their communities to fill duffels contact Meisenberg at 386-453-9375.

More ways to show support for Israel

Combat antisemitism.

Wear your Jewish pride – yellow ribbon and Israeli flag pins

Host a Shabbat interfaith meal

Add positive comments on social media about the heart and pride of the Jewish nation

Reach out to local groups and arrange for lectures/events to speak about Israel and antisemitism.

Financial support

Buy items from Israeli-based companies

Meisenberg is available for speaking engagements. If you would like to host her, please contact her at meisenbergn@gmail.com or 386-453-9375.