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While Israelis disagree on many things and everyone has an opinion about everything, when things get tough, they unite to help one another.
When this new round of fighting, known as “Operation Roaring Lion,” began on February 28, 2026, after months of failed negotiations, and living with the uncertainty of knowing that war was imminent, Israelis stocked shelters and got ready for the onslaught of Iran’s ballistic missiles aimed at civilian population centers.
When missiles hit residential buildings, and houses of worship, in densely populated areas, Israeli organizations and ordinary people did what they do best, reported Ynet. They helped their neighbors.
Organizations Lend a Helping Hand
Israeli organizations have been there from the beginning of the war, working around the clock to help people who have been impacted by the war. These organizations collaborate closely with local authorities, security, and rescue workers.
Living with Dignity is helping to provide help to the elderly and Holocaust survivors to deliver hot meals and groceries throughout the country.
Pithon Lev, one of the main humanitarian organizations in Israel is operating a hot line to provide needed information about assistance for medical needs, economics, and property damage fields. Pithon Lev also provides food, household equipment, hygiene products, clothing, and toys.
Helping People who Have Damaged Property
Hashomer Hachadash, a volunteer-based organization that has thousands of volunteers, is leading civilian relief efforts, reported The Jerusalem Post. Their volunteers are assisting with debris removal, and home repairs.
On the third day of “Roaring Lion” volunteers were cleaning rubble and sealing damaged apartments that were damaged by Iranian missiles in partnership with the Tel Aviv municipality. They are helping residents to be able to return home.
Additional teams were sent to Bet Shemesh to assist at the disaster site by cleaning debris and supporting local residents.
Onn Rifman, deputy CEO of education and co-founder, told JPost “Like in previous operations, our volunteers are the first to respond to every mission in the field. They are clearing debris, sealing windows, helping citizens whose homes were damaged, and continuing to support farmers and farm owners. We invite the public to join these.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
On the third day of fighting, Iranian missiles hit an apartment block in Beer Sheva, the capital city of the Negev, and the shock waves hit small homes in all directions. Casualties were taken to Soroka Hospital. Soroka has still not fully recovered from the direct missile strike in 2025.
Beer Sheva is a city which has shown great resilience and has come together to help since the war began with the catastrophic attack on October 7, 2023. With volunteers feeding families of people who were hospitalized, helping displaced families, and by collecting food, water, clothing, and anything else that was needed.
The same thing is happening now, with neighbors helping to clean debris, board up windows, and collections have already begun for clothing and other necessities for 100s of people who do not have homes to go back to. But this time the damage is widespread and affects schools, and synagogues.
The Shapiro Katz family in Beer Sheva has been helping to remove damaged windows and clean up glass in affected homes by the blast area. They helped families cover the windows with banners and any available material.
Today their three teenagers are visiting people who had to be evacuated from their homes and helping with The Fourth Quarter, an organization that is organizing projects for the teens who volunteer.
Meanwhile, according to Andrew Shapiro Katz, people throughout the neighborhood are helping one another with whatever they need. The spirit of Israel is strong in this southern city with people lending a helping hand to neighbors.
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