People all over the world have been lending a helping hand to Israel in the aftermath of October 7, 2023, when Israel was viciously attacked by the Hamas terrorist organization, who simultaneously fired rockets into Israel while infiltrating Israeli territory in a murderous assault, massacring 1400 innocent people and taking more than 200 hostages who are still being held captive in Gaza. From volunteering by picking fruits and vegetables, to providing food and clothing to families evacuated from their homes and communities – many of which have been destroyed –, to foreign doctors coming to work in Israeli hospitals, people have been pitching in any way they can.
But there is still so much to be done. If you are unable to travel to Israel personally, you can still contribute by giving to Israeli causes on Giving Tuesday. Donations to Israel’s organizations play a vital role in providing immediate humanitarian assistance to the people who need it, reported The Jerusalem Post. Here are seven highly recommended organizations to consider.
How to give to Israeli hospitals
Israeli hospitals are still dealing with the wounded from October 7 as well as from ongoing rocket attacks, according to The Times of Israel. Some have been damaged by rockets . Many hospitals depend on donations to provide cutting-edge medical care in normal times, the need is even greater now.
Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, a frontline hospital in a city near Gaza, has sustained rocket fire and damage while still treating patients. While the most vulnerable are in departments that have been moved underground, there are still many patients vulnerable to rocket attacks and the hospital is in need of resources.
Soroka Medical Center is a hospital located in Beer Sheva, the largest city in the Negev. Soroka has the only trauma center in the South. The hospital has already treated 1,400 wounded patients since October 7.
Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan is Israel’s largest hospital and is ranked one of the ten best hospitals in the world. The medical center is treating and rehabilitating many of the wounded.
Support Magen David Adom
The Magen David Adom is Israel’s equivalent to the Red Cross. Magen David Adom is Israel’s emergency medical service, ambulance service, the national blood bank, and provides disaster relief. All donations go to make sure first responders and volunteers have the equipment and medical supplies to treat injured people.
Donate to Latet’s Emergency Campaign
Latet is a leading Israeli organization that is providing resources to assist vulnerable people in this time of dire need, according to The Jerusalem Post. The organization is providing emergency kits that include food and hygiene products to people in the home front. This includes families, elderly people, and Holocaust survivors in affected areas, as well as the evacuees from communities around Gaza and the border with Lebanon.
Give to Leket Israel
Leket Israel is the country’s largest food bank that rescues surplus food through gleaning or food donations. The organization provides food security and nutrition for thousands of needy Israelis during normal times. The need is so much greater now.
Support United Hatzalah
This volunteer-based emergency medical services organization provides a rapid response that helps to save lives. This humanitarian service is free to all and is available 24/7, according to the organization. United Hatzalah’s 7,000 volunteer medics use specially equipped motorcycle units to provide care in three minutes or less. United Hatzalah volunteers were amongst the first responders on Oct 7. Two volunteers were murdered and eight were injured in the attacks.
Help Yad Sarah
Yad Sarah is an organization that lends medical equipment to people in Israel that are chronically ill, disabled, or infirm, to allow them to live independently and with dignity, according to Yad Sarah. There are over 120 branches throughout the country. The need for medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers to aid the wounded is urgent since the October 7 attacks.
Donate Through Your Local Federation
You can also donate money to help Israel through your local Jewish Federation of North America (JFNA) which represents almost 400 communities in the US and Canada. The federations have already allocated $10 million to the aid effort, according to The Times of Israel, and are raising funds to support the victims of terror as well as to help rebuild infrastructure and shattered communities.
