JNF UK has escalated its emergency relief efforts in Israel as conflict with Iran continues.
The British charity, which boasts a 125-year-old humanitarian aid relationship with Israel and quickly pivoted to supporting Gaza Envelope communities post-October 7, initiated its emergency response in the wake of rising missile threats to cities, including Tel Aviv, Beit Shemesh and Be’er Sheva.
Measures include Operation Ir Miklat (City of Refuge), inspecting and renovating bomb shelters. To date, JNF UK and its partners have inspected over 23,000 bomb shelters and completed renovations on thousands more.
The work aims to ensure that communal shelters, which are often the only refuge for those in older apartment blocks, are habitable, safe and suitable for prolonged stays.
The charity is also providing activity and resilience kits for children to soothe them in shelters, when they may be afraid of the sound of missile interceptions.
“With our team on the ground and the close relationships we have throughout the country, we are always ready to help the people of Israel where most needed at the most desperate time,” said CEO Elan Gorji. “We can find the gaps where support is not provided and make sure we are there to fill them. It is thanks to the constant support from our donors that we can remain unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s recovery and long-term resilience.”
To maintain stability in the "periphery" communities of the Gaza Envelope and the North, JNF UK’s disaster relief units are now on high alert. These mobile units provide emergency generators and communication gear and are able to assist in emergency situations.
While it responds to emergency situations, JNF UK stressed that its ultimate focus was to plan for the “day after” and ensure projects have a lasting effect on border communities.
Since October 7, the charity has supported mental health programmes for children, worked to relocate displaced Gaza Envelope communities, and distributed emergency funds to families in need.
“In times of crisis, the strength of the Jewish people lies in our unity. JNF UK has been on the ground for over a century, and we will remain in Israel through every siren and every success,” reads the charity’s website.
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