Jewish Agency For Israel - Responding in Crisis

Responding in Crisis

As a response during the 2006 Lebanon War. The Jewish Agency (through $302 million from UJC and Federation partners) responded with the following::

• Moving 50,000 children from the north to 50 residential camps, established in response to the emergency situation
• 12,000 children went to day JAFI-equipped summer camps held in community centers
• 2,100 new immigrants were moved to safety after the Katushas hit a number of absorption centers.
• 2,700 bomb shelter kits were distributed

The Jewish Agency has taken on a significant role in rebuilding the entire northern region. It established the micro-business loan fund to help boost the local economy. In addition, the Israel Discount Bank has partnered with the Jewish Agency by providing matching funds for capital projects there.

Another example, is the Jewish Agency's role in supporting Sderot and the surrounding area, which has been hit hard with Kassam missiles from Gaza. Here are some key examples:

• More than 12,000 children enjoyed respite activities in the center and north of the country
• 300 educators were trained to work with children living through the trauma
• Supplemental educational activities were offered to more than 2,000 students
• The S.O.S. Emergency Fund for Victims of Terror helped more than 200 people whose lives have been directly affected by the Kassam attacks
• 100 bomb shelters are being renovated in the region
• 500 students are studying in the Sapir Regional College (near Sderot) with scholarships to ensure their academic continuity and the college's continued operation