An Update on Operation Protective Edge

August 20, 2014

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has raised more than $562,000 to date for our Israel Emergency Fund. As part of a continental fundraising effort of The Jewish Federations of North America, money donated locally is being allocated by JFNA’s Emergency Response Allocations Committee for Operation Protective Edge.Thus far, well over $16M has been allocated in a number of priority areas:

Trauma Support and Spiritual Counseling

For Israel’s most vulnerable citizens—the elderly, people with disabilities, at-risk youth and so many others—transitioning in and out of the crisis is a daunting challenge. Our partner agencies provide these populations with psychological first aid, hotline support and therapeutic counseling, while our partners in the Israeli Reform and Conservative movements offer them emotional and spiritual counseling. Total Allocation to Date $4,896,696

Strengthened Assistance to 22 Communities Hit Hardest by the Conflict

The sense of personal safety for thousands of Israelis in the south has been undermined by rocket barrages and the discovery of a labyrinth of terrorist tunnels, some found directly under their towns. Many are now reluctant to return to their homes. These funds support partner agencies and nonprofits that help Israeli citizens reestablish normal routines and strengthen relationships, as well as assist local municipalities in enhancing their resilience. Total Allocation to Date $2,823,545

Relief and Support for Israel’s Bravest

From hospital workers to lone soldiers in the IDF, those on the front lines have been working around the clock to protect Israel and her people. These funds support resiliency workshops, counseling and guidance for our heroes, and provide for staff reinforcements at health facilities. Total Allocation to Date $409,900

Economic Recovery for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses

With consumers in southern Israel keeping close to home or relocating, small businesses have had a difficult time making ends meet. Expansion of business loans to entrepreneurs and an infusion of consumer spending in 17 Gaza border communities will help stimulate a weakened economy. Total Allocation to Date $767,500

A Helping Hand to Meet Israelis’ Basic Needs

Throughout the conflict, constant sirens trapped the elderly, people with disabilities and others at home. Our partners deployed caseworkers to deliver food, medicine, company and comfort. Total Allocation to Date $2,654,427

Immediate Relief from the Line of Fire for More Than 80,000 Children

During weeks of rocket fire, our partner agencies transported tens of thousands of children from Israel’s south to safer areas for fun activities and a much-needed day away from bleak shelters. Total Allocation to Date $5,274,844

Over the last two weeks, tenuous ceasefires were put in place, and the committee turned its attention to helping individuals and communities get back on their feet. Now, as rocket fire resumes again in the south, it is unclear if this latest episode will be short-lived, or if Israel will see sustained rocket fire.Even as we pray for calm, we have begun to address some of the long-term effects on those who have been living under fire. The first responders who have been working around the clock on the front lines need respite. The people and communities they’ve been helping need assistance rebounding and rebuilding.

As the situation on the ground evolves, particularly in light of this most recent escalation of violence, the committee will work with municipal leaders and service providers to reassess needs, and determine how Federation resources can be best deployed to meet them.