ICEJ emergency response to situation in the South

When Hamas recently launched its third rocket war against Israel in the past six years, the ICEJ sprang into action over the ensuing weeks to assist the weaker segments of society in the hard-hit areas of southern Israel.

Thanks to the success of the Iron Dome in protecting Israel’s major cities, the most vulnerable communities remained those in the vicinity of Gaza, where residents have only seconds to find shelter. The people there have been suffering under repeated bombardment for nearly 15 years now, with the younger generation really knowing no other way of life than daily ‘Code Red’ warning sirens.

Here’s how we’ve been able to help these communities so far:

1. Breaks from the battle
   The ICEJ sponsored multiple day outings and weekend respites for hundreds of poor families, children, the elderly and the disabled from the western Negev area. Nearly every day, buses have been taking scores of people to safer areas of Israel – such as the Golan, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea – for a much-needed break from the conflict. The ICEJ’s Czech branch also joined the effort by inviting 45 children from Ashdod and Sderot to summer camps outside Prague. And the ICEJ also sponsored a fun summer camp for 130 Arab children from a Bedouin village in the Negev battered by rocket volleys
    
2. Shelters from the storm
   The ICEJ delivered nine life-saving portable bomb shelters to communities along the Gaza border. The Lifeshield bomb shelters went to schools, kindergartens, youth centers, medical clinics and community centers that would have to close in times of crisis unless they have shelters. One shelter went to a Bedouin village near Beersheva which has also fallen victim to Hamas rocket attacks this summer, marking the first time a Bedouin town in the Negev had a bomb shelter.
    
3. Relief for local residents
   The ICEJ funded emergency relief services for needy families and the elderly in the embattled town of Sderot. This assistance included food for families, plus games and toys for children stuck inside at the height of summer. The donations have also covered emergency help to repair damaged homes, transport to buy medications, and other special needs for the elderly.

How can you get involved?

1. Give generously to the ICEJ’s “Israel in Crisis Fund”, which we will be using to assist those communities most impacted by the current escalation. We have long-established partnerships with local Israeli charities and social workers in the areas now under fire and already are reaching out to them to assess their most urgent needs.
   
   Please get involved in this relief effort by donating today »
    
2. Pray earnestly for the safety of innocent civilians on both sides, as well as a swift resolution to this latest conflict which will ensure that the Hamas rocket and tunnel threat is finally removed from over southern Israel.
    
3. Speak out on Israel’s behalf to your local communities, media and government leaders, especially to stand with Israel’s right to defend its citizens.