One year ago, Israelis went to war and many thousands of residents of Israel's north found themselves under direct rocket attack. Immediately and decisively, UJA-Federation of New York went into action. In response to an urgent appeal, New York donors gave with unparalleled generosity, pledging more than $45 million to support the people of Israel in their time of need.

This report, issued on the first anniversary of the war, tells the story of how UJA-Federation stood with the people of Israel and helped them cope in a time of crisis. UJA-Federation, under the extraordinary leadership of our president, Morris W. Offit, and board chair, Susan K. Stern, led New York Jewry in the collective response of the United Jewish Communities (UJC), which has allocated more than $200 million since the crisis began. In addition, we provided another $13 million for UJA-Federation-sponsored projects in Kiryat Shmona and for trauma treatment in other parts of the north.

A hallmark of our work, and a key factor in the effectiveness of our efforts, is our practice of staying in the field after allocations have been made. This gives us — and enables us to provide to our donors — a clear picture of how money spent contributed to the rebuilding of the affected communities.

In the coming months, the Israel Emergency Campaign Committee, which oversees the allocations process, will continue to ensure that remaining campaign funds will be allocated in a strategic manner. A major emphasis of our work will be to bolster the weaker communities in the north, such as our projects in Kiryat Shmona, and in the south, such as our work in Sderot. These efforts will leave the local municipalities and regional councils stronger than they were before the conflict, and will prepare them to better handle any future crises.

Your gift to the Israel Emergency Campaign has had an enormous impact. It has helped to heal a besieged and battered people, and has rescued people who were in harm's way during the war. It has directly assisted in the rebuilding of lives and communities. Thank you for your support and confidence.