searchSearcheventEventsmail_outlineGet Connected
search

Israel
Now

Our Collective Response

October 7, 2023, will be remembered as the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. On a quiet Shabbat morning that coincided with Simchat Torah, Hamas terrorists infiltrated 22 communities and a music festival, murdering 1,200, injuring thousands, and abducting some 240 people to Gaza, including babies, the elderly, and entire families.

The war is the longest in Israel's history, and as the uncertainty continues, we pray for the return of the remaining hostages.

To date, UJA has allocated more than $173 million to provide essential support to the people of Israel.

  • $33.2 Million

    Supporting Displaced Communities


    • Services for Evacuees ($18.6 million): We’ve funded formal and informal education, community activities, mental health supports, employment retraining, and other essential services for children, adults, and seniors who have been internally displaced because of the war.


      Grantees: Access Israel, Achvat Torah Situation Room, Afiki Orot, Agricultural Youth Movement (“Haihud Haklai”), Aharai, Alon and Ella Association, Association for Ethiopian Jews, Atidim, Avnei Derech La’Haim, Beit Batya, Ben Gurion University in the Negev, Branco Weiss Institute, Branco Weiss School Network, Brothers and Sisters for Israel, Camp Zeke, Chamah, Chamal Ezrachi, Charter Flights for Israelis to Return Home, Day School Support, Direct Support for Frontline Northern Communities, E.L.E.M. - Youth in Distress in Israel, Early Starters, Eshel Chabad, Gesher, Gvanim Association for Education & Community Involvement, Ish Lereeho Olam Hesed Ibane, IsraAid: The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid, Israel Association of Community Centers, Israeli Judaism Alliance, Israeli Youth Villages Hosting of Evacuees, LATET - Israeli Humanitarian Aid, Leket Israel, Lev Chash, Lev Echad, Mabua, Magen, Negev Theater, Olim Beyachad, Rashut HaRabim, Regional Councils of Eshkol and Hevel Eilot, Rifman Institute, SAHI, Shahaf, Shalva, Social Delivery, Tech4Israel, Tel Hai College, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, The Jewish Agency for Israel, The Joint Council of Pre-Army Leadership Development Programs, The Network Center, Tikkun Olam Makers, Yedidim, Yedidim for Youth and Society, Yesodot Lezmicha Dror, Youth Renewal Fund.

    • Evacuation Costs ($12.7 million): In various waves, since October 7th, entire communities in the north and south of Israel have been required to evacuate. We continue to help displaced populations relocate and try to reclaim life’s routines.

      Grantees: Charter Flights for Israelis to Return Home, Cities of Akko, Ashkelon, Eilat, Haifa, Kiryat Shmona, Ma’alot-Tarshicha, Metula, Nahariya, Nazareth, Ofakim, Sderot, Direct Support for Frontline Northern Communities, Eshkol Kinneret Amkim, Forum of Foundations, Ma’agalei Shema, Mashabim - Community Stress Prevention Centers, Regional Councils of Eshkol and Hevel Eilot, Tamar BeLev Youth Complex, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Tzedek Centers, Yeladenu.

    • Mobilizing Volunteers ($1.9 million): We are supporting the coordination and mobilization of volunteers throughout Israel so they can meet the humanitarian, educational, economic, and trauma needs of displaced and war trapped communities.

      Grantees: Bnei Akiva Israel, Dror Israel, Ezer MiZion, Hashomer Hatzair, Hebrew Scouts Movement in Israel, HeChalutz Movement - Hamidrasha at Oranim, Hiburim 20-80, Iron Sisters Situation Room, Kisra Sumya Local Council, Krembo Wings, Lev Echad, Shoulder to Shoulder Situation Room, The Chamal for Senior Citizens of the North, The Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, The Israeli Volunteering Council, The Jerusalem Situation Room, Volunteer Situation Room (Chamal Mitnadvim), Yedidim – Road Assistance.

  • $24.5 Million

    Hospitals and Emergency Preparedness


    • Civilian Equipment and Training ($9.5 million): As the rocket attacks increased in the north, we funded emergency medical supplies, equipment, and advanced training for civilians who serve in critical security and first response roles.

      Grantees: Cities of Akko, Ashkelon, Eilat, Haifa, Kiryat Shmona, Ma’alot-Tarshicha, Metula, Nahariya, Nazareth, Ofakim, and Sderot, Galila For A Better Future, Hazor Haglilit, Kinneret College on the Sea of Galilee, Regional Councils of Beit Jan, Fasuta, Golan, Hof-Ashkelon, Hurfeish, Kfar Vradim, Maale Yosef, Matte Asher, Merom HaGalil, Mevo'ot HaHermon, Sdot Negev, and Upper Galilee, Rosh Pina, Shlomi Local Council, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, The Jewish Agency for Israel, Yesod Hamaala.

    • Vulnerable Populations’ Safety and Readiness ($6.3 million): During a war, there is an extra layer of challenge for individuals with disabilities and chronic illness, frail seniors, people with limited incomes, single parents, and others contending with physical and economic vulnerability. Our funding continues to provide daily essentials (food, medicine, etc.) as well as home-based services for vulnerable populations.

      Grantees: Afya, AKIM Israel, Aleh-Ezer Layeled Hameyuchad, Jordan River Village, Leket Israel: Collaboration with Medison Pharma, Lev Chash, Magen David Adom, Majdal Shams Immediate Response, Pitchon Lev, Shalva, The Jewish Agency for Israel, United Hatzalah of Israel, Yad Sarah, ZAKA - Search and Rescue in Israel.

    • Hospitals in the North ($4.6 million): We’ve helped a network of hospitals transfer critical services to fortified facilities so they can continue to treat patients even as rockets fall. In areas too remote to access urgent care, we have helped fund field hospitals and provide support for civilian first responders.

      Grantees: Baruch Padeh Poriya Medical Center, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Carmel Medical Center, F.E.M: Front Line Emergency Medicine, Galilee Medical Center Nahariya, HaEmek Medical Center, Italian Hospital in Nazareth, Poriah Hospital, Rambam Health Care Campus, Ziv Medical Center.

    • Hospitals in the South ($4.1 million): In the immediate aftermath of October 7, we equipped hospitals with additional supplies, lifesaving equipment, and upgraded facilities so that they could care for an increased number of casualties.

      Grantees: Barzilai Medical Center, Samson Assuta Ashdod Public Hospital, Shamir Hospital, Soroka Medical Center, Yoseftal Hospital - Eilat.

  • $19.8 Million

    Rebuilding the Gaza Envelope

    The task of physically and emotionally rebuilding the communities devastated on October 7 is immense. We are supporting residents of the Gaza envelope as they settle in temporary locations. We are also funding programs for all residents of Israel’s south to enable their physical return and a restoration of their hope for a safe, secure, and vibrant future for themselves and their families.


    • Tier 1 ($9.9 million): The eight “intensive care” communities most devastated on 10/7.

      Grantees: Adva Center, Basecamp, Future for the Otef, HaBayita: Tkuma Summer School, Kedma, Kibbutz Be’eri, Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Netiv Ha’asara, Nirim, Project Horizon, Rebuild Israel – A President’s House Initiative, ReGrow, Shaar Hanegev Regional Council, The Habayta Forum, The Kibbutz Movement.

    • Tier 2 ($4.7 million): Communities in the Gaza envelope that that are 7km from the Gaza border and therefore eligible for some government support for rebuilding.

      Grantees: Project Horizon, Shahaf Foundation, Shikma Educational Institution, Summer Programming in Southern Cities.

    • Tier 3 ($380,00): Communities that are (often just slightly) outside the 7km border, but are connected – economically, educationally, and socially – to the communities within that radius and are in need of similar support.

      Grantees: Summer Programming in Southern Cities, The Nachshonim Association

    • To be allocated ($4.1 million): Funding that will be divided into one of the three tiers as rebuilding needs become increasingly clear.

      Grantees: Project Horizon

  • $14.2 Million

    Supporting Families of Hostages, Nova Survivors, and Other October 7 Victims

    Alongside our broader trauma care efforts, we are providing specialized support for those most directly impacted by October 7.


    • October 7th Victims, Including Women and Holocaust Survivors ($6.6 million): We’re supporting the unique needs of victims of sexual violence and addressing the mental health and educational needs of returned child hostages and their siblings. We are also providing culturally sensitive care to Holocaust survivors, Ethiopian-Israelis, and others in need of nuanced and specialized care.

      Grantees:AMCHA Emergency Hotline for Holocaust Survivors, Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel, Aviv for Holocaust Survivors, Deborah Institute for Gender and Sustainability Studies, Derech Ariella Women's Center, Emergency Support for Israel: Fund for the Victims of Terror, Foundation for Welfare of Holocaust Survivors, Galil Golan Rape Crisis Center, Israel Children’s Fund, KodCode, Larger than Life, Latet Pe, Maslan: The Negev’s Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Support Center, National Organization for Victims of Terror, Nefesh B’Nefesh Aliyah, New Fund for Cinema and Television, October 7th Commemoration, Project24, Reshut Harabim, Support for Israelis in NY, Tene Briut Association, The Independent Movement, The Israel Women’s Network, The Jewish Agency for Israel, The Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center, Women’s Spirit, Yesodot Lezmicha Dror.

    • Nova Survivors ($3.4 million): We’re providing funding to organizations addressing the specialized needs of survivors of the festival and their families including intensive mental health care as well as opportunities to gather as a community so they can care for and comfort one another.

      Grantees: Adama Tova Nahalal, Gvanim, Healing Space, Nova Survivor Exhibit, Safeheart, Slowness Tribe, The Adamah Tovah "Good Earth" Healing Center, The Nova Community, The Tribe of Nova.

    • Families of Hostages ($1.1 million): We’re addressing the ongoing challenges of the families of hostages by funding the forums built to serve their distinct needs.

      Grantees: Bring Hersh Home, Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Lev Otef Fund for Former Children Hostages.

    Adama Tova: Where Parents Mend Hearts and Find Solace in Each Other

    Menashe shows a picture of Omri

    Friends described 28-year-old Omri Ram as a “North Star” who guided the way for others.

    Omri, who loved sports, travel, and music, was one of 400 vibrant young people viciously murdered by Hamas at the Nova music festival, which was billed as a gathering promoting peace and love. His parents, Menashe and Merav, felt isolated in their grief. And then they discovered Adama Tova (Good Earth).

    The brainchild of Einat Haimovich, a social worker and longtime member of the trance music community, and her partner, Yiftach Shahar, Adama Tova was created as a place where broken parents could come find hope and healing. Located at the couple’s moshav just south of Tel Aviv, it’s one of the newest initiatives UJA is funding.

    Some 50 volunteers come to help in numerous ways — from serving hot soup to incorporating Tibetan sound bowls into meditation and body work and art therapy.

    Omri’s father shared how he found community at Adama Tova.

    “In the beginning after Nova, we were all alone,” Menashe recalled. “We got support from family and friends, yes, but we had to experience the loss and feel it all by ourselves. Adama Tova was the first place we went where we could just breathe easier.”

    “Sometimes, in the circle of parents we met with, we would even find ourselves laughing,” he said with wonder. “I had forgotten how to laugh.”

    In Menashe’s eyes, Einat and Yiftach are “like angels on the ground.” 

    Einat says, “People describe Adama Tova as a second family, and it means a lot to me that we can help so many people, as difficult as it is to watch people struggle with their grief and trauma. October 7 didn’t end for so many people, and we have to continue to be there for them.”

  • $13.2 Million

    Trauma Care and Mental Health Services

    • Trauma and Resilience Centers ($8.2 million): The need for mental health support is vast. From children to Holocaust survivors, in the workplace and at home, across every community and setting, stress and anxiety are real and debilitating. Our funding is ensuring that mental health services are accessible to all who need it, for as long as they need it, in culturally sensitive and compassionate ways.

      Grantees: Adi Negev Rehabilitation Village, Assure the Children, Center for Deaf and Blind, Dror Educational Centers, EMMS Nazareth Hospital, Enosh: Israel Mental Health Association, ERAN: Emotional First Aid by Telephone and Internet, HaGal Sheli, Hotam Fellows Program in Sha’ar Ha’negev Schools, IsraAid: The Israel Forum for International Humanitarian Aid, Israel Trauma Coalition, LeMaanam - Physicians for Holocaust Survivors, Mashabim: Community Stress Prevention Center, NATAL - National Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War, NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief: Collaboration with Clalit Health Services, Our Brothers, Our Children Our War, Partnership with MOH, Tkuma, Ben Gurion University, and Sapir College, Regional Councils of Eshkol and Shar Hanegev, Resiliency Workshops, Sahar Online Mental Support, Saint Vincent Hospital, Schneider Children's Medical Center, Shlavim, Shomrim Center for Media and Democracy, Sunflowers, Tamar - Education, Social & Health Services, Tech for Israel Fund, Tel Hai College, TELEM - Kibbutzim Stations for Treatment of Child, The Association for Spiritual Care in Israel (ASCI), The Lev Hasharon Mental Health Medical Center, UJA-Benin Scholars Program, Women's International Zionist Organizations (WIZO), Yemin Orde Youth Village.

    • Training Programs ($4.9 million): Post October 7th trauma in Israel is pervasive and impacts every sector of society. Through our support of hospitals, academic institutions, treatment programs, we are helping to meet the tremendous need for high quality, appropriate, and comprehensive services for those diagnosed with trauma related conditions.

      Grantees: Center for Trauma Recovery, Emek Medical Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Homiyah, Shalvata Psychiatric Hospital, Ichilov Hospital, Mazor Mental Health Center, Metiv Herzog Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, Municipality of Ofakim and the Center for Trauma Recovery, Partnership with the Ministry of Education, Rambam Health Care Campus, Regional Councils of Eshkol and Shar Hanegev, Sheba Hospital, Summit Institute, The Adler Institute, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, The Nirim-Nitzan Libstein Center in the Western Negev.

  • $10.2 Million

    Caring for Injured Soldiers and Their Families


    • Rehabilitation of Injured Soldiers ($5.9 million): We’re supporting specialized physical and mental health care and intensive rehabilitation for soldiers who have sustained injuries during their service. As an increasing number of female soldiers have been impacted, we are particularly attuned to their needs. We are also funding efforts to reintegrate injured soldiers into civilian life.

      Grantees: American Friends of LIBI, Association for the Wellbeing of Israeli Soldiers, Atalef Foundation, Aviram Family Foundation, Belev Echad Laklal VelaPrat, Brothers for Life, Bshvil Hamachar, Egoz Amuta, Forum Dvorah Women, Help Israel, Hilma, IDF Disabled Veterans Organization, Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind, Keren Lev Otef, Medison Aid, Noor-Druze Food Collective Supporting Soldiers in the North, Oketz Veterans Foundation, Oz Leadership for Life, The Friends of Maglan Foundation, The Israel Parasports Center, The Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin, The Shaldag Foundation, Yahalom Foundation, Yashar LaChayal.

    • Support for Soldiers’ Families ($3.1 million): The families of soldiers – whether loved ones have been killed, injured, or are serving for prolonged periods in the reserves – are deeply impacted by the realities of war. Our funding recognizes that these communities need specialized care and services.

      Grantees: Brothers in Yoga Association, Chasdei Lev, Cohen Military Family Clinic at Sheba Hospital, Ethiopian Women Empowerment, HaOgen, Home Within the Heart, IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, Lev Echad, Metiv, Momentum, Ohavei Asaf, Sunflowers “Hamaniot,” The Day After, The Partners of Fallen IDF Soldiers, The Reservists’ Wives Forum, The Rimon Farms Association, Tozeret Haaretz, Tzahali - Habait Lemishpachot Nifgaey Tgovot Krav

  • $8.1 Million

    Economic Recovery and Employment


    We are providing interest-free loans to help businesses across Israel struggling to survive. Additionally, we are supporting Israelis affected by physical and psychological injuries from October 7 and the ongoing war, helping them remain engaged in the workforce to prevent their families from falling further into crisis.

    Grantees: Amutat 51, Be-Atzmi, Haredim Le’Israel, HaShomer HaChadash: The New Israeli Guardians, JFNA Loan Fund, Kav LaOved/Worker’s Hotline (KLO), Mishmar: Haredi Safeguarding Initiative, Ogen: Free Loan Fund, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, The Association of Milk Producers, The Coalition for Haredi Employment.

  • $5.4 Million

    Supporting Arab Israelis


    We’re funding culturally sensitive health and human services, humanitarian aid, and educational programs for Arab-Israelis. We are also supporting community-building and shared society initiatives in cities and settings where Jews and Arabs live side-by-side.

    Grantees: 48ers, Abraham Initiatives, Achva Academic College, AJEEC-NISPED, Ajyal Dreams and Fulfillment: Arab Youth Movement, Akko Center for Arts and Technology (ACAT), Al Bayader, Amanina, Arab Society Nazareth Mental Health Coordination, Atid BaMidbar, Atidna Volunteer Situation Room, Bar-Ilan University, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Braude College of Engineering, Karmiel, Citizen Headquarters, Citizens Build A Community, David Yellin Teachers College, Gisha, Givat Haviva International School, Hand in Hand, Injaz Center for Professional Arab Local Governance, Kaye Academic College of Education, Kerem El - Druze Situation Room, Keshet: First Aid Units, Kibbutz Nir Oz, Kibbutzim College of Education, School for Advanced Studies, Krembo Wings, Lana: Disabilities in Bedouin Community, Mahapechet Hakeshev, Mosaica, National Committee for Heads of Arab Local Authorities (NCHALI), Nazareth: Ajiyal-HaShomer Hatzair, OR Movement, Oranim Academic College, Peres Academic Center, Regional Council of Unrecognized Villages of Negev, Social Venture Fund, Social Venture Fund for Jewish Arab Equality and Shared Society in Israel, Sonduk El Yanabia, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, The Abraham Fund Initiatives, The East Talpiot Community Center, The Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, Tzedek Centers, Western Galilee College, Yad Labanim Druze, Zefat Academic College.

> $44.3 million of our grants in Israel have been allocated from a restricted donor-designated fund to support long-term recovery in Israel.

UJA has also allocated more than $14 million to meet emergency needs in New York resulting from the war in Israel.

Learn more

October 7, 2023

Our Impact

From devastation in the south to escalating hostilities in the north, since October 7, we have channeled our heartbreak into swift action and unwavering support for the people of Israel.

See our impact to date

Thank you from Israel

Your Support Makes a Difference.

Every Generation Is Called to Act.

Our Time Is Now.

Make A Donation