Israel: War With Iran

Israeli civilians are on the very front lines of the war with Iran.

Missiles are striking densely populated cities, killing and injuring indiscriminately, reducing homes and neighborhoods to rubble. Millions of Israelis have only seconds to find shelter as sirens blare. The psychological toll is staggering for a nation still reeling from the horrors of October 7, with hostages still held captive in the tunnels of Gaza.

Drawing on our hard-earned experience, UJA is responding with life-saving support. Our Israel office remains in constant contact with our on-the-ground partners, keeping us updated in real time on the most urgent and emerging needs.

UJA’s board of directors has already authorized $10 million in initial emergency relief.

 

WHAT OUR SUPPORT IS MAKING POSSIBLE

Caring for Vulnerable Populations

• Distributing hot meals, food boxes, hygiene kits, and shelter kits to homebound seniors, Holocaust survivors, displaced families in hotels, and those sheltering in public spaces.
  
  
• Connecting elderly residents with local volunteers for medicine delivery, medical escorts, home repairs, and social visits.
  
  
• Specialized care and food delivery for elderly Arab-Israelis.
  
  

Mobilizing Volunteerism

• Deploying trained volunteers to missile strike zones, offering emotional support to affected residents, help cleaning and organizing damaged homes, and assistance securing temporary housing.
  
  

Supporting Israel’s Reservists — and the Families They Leave Behind

• Mobilizing 20,000+ volunteers to assist reservist families with meals, childcare, and errands.
  
  
• Outreach and emotional and financial assistance to help families cope. 
  
  

Extending Emergency Relief for Impacted Municipalities

• Providing immediate humanitarian assistance to those communities that suffered direct hits.
  
  

Expanding Psychological First Aid and Trauma Care

• Scaling up resources, clinical services, and professional training to meet a 700% increase in helpline calls.
  
  
• Psychological support for evacuees.
  
  
• Enhancing capacity of an anonymous online support network for youth, expanding Arabic-language services, and launching a targeted public outreach campaign. 
  
  

Shoring Up Emergency Rescue Efforts and Civilian Preparedness

• Upgrading hundreds of public bomb shelters, particularly in under-resourced areas.
  
  
• Supporting Bedouin communities in the Negev that live off any formal planning maps.
  
  

Supporting Victims of Terror

• Providing immediate cash assistance and on-going case management to individuals and families who are classified as terror victims by the government.