26th September 2024 Update
Since launching our Rosh Hashanah Appeal last week, the situation in Northern Israel has intensified and the region is currently at war.
We are still raising urgent funds for the projects listed below and your support is needed now more than ever.
The north has been under attack for almost a year, putting its future viability at serious risk.
More than 60,000 people have been displaced for so long that many are now considering whether or not to return. With a shortage of key workers and essential personnel, the future of numerous communities in the region is in serious jeopardy.
For those who remain the fear is unimaginable, with residents living under the constant threat of rocket attack. Forest fires, sparked by the relentless bombardment are also causing extensive damage to the land and agriculture.
With your help we can provide critical support to the region in these four key areas:
1. Assist those struggling financially as a result of the war
Countless families are struggling financially. Businesses have been forced to close and with so many soldiers being called up, many families are left feeling isolated and helpless.
Together with our partner The Galila Foundation, JNF UK is offering a lifeline to some of Israel’s most vulnerable members of society. Cases referred by the Welfare department are being provided with essential equipment and offered services to address their basic living needs.
2. Strengthening fragmented communities
Following the large-scale evacuation from Kiryat Shmona and many cities in the north, the residents are dispersed around various locations making it more challenging to provide essential services including welfare, education and healthcare.
These dispersed residents, who once used to be part of a community, are now feeling isolated and lost. Youth have been particularly affected, with noticeable increases in crime rates recorded as a result of them having nowhere to socialise. Many residents have decided not to return to the north once the war is over, leaving its future viability to hang in the balance.
In order to help strengthen communities and improve resilience JNF UK has identified support is needed in these key areas:
• Provide community and youth coordinators to meet the needs of evacuees, organise activities, maintain community cohesion, support young people and operate youth clubs within hotels.
• Organise morale boosting community activities for remaining residents such as running clubs, and family fun days.
• Incentivise professionals to return or relocate to the north once the war is over.
3. Protecting our beloved homeland from further destruction from fires
Targeted arson, rocket and missile attacks have caused devastating fires across the region, threatening farmland, business and homes, and the safety of communities.
The brave firefighters from Israel’s national fire department are working tirelessly.
Forest Rangers employed by or volunteering for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) know Israel’s forests inside out and are working day and night to help extinguish these fires, particularly in remote areas which are hard for the national fire department to access.
INPA has only two trucks to support all its rangers, but this is not enough. To respond swiftly and effectively to the threats, they need at least three more trucks. They also need more specialised equipment which is costly, including water pumps, helmets, masks, and boots suitable for outdoor terrain.
4. Providing life-saving emergency kits to vulnerable citizens in northern Israel
If the war escalates, residents of northern Israel may become disconnected, without access to water, electricity and communication. This situation could occur without warning.
JNF UK is purchasing emergency equipment to aid communities and their citizens to ensure fast and efficient support. Approximately 5,000 pre-prepared kits will be assembled and when the need arises, will be distributed to the most affected households primarily in the north. This will offer a sense of security and an immediate solution to individuals facing emergency situations for an extended period.
The emergency kits consist of a radio, torch, bandages, a 4-litre water container, whistle and other essential items.
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JNF Charitable Trust is a registered Charity No. 225910. It is registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 355248. Registered office: 95 Church Road, London NW4 4FE