JFC-UIA
Israel Emergency Campaign Report for Federations and Donors
Standing with Israel during Operation Protective Edge
January 2015
This past summer Israel once again confronted fierce rocket attacks on its south-western border. These attacks affected over 3 million Israeli citizens, forcing men, women and children to rush to shelters throughout the country -- from kibbutzim situated along the border, all the way to central Tel Aviv and beyond. With typical generosity, the Canadian Jewish community demonstrated its solidarity with the people of Israel. The emergency campaign launched in July by JFC-UIA -- on behalf of the individual Canadian federations -- raised more than $7 million for both the immediate and longer-term needs of frontline communities in the south of Israel. From the onset of the war, our Israel staff were in the field, assessing needs and determining priorities, in conjunction with the various municipalities, local NGOs and government agencies, which were once again charged with the daunting task of ensuring the safety of the citizens under attack. JFC-UIA played a central role in providing vital resources to the field. We were able to mobilize volunteers, offer support to the most vulnerable populations, and provide much-needed respite to those in the greatest danger, in coordination with our partner agencies. Our over-riding aim was to ensure that the emergency funds were provided effectively, efficiently and speedily. In order to ensure the most effective allocation of funds, we focused our involvement on local initiatives and the collective response in the following manner: Local initiatives: Funding was allocated to long-lasting partnerships regions, in which JFC-UIA has a deep familiarity with local needs and resources -- Sderot, Be’er Sheva and Bnei Shimon. Collective response: Funding was allocated to our traditional international partners, including JFNA, the Jewish Agency, JDC and Keren Hayesod. The selection of projects, and the way and extent to which they were funded, was conducted in careful consultation with JFC staff.
The Canadian federations’ contribution towards strengthening the national resilience throughout the war cannot be overstated. Beyond the financial support, the solidarity demonstrated by the Canadian Jewish community showed it to be a true friend to the people of Israel, both in good times and bad.
Dr. Ralph Shedletsky Chair
Linda Kislowicz President and CEO
Yossi Tanuri Director General
Operation Protective Edge began on July 8, 2014, in an effort to put an end to rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Israel. During the war, the communities immediately surrounding Gaza had just 15 seconds to race to a bomb shelter when a siren sounded. At one point, more than 80,000 reservists had been mobilized. Virtually every Israeli family knew someone who was serving. Israelis remain glued to their phones, TVs and radios. Occurring in the middle of the summer vacation, the offensive had a huge impact on daily life. Day camps were closed, tourism was down, and shopping centers and places of entertainment were deserted. By the end of August, more than 4,500 rockets and mortars had been fired into Israel. 64 Israeli soldiers and three civilians had been killed. The battle continues, as soldiers who were physically injured and psychologically affected fight to recover. For many, life will never be the same again.
Israel under Attack
Sderot has been partnered with UJA
Federation of Greater Toronto for almost a decade. Located just one kilometer from the Gaza Strip, it has been under relentless missile fire for 14 years. Sderot is, unfortunately, very used to coping with emergency situations and has become a symbol of the region's remarkable resilience. It has hundreds of kassam-proof areas across the town – in homes, public buildings and even school playgrounds. Support was also extended to the kibbutzim of Sha’ar Hanegev – the region surrounding Sderot – which suffered grievous losses during the war.
Be’er Sheva and Bnei Shimon –
which are 40 kilometers from the Gaza border – are partnered with Federation CJA Montreal. Unaccustomed to the relentless barrage of rockets which hit the region, both Be’er Sheva and Bnei Shimon are less prepared for emergencies. Many homes and apartment do not even have bomb shelters Coast to Coast Federations united forces with UJA Toronto and CJA Montreal in joining the comprehensive strategy of investing in these areas.
Immediate Relief In the first days of the offensive, JFC-UIA field staff quickly and efficiently identified the immediate needs of the communities under fire, including Sderot, Sha’ar Hanegev, Be’er Sheva and Bnei Shimon.
600 Children
enjoyed activities every day
Thousands of children, most of whom would otherwise have been at summer camp, were forced to spend hours in bomb shelters. JFCUIA funded equipment, toys, games and activities, providing a distraction to the children and great relief to the parents. In Sderot alone, more than 600 enjoyed activities every daychildren enjoyed activities every day.
Working with JDC and the Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror, it provided one and two-day respite trips to the center of the country for hundreds of children and the elderly from communities under fire.
Respite Trips
Immediate trauma
36 ,000 individuals
It supported the Israel Trauma Coalition, which provided immediate trauma relief for a total of 36,000 individuals.
It funded special programs for 200 youthat-risk in Sderot and Be’er Sheva to keep them constructively occupied.
200 youthat-risk
relief for a total of
400 300
volunteers
elderly people
Volunteers and professionals provided emotional and practical support, including arranging for food and medicine to be delivered.
to the center of the country for
Hundreds of Children
Sderot and Be’er Sheva
In Sderot, JFC-UIA mobilized its network of some 400 volunteers, who provided assistance for 300 elderly people and those with special needs. Many were scared (or unable) to leave their homes, and despervolunteersate for human contact.
1000
UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is also subsidizing after-school activities, including sport, dance and music, for more than 1,000 children and teens in Sha’ar Hanegev. These activities enable children to channel their energy in a positive direction and greatly add to their quality of life.
children and teens
after-school activities
Unsurprisingly, many children who were in the line of fire are suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. They panic when hearing a loud noise, have trouble sleeping, cannot bear to part from their parents, have difficulty concentrating, and are terrified for the safety of their family Activity kits were distributed to dozens of adults with psychiatric Hundreds of people with disabilities escaped the embattled south for one and three-day respites. Portable toilets allowed people to maintain their independence and dignity, even when confined to a bomb shelter. Many people in rural areas, in which the houses are older, had no bomb shelters at all. Responding to this need, Federation CJA Montreal funded the installation of 28 portable concrete shelters in Be’er Sheva, Bnei Shimon and Ashkelon.
28
portable concrete shelters
It also installed 20 automated shelters opening systems, making the process of opening the bomb shelters, previously a manual process, much quicker and more efficient. After the war, JFC-UIA funded respites for some 600 municipal personnel and volunteer emergency responders (including social workers, psychologists and youth workers), who had worked 24/7, responding to unimaginable crises. These programs provided muchneeded support, enabling them to “recharge their batteries”, share their experiences, and draw professional conclusions for the future.
20 automated shelters opening systems
600
Municipal personnel & volunteer emergency responders
Before Rosh Hashanah, JFC-UIA provided 544 families in Sderot with food.
ind
Long-Term Recovery Embracing Children and Teens Children have every right to expect to grow up in safety. Having faced continual rocket fire for years – and having witnessed unthinkable destruction and injury – these children’s sense of security and confidence in the future have been shattered. While we cannot influence the security situation, we can ensure that children in Sderot and Sha’ar Hanegev have the best recreational and educational facilities possible – as good, if not better, than that which is available elsewhere. At the same time, parents of young children are constantly anxious about how to keep their children safe. Some feel guilty for having placed their children in the line of fire in the first place. Creating the best possible environment for their children’s physical and emotional growth will increase parents’ peace of mind and strengthen their resilience. The Israeli government – which is responsible for the physical protection of its citizens – has built dozens of new, rocket-roof daycare centers in Sderot and Sha’ar Hanegev. Equipment, however, must be funded by the local communities themselves. To meet this need, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto has embarked on a major project to provide attractive, modern equipment, furniture and appliances for no less than 45 daycare centers. In parallel, Coast to Coast Canada has committed to fund rehabilitative equipment for two daycare centers for children with special needs. Almost 1,000 children will enjoy these upgraded facilities. These communities’ ability to offer top quality child care and preschool education will help to attract and retain young families, who might otherwise be tempted to build their lives elsewhere.
1000
Children enjoy these upgraded facilities
Creating Local Leadership JFC-UIA continues to encourage the development of a cadre of young leaders who are committed to social activism and who have the skills and the motivation to address the needs of their community. In Be’er Sheva, more than 40 students who stepped up to help the community during the war (and were therefore unable to work) have received special scholarships. In Sderot and Sha’ar Hanegev, it is supporting a range of leadership programs for teens. These programs strengthen their commitment to their home communities and prepare them to take responsibility during emergencies. In Sderot, 50 of the most promising college students receive tuition assistance ever year, with funding from UJA Toronto and Coast to Coast Canada. Freed from financial worries, they devote themselves to social involvement -- galvanizing the municipal leadership and creating an upbeat atmosphere in Sderot as a whole.
Over the last decade, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto has invested immense efforts in developing strong local leadership and encouraging community activism in Sderot, especially among teens. During Operation Protective Edge, these efforts really proved themselves. Over 600 teen and young adult volunteers stepped up. Active within the community all year round, these groups assumed key leadership roles over the summer, working with children and the elderly, and keeping morale high. They even ran activities in neighboring communities, notably Ashdod and Be’er Sheva. Their activism helped to generate a feeling of immense capability throughout Sderot, enabling the entire community to discover its inner strength.
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Supporting People with Special Needs
In addition, it is subsidizing hydrotherapy for 100 residents of Sha’ar Hanegev who have physical disabilities and chronic illnesses. In conjunction with the Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization, JFC-UIA is funding workshops, trips and challenging outdoor activities for wounded IDF veterans. It is also funding the participation of three wounded soldiers in a special rehabilitative trip to India, together with other disabled veterans.
elderly people
Day-trips Special Program
40 Children
ADHD
UJA Toronto is also funding a special program for 40 children in Sha’ar Hanegev who have severe ADHD, for whom any change in routine can be extremely unsettling. The program strengthens educational, social and functional skills.
250
100
residents
The constant security threat has exacerbated the vulnerability of the elderly living in the line of fire, increasing their isolation and anxiety. To relieve loneliness, UJA Federation of Greater Toronto is funding outings and day-trips for 250 elderly people from Sderot and Sha’ar Hanegev.
hydrotherapy
outdoor activities
Looking Ahead advancing healthcare JFC-UIA is funding advanced equipment for a new, bomb-proof surgical wing being constructed in Be’er Sheva’s Soroka hospital. Equipment includes an O-arm imaging tool, which enables surgeons to visualize the anatomy during complex trauma surgery.
This project is being undertaken jointly by every Jewish federation in Canada (UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, Federation CJA Montreal, and Coast to Coast Canada)
1,263 injured were treated 486 777 soldiers& civilians more than
60
Helicopter Landings
Total funding of:
$827,000 With 1,000 beds, Soroka is the largest medical center in southern Israel. Due to its strategic location, it was the primary hospital that treated casualties during Operation Protective Edge. During the 50 days of warfare, 1,263 injured were treated, including 777 soldiers and 486 civilians. There were more than 60 helicopter landings on the hospital's helipad, evacuating the wounded from the Gaza Strip. Soroka’s staff fought heroically and with tireless dedication to save lives.
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CEO of Soroka hospital
In Eilat’s Yoseftal hospital, JFC-UIA is funding cutting-edge diagnostic equipment for a new state-of-the-art radiography unit.
Strengthening Community Resilience The situation around the Gaza border remains tense. It is sadly safe to predict that further rounds of fighting are not far away. While we will always respond to immediate needs during a crisis, we know that the resilience of Israel’s south lies in long-term investments that build community and develop infrastructure. It is vital that the communities affected are provided with the tools to remain resilient and to ensure that, despite the recent wave of violence, they are able to offer residents opportunities and hope for the future.
Accordingly, JFC-UIA is committed to supporting the development of strong, resilient communities, by:
Improving local education, in order to attract young families who will strengthen the region and contribute to its demographic growth. Promoting community pride and solidarity. Improving regional healthcare services.
“CJA Montreal has shown unwavering loyalty to the people of Be’er Sheva. Its commitment, vision and flexibility – immensely valuable during quiet times – really came to the fore this last summer. Montreal’s support helped us to minimize casualties, strengthen public morale, protect the most vulnerable individuals, and maintain a semblance of normality.” Ruvik Danilovitch, Mayor of Be’er Sheva
In Be’er Sheva, Federation CJA Montreal supported public festivals which took place during Sukkot. Over 1,000 people took part.
1000
People took part in a Public festivals
UJA Toronto is promoting varied cultural and sporting activities in Sha'ar Hanegev which will bring people together, promote cohesion and create an upbeat atmosphere.
Sporting Activities
It is also funding the cost of an additional social worker in Sha’ar Hanegev to help address some of the personal and communal crises created by the war.
additional
Social worker
4 (.+ ,.))(+- .+"' -! 0 + 0 , -+.%2 "' + " % (.+ ,) 2 + ,)(', ' % ., -( & $ *." $ ","(', ' -( /(" .+ . + 2 ' 2 - -! $'(0% -! - 2(.+ (&&"-& '- ", (+ -! %(' - +& ", 0! - & $ , (.+ + % -"(',!") ,( .'"*. ' + % ) +-' +,!")6 UJA Federation of Greater Toronto has embarked on a major initiative to improve the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in Sderot schools. This will raise standards, strengthen the city’s economic base, and encourage skilled, educated newcomers to move to the region.
Summary of Allocations and Matching Funds The allocation process was based on a strategic approach which took account of both the immediate needs of the communities and the efforts needed to ensure the resilience of the community in the future. Throughout this process, close contact was kept with funding partners. New strategic partnerships were developed with NGOs and with central and local government agencies, in order to ensure that maximum funds could be leveraged by federation investments.
IEC Allocations Phase Immediate relief Day after response Long-term recovery
Amount $ 1,138,606 $ 2,461,266 $ 2,531,784
Total
$ 7,221,066 ! +(% ( "/"% ,( " -2 .+"' ) + -"(' +(- -"/ ''(- (/ +,- - (%.'- +, ',.+ -! ,&((-! +.''"' ( (.+ ,(.-! +' -(0', 0!"% 0",! ('(+, +(& %% (/ + -! 0(+% #("' 0"-! -! (/ +'& '- "' ,-+ ' -! '"' -! + ,"%" ' ( (.+ "-"3 ', - ", 0"-! + - !.&"%"-2 -! - -! '$ %% -!(, 0!( -(($ ) +-
"%/ ' ! %(&, Minister for the Development of the Negev and the Galilee
IEC Report 2014 IEC Funding Sources
$ 7,221,006 Matching Funds Jewish Federation of Canada
Total Operation Budget: $ 22,221,006 Matching Funds are expected to increase in the coming months for long term response phase of IEC operations
$ 15,000,000