Jerusalem, May 11, 2023 — Chairman of The Jewish Agency, Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog visited Israeli towns along the Gaza border to support those impacted by the rocket fire on Thursday. Almog also delivered immediate assistance from The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror to those wounded or whose homes were hit by the rocket fire as a gesture of support from the global Jewish communities who support the fund.

Almog, who previously served as the IDF’s head of Southern Command, visited absorption centers housing new olim (immigrants) including Kalanit in Ashkelon, Ibim in Shaar HaNegev and Yeelim in Beer Sheva. Many of these olim have recently arrived in Israel and are facing rocket fire for the first time. Almog closely reviewed the emergency preparedness of the thousands of new olim living in absorption centers in the south of Israel and heard from them about their feelings and their love for the State of Israel.

“This is an expression of the unconditional love that the global Jewish community has for the State of Israel and its citizens both in times of normalcy and emergency,” said Almog, referring to both the solidarity of world Jewry and the choice of the olim to live in Israel.

The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror, headed by Ayelet Nahmias Verbin, operates thanks to donations from the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Keren Haysod and other donors from around the world. The Jewish Agency fund will provide immediate financial support to families who were directly hit by rocket fire and help them with their urgent needs. In addition to aid provided by the government of Israel, the fund will also grant supplementary aid to families affected by rocket fire and will assist with rehabilitation needs. The fund will also address the needs of children and families dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Fund for Victims of Terror was established 20 years ago and to date has supported 9,000 families affected by terrorist incidents and rocket fire, with grants totaling $20 million. Since the beginning of this year, the Fund for Victims of Terror has awarded grants to the residents of the Gaza border as well as victims of terror attacks totaling 800,000 NIS and has also run special camps for approximately 350 children and teenagers dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

From the seaside town of Ashdod and toward Israel’s southern border, there are over 4,000 new olim living in absorption centers and programs operated by The Jewish Agency with the support of the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration, about half of whom are small children and teenagers, and many of whom are facing rocket fire on Israel for the first time. Following the escalation of the security situation, the new olim underwent briefing and emergency drills in their native languages and are receiving emotional support and time spent outside the missile range when needed.

Almog also visited senior citizens living in an Amigour housing facility in Beer Sheva and listened to their concerns regarding the security situation. Amigour, a Jewish Agency subsidiary, provides housing solutions to 2,600 senior citizens in southern Israel alone, many of them Holocaust survivors. At the facility, their care is adjusted in accordance with the current security situation and, as such, they receive guidance and support during this difficult time.

Media Contact:
Jake Sharfman, J Cubed Communications
053.340.8526; 347.497.6900
Jake@jcubedpr.com

About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.