Tag: crisis response

On March 1, the city of Beit Shemesh, located in the hills near Jerusalem, was rocked by a direct strike from an Iranian missile. In the immediate aftermath, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington mobilized our network of on-the-ground partners to rapidly assess urgent needs and direct emergency support where it would have the greatest impact. We quickly identified the Zinman Community Center as a critical anchor for relief and recovery.

The Zinman Community Center has been dedicated to serving the city’s most vulnerable residents for many years, including lower income elderly and young Ethiopian Israelis. Located just one block from the site of the missile strike, the Center was able to respond immediately—opening its doors to first responders and survivors within an hour of the attack.

In the wake of a missile strike, Israelis are often left navigating uncertainty: damaged or inhabitable homes, injured loved ones, and the ongoing stress and anxiety caused by further sirens and attacks. In those first critical hours, speed and coordination were essential to ensure there was a clear, trusted place to turn for support.

From community center to support hub

Because of its longstanding relationship with the Center, Federation was able to act quickly and decisively, recognizing that the Center was not only well-known within the community, but also strategically positioned to meet the moment. With Federation’s emergency funding, the Center became a Family Support Hub for the neighborhood. Staff and volunteers helped residents file government claims for damaged property, access other government and local benefits, and connect with social workers for psychological support.

At the same time, Federation’s support made it possible for the Center to bring moments of normalcy and joy. Children and families were able to gather in the immediate days following the strike to celebrate Purim, enjoying a party outside and in the Center’s mamad (safe room) when needed. Volunteers assembled and delivered warm meals and activity kits to elderly Holocaust survivors who remained in the area. Every day, the Center helps hundreds of residents find connection, relief, and support from each other.

What made this possible

At a moment of crisis in Israel, Federation’s role is to act quickly and strategically—activating trusted local partners who are already embedded in their communities, so support reaches people quickly and where it matters most. Through its support for the Zinman Community Center, Federation is helping residents of Beit Shemesh recover, rebuild, and remain resilient in the face of immense challenges.

Learn more about how we are supporting partners in Israel during the current crisis.

Prepared by Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Office
Shared by The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington

Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel Office has issued a detailed update on the rapidly evolving conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran, including developments in Israel, the broader region, and guidance for Jewish institutions.

Following a deadly Iranian missile strike in his hometown of Beit Shemesh, one Federation’s community shaliach (Israeli emissary), Yismaw, shares his personal perspective.

When I was three years old, my family and I made aliyah (immigrated) to Israel from Ethiopia. We settled in Beit Shemesh, a city about thirty minutes from Jerusalem, where I was raised.

To me, Beit Shemesh is much more than just the city where I grew up. It is the place that shaped me, where my childhood and teenage years unfolded, where I forged friendships and created countless memories. Beit Shemesh has always been and always will be my home—it is embedded deep in my heart.

That’s why when I first learned that there was a deadly attack on Beit Shemesh on March 1, the first full day of the war between Israel and Iran, my first instinct was to call my friends and family back home. Everyone is there: my grandfather, my family, my community. Thank God, everyone I called was okay. Sadly, the same can’t be said for many other families in my city.

Being so far away from home during moments like these is not simple. The distance feels heavy, the pull to home and the desire to be there stronger than ever. Yet at the same time, I feel grateful to be here, with my Greater Washington community. I have felt an outpouring of warmth and support from everyone I’ve spoken with. Each person reaching out, asking questions, and genuinely caring about the safety of my family and friends in Israel has created a sense of home for me here.

Thank you for holding my family, my city, and all of Israel in your thoughts and prayers. During this painful and complicated time, this support is what strengthens me.

To learn more about what Federation is doing to support Israel in this time of crisis, including in Beit Shemesh, see here.

Many have already asked how to help. Our current response is being mobilized through existing Federation resources and long-term investments stewarded by the Foundation, enabling swift and accountable action. Those who wish to contribute may do so here.

On Monday, March 9, 2026, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Israel & Overseas Committee approved $125,000 in emergency allocations to partners in Israel to support urgent medical, humanitarian, and community needs following recent attacks.

In moments of crisis, Federation mobilizes the resources and relationships of our community to ensure help reaches those who need it most.

The allocations approved this week reflect urgent areas of need identified by Federation’s partners across Israel.

Emergency Allocations Supporting Communities Across Israel ($125,000)

Strengthening trauma capacity in northern Israel ($50,000): Federation funding will help expand emergency surgery capacity at Tzafon Medical Center (formerly known as Poriyah), which serves more than 300,000 residents in Israel’s north, where attacks have sharply increased demand for emergency care. The grant will fund the purchase of an additional anesthesia workstation for the hospital’s Trauma Unit.

Supporting vulnerable residents in the Kinneret Valley Cluster ($35,000): Communities in the Kinneret Valley Cluster—one of Federation’s partner regions in Israel, comprising 15 municipalities—remain under threat, with many residents without private shelters in a region where there is often only one minute to reach protection. Federation support will help the Cluster provide transportation to safe spaces during alerts, expand trauma response services, and deliver essential supplies during prolonged emergency conditions.

Standing with victims of terror ($25,000): After an attack, Israelis may be faced with the need to evacuate their homes, receive medical or psychological care, or confront a new reality of grief. Through the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for Victims of Terror, families affected by these attacks receive immediate assistance, including emergency financial support, trauma care, and guidance in the difficult days following injury, displacement, or loss. Federation support helps ensure this rapid-response system is available when families need it most.

Providing community support in Beit Shemesh ($15,000): Following an Iranian missile strike that killed nine civilians and forced evacuations in Beit Shemesh, the Zinman Community Center became a gathering point for affected residents. Federation support is helping the center coordinate emergency programming and provide emotional support for evacuees and survivors.

Federation maintains long-standing relationships with these partners through decades of work with The Jewish Agency for Israel, our response following October 7, and our prior partnership with the city of Beit Shemesh. These connections allow our community to respond quickly and meaningfully when it matters most. They also reflect Federation’s broader Israel strategy: strengthening ties between Greater Washington and communities across Israel.

Once again, our hearts and minds are turned toward Israel as the conflict with Iran continues to unfold. In a briefing this week with Karen Katzman, director of our Israel office, we heard about what life is like in Israel right now. Karen described text messages warning of incoming missiles. Rushing to shelters. Looking after family. Even young kids are now well practiced as to what to do when a siren goes off.

It’s hard watching this from afar. It may also feel hard to figure out what to do. Do we respond based on what we see on the news or what shows up in our inbox? Where are needs most urgent? As we consider Federation’s response, I want to highlight some specific ways that we are thinking about this moment and what we can collectively do to help.

For many decades, since before the creation of the State of Israel, Federation has been working with global organizations to support the needs of Israel and Israelis through our partnership with JDC and the Jewish Agency (JAFI). They continue to be central to an effective response.

For example, the Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror provides immediate cash assistance to people who have been displaced or whose family member was injured or killed by rocket attacks. The funds can be used for food, clothes, toothbrushes, diapers, and whatever else they need to get situated. JDC is likewise deploying emergency supplies, running a national mental health initiative, and supporting a network of caseworkers to continue caring for Israel’s vulnerable, among other rapid-response efforts. These are critical and ongoing programs that serve an important and unique role in times of crisis.

Beyond our traditional partners, Federation has also developed new relationships with Israeli communities and organizations since October 7. Take, for instance, Poriya Hospital in the north. Medical professionals are working 12-hour shifts to ensure full coverage. Meanwhile, schools and daycare centers are closed, which means doctors, nurses, and hospital staff need help with childcare. This isn’t something you would hear about on the news, but we know about this need because of the ongoing relationships we’ve established with our network over the past three years. (Federation, in fact, helped get onsite childcare up and running at the hospital following October 7 and the shelling from Hezbollah.)

Finally, we are working closely with local Washington-based synagogues and other organizations to understand their direct relationships in Israel and support them in making a difference. For example, one of our local synagogues is working with their sister congregation in Israel to ensure they can gather safely, with adequate access to shelter space during missile alerts.

Across all these mechanisms, Federation and the Greater Washington Jewish community is well positioned to understand the challenges Israelis are facing beyond the headlines. The relationships we have developed with Israeli leaders and organizations allow us to gain a clearer and more detailed picture of what’s happening on the ground. Together, this enables us to act swiftly, thoughtfully, and effectively to meet emerging needs.

I could go on but what I want you to know is that our community is making a difference. We are showing up for Israel and Israelis by responding to real needs in real time. And we are doing this all thanks to the tireless work of our partners in Israel and the incredible support of our community members. Ultimately, Federation is a conduit for your passion and commitment. Thank you for being there for Israel in this moment and for everything you do for the Jewish people.

A missile siren sounded just before Karen Katzman, Director of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Israel Office, joined our community for a live update from Israel. 

“Just about 20 minutes ago… I received a siren. Luckily, I have a safe room in my home and just had to go into it, which is just a few meters away from my office. Generally, if we get an alert like that, I have about 90 seconds to move to the shelter.”

Life Under Missile Alerts

Across Israel, families are living with repeated missile alerts. Schools are closed, businesses shuttered, and people are staying close to shelters. In the moments after a strike:

“You see the people emerging in the minutes after the attack… people coming out in shock, holding babies, helping elderly people leave their apartments, holding their dogs and pets. People were sobbing.”

In the midst of all this, Karen said something that stayed with many of us:

“It sounds maybe kind of cliché, but Israelis truly are resilient.”

She also shared joyful moments she’s witnessing:

“Some of you may have seen on social media the clips of Israelis celebrating Purim in the shelters. I saw a clip today that there was even a wedding in an underground shelter in a garage.”

The Toll of Sustained Conflict

Karen spoke about the growing mental health strain:

“For many people, the sirens and the missile attacks are extremely triggering after everything they’ve experienced over the past year and a half.”

Communities are responding to missile strikes, displacement, and the growing emotional toll.

How Our Community Is Responding

Moments like these are why Federation exists: to bring our community together and respond when Jews in Israel need support.

Earlier this week, Federation allocated an initial $250,000 to begin addressing urgent needs.

The full scope of need is still coming into focus, and we are working closely with partners across Israel—from national organizations to municipalities, hospitals, and grassroots groups—to understand how our community can respond in the days and weeks ahead.

For those who want to help today, your gift strengthens our community’s ability to respond quickly and responsibly as needs emerge.

Support our work in Israel

Karen closed with a message to our community:

“It really means a lot to know that we’re not alone and that you’re thinking of us.”

Thank you for standing with Israel and for being part of a community that shows up when it matters most.

May the people of Israel continue to find strength in one another and know that our Jewish community in Greater Washington stands with them.

Watch the full conversation.

As the war with Iran continues to escalate across the region and families across Israel once again take shelter in safe rooms and bomb shelters, we stand firmly with the people of Israel. We mourn the victims of the recent Iranian ballistic missile strike in Beit Shemesh, in which at least nine civilians were killed and dozens were injured. We remain in close communication with partners there as more details emerge.

Immediate Action

Federation is allocating $250,000 to address the urgent needs in Israel. Funds will be directed to existing partners on the ground, including JDC and The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and based on evolving local needs in coordination with community partners.

Over the coming days and weeks, we will continue to evaluate developments carefully to mobilize our community to respond where support is needed most.

Security at Home

JShield, Federation’s community security initiative, remains in regular contact with law enforcement and community partners. While there are no known or anticipated security threats in Greater Washington at this time, we continue to reinforce vigilance and encourage all organizations to continue maintaining the security protocols already in place.

Community members who witness suspicious activity can report an incident here. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Organizational security-related questions may be directed to security@shalomdc.org.

Next Steps

Watch a live, firsthand update from Israel. Federation’s Israel Office Director, Karen Katzman, joined Gil Preuss on Wednesday, March 4 on Zoom. Speaking directly from Israel, Karen shared what she is seeing on the ground and what we are hearing from partners across the region.

Read the latest Israel update. Special briefings from the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) are available on our news page.

Stay informed and engaged. We will continue to post verified briefings and share meaningful ways for our community to respond as the situation evolves.

Many have already asked how to help. Our current response is being mobilized through existing Federation resources and long-term investments stewarded by the Foundation, enabling swift and accountable action. Those who wish to contribute may do so here.

Learn more about or support our ongoing work in Israel.

Photo credit: L: Erik Marmor/Getty Image; R: Rami Slush/Reuters