As you’re no doubt following in the news and through your personal networks, Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones into civilian areas across Israel in response to Israel’s efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities. More than a dozen civilians have been killed, including children, with hundreds more injured across multiple cities. Israelis are living under constant threat and Jews around the world are watching with worry and solidarity.
What sets Iran’s attack apart is the scale and the intent, aimed at civilians rather than military targets. Israel remains focused, strategic, and aiming its attacks squarely at neutralizing immediate and long-term threats.
Even as the situation continues to unfold, one truth is clear: Israelis are once again under fire. And once again, our community is ready to respond.
Our Onward Israel participants—13 young adults from Greater Washington—have been in Israel since June 4. Following the attacks, they were moved from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea for safety. Federation staff have been in touch with them directly, offering support, care, and connection. We are proud of their resilience and maturity in facing this moment.
Federation’s Role: Strategic, Informed, Impactful
We are in close contact with our partners on the ground in Israel and monitoring real-time updates from our Israel Office Director, who is actively guiding our response—even while navigating their own safety during attacks.
Our investments over the past two years continue to play a critical role in supporting Israelis as they respond to the new challenges being faced. Trauma response systems and municipal partnerships are operating as intended, reflecting the resilience those investments were designed to build. That said, public shelter needs are significant, and our partners—the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)—are well-positioned to respond if additional support is needed.
Thanks to our long-term work in Israel, which strengthens education, community development, and civil institutions, and the rapid-response infrastructure of our Israel Crisis Response Allocation (ICRA), we can respond quickly, responsibly, and in partnership.
One of our newest grantees, Kinneret Valley Cluster (KVC), a regional coalition, is working around the clock in 15 communities in the North of Israel. Its CEO, Dror Lalush, is meeting with regional mayors and other executives to understand needs throughout the region. In a recent conversation, Dror expressed deep gratitude for the Federation-funded shelter that is currently enabling his staff to continue operating safely from their headquarters.
This moment underscores the value of having strong, trusted partnerships already in place before a crisis begins.
What’s Next?
We are tracking developments in real-time. As new needs surface, we’ll continue to share updates from our Israel Office and other partners. For those looking for a trusted way to support Israel right now, we are here and committed to meaningful, coordinated impact.
In moments like this, the Federation’s strength is your strength. Together, we stand committed—with resolve, resilience, and with an enduring bond between our community and the people of Israel.
