Standing with Israel. Securing Our Community.

“Shelter” Isn’t Safe—Until We Show Up

When missile threats intensified in Israel’s North, thousands of residents had nowhere safe to turn.

In cities like Tiberias and Beit She’an, aging public shelters—some untouched for decades—were riddled with mold, sewage, and structural damage. They offered little more than the illusion of protection.

We acted fast.

Through our Israel Office’s close relationships on the ground, we connected leaders from the Kinneret Valley Cluster with Osim Shechunah, a grassroots nonprofit with a powerful track record of transforming neglected shelters into safe havens.

Within days, volunteers were restoring more than 37 shelters, clearing debris, repairing infrastructure, and creating clean, secure spaces where families could breathe easier.

Because when crisis strikes, a shelter should be more than four walls. It should be a lifeline.

Hospitals Under Fire. Families on Edge. Children With Cancer Caught in the Crossfire.

Sunrise-Israel, a Federation partner, supports children with cancer and their siblings through free day camps and in-hospital programming. Today, their teams are working under fire:

• At Soroka, the pediatric oncology clinic is shut due to missile damage. All care has moved to inpatient wards.
• At Rambam, the pediatric oncology unit was relocated to an overcrowded emergency wing.
• At Hadassah, families race from beds to bomb shelters during each siren.

Still, Sunrise’s hotline is up. Staff are checking in on families. Summer camp planning continues—because kids need their happy place now more than ever.

One teen lost his hospital roommate—a young girl from Ukraine, killed in Bat Yam. He’s devastated.

One mother put it plainly:

“As if the cancer isn’t enough, I now need to add into my decision-making the factor of which hospital is least likely to be destroyed by a missile.”

Security Isn’t Optional. It’s Ongoing.

A Maryland man was arrested after mailing dozens of antisemitic, threatening letters to Jewish organizations over the past year. The messages referenced Kristallnacht and Gaza and carried veiled warnings of violence. They were sent to institutions in Pennsylvania and beyond.

While no physical attacks occurred, the emotional and operational toll was real—and a stark reminder that threats don’t need to break windows to cause harm.

JShield, our community security initiative, was actively involved throughout the investigation, working closely with local organizations and law enforcement to assess risks, provide guidance, and ensure communities felt supported and informed.

This incident highlights the need for strong security coordination, clear communication, and constant vigilance.

That’s what JShield is here for: keeping Jewish Greater Washington safe, prepared, and resilient.