Compassion for People in Israel Spurs Call to Action
A letter from the CEO of GrantWatch
Early Saturday morning, Israel, my spiritual homeland, was targeted by terrorists. Tragedy ensued and extreme violence was perpetrated against innocent civilians, women, and babies. People were massacred. Equally important, an estimated 224 people have been kidnapped and held hostage. This includes men, women, young adults, children, babies, and the elderly. In addition, news reports vary regarding the number of missing and dead U.S. citizens. However, preliminary information suggests that at least 30 individuals have lost their lives, and 20 more are unaccounted for.
As you can see, this is very personal to me. Every human life is precious. I have children, grandchildren, a brother, cousins, nieces and nephews, and staff who currently live in Israel. I am beside myself as I continue to work and manage my USA staff and company. However, I know it is through my compassion for Israel that I can transform my thoughts into meaningful action. If we come together, we can all contribute to a world where compassion spurs a call to action, creating a powerful force for positive change.
Compassion for Israel
I have much respect and compassion for Israel and the people living through this terrible ordeal. As a result, I am contributing my tithe to Israel. In addition, I am praying for peace and participating in a neighborhood reading of the book of Psalms on two WhatsApp chats. I sincerely regret that I have not been able to attend any of the communal events because I am working double time. But, in the future, I hope to be able to help with shopping for items for the airlifts.
My first contribution went to the Navah Organization which helps the families of victims of terror. Yesterday I viewed a video of a funeral that Navah volunteers attended. It was heartbreaking. The mother fainted on top of her son’s coffin and would not allow them to place him in the ground. I heard the sound of multiple shofars (ram’s horns), and they sounded like the cries of thousands of mothers.
My second contribution was to the United Hatzalah of Israel to purchase more equipment to save lives. In addition, I sent extra funds to staff members in Israel. They need to stock up their homes and prepare for the long haul of lockdown in what may be a protracted time of war. Finally, my fourth contribution was to give funds to the local community organization where my family lives, to distribute to the needy who cannot prepare for the lockdown.
Answering the Call to Action
The memory of these tragic and horrifying acts will remain indelibly etched in our hearts, minds, and souls. Personally, I have never felt so torn between wanting my children to come home to me and being proud of their efforts to provide support to those in deep emotional pain. I have offered them tickets and a home but they are staying to help. They are not soldiers. They are compassionate, loving individuals.
While it’s natural for me to have compassion for Israel, I have prepared a dynamic list below to inspire you as well. With reservists returning to Israel from all corners of the earth, there is a great need to feed and care for the injured and the families who have been forever cut off by their loved ones.
Organizations to consider sending your tithe to:
American Friends of Magen David Adom, which supplies emergency blood and other life-saving work support on the ground in Israel.
Mosifim Or (Israel Destiny Foundation) A logistics center has been set up in Yad Binyamin, (A town located at the tip of the South of Israel), where hundreds of volunteers are collecting and distributing thousands of kilograms of supplies and food to soldiers.
Navah Organization helps the families of victims of terror.
United Hatzalah of Israel volunteer ambulance and medic services. Their compassion for Israel saves lives.
Leket Israel is the food rescue operation, collection, and distribution of surplus nutritious food in Israel, to those who need it.
Resources Available:
- According to the State Department, U.S. citizens wishing to depart Israel can check here for the status of Ben Gurion International Airport and the availability and status of flights.
- In Israel, this link is to request donations for a multitude of items.
- This is a list of blood donation centers.
Grants Available:
- First, grants to organizations in Israel and Germany for cooperative projects that create a positive societal benefit for both countries.
- Next, funding for Israel and International Jewish institutions and community organizations, including schools, synagogues, and community centers, to increase security.
- Israel’s early-stage businesses can also apply for grants to fund collaborative commercial activities in eligible locations.
- In addition, grants and in-kind services to Israeli technology-based companies collaborating with international partners for research projects related to climate challenges and food technology.
- Finally, grants to Israel nonprofits, academic institutions, for-profits, municipalities, groups, and individuals for projects that foster safety in the workplace.
Additional Grants
- Furthermore, there are grants to Israeli nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life of women and children.
- Israeli scientists affiliated with nonprofit organizations, IHEs, and government agencies can also receive funding for collaborative physics research projects.
- In addition, Florida nonprofits are eligible for programs that support Jewish children and the elderly in local communities and to benefit needy children and youth in Israel.
- Fellowships of $50,000 to Israel’s recent Ph.D. graduates to conduct research at a university or research institute in the United States.
- Grants to Israel nonprofit organizations and government agencies to enhance the quality of life for local communities.
- Lastly, grants of up to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations, festivals, museums, and biennials for exhibits featuring artists from Israel.
