Israel Under Fire: Update Emergency Campaign
Almost eight months have passed since the brutal attack on Israel and the kidnapping of family members, children and friends. During Passover in the last week of April, families released photos of their holiday table with empty chairs for the hostages still held captive in Gaza. In Tel Aviv and other cities, installations featured 133 empty chairs, each accompanied by a photo of one of the hostages. These chairs served as poignant reminders of those still separated from their families.
Despite countless negotiations, Hamas has consistently refused to provide any information about the hostages to their families, causing the hope of a reunion to increasingly fade.
Since 7 October, time has seemed to stand still in Israel. In addition to the fear and despair over the hostages’ dire situation, many businesses are going bankrupt. Their employees are deployed as reservists on the northern and southern borders or guarding endangered areas within the country.
The ‘Swords of Iron’ war has been going on for more than six months. In this period:
- 13,500+ rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza and Lebanon.
- 1,574 civilians and soldiers were murdered.
- Over 15,000 civilians and soldiers wounded.
- 118,000 evacuees are still unable to return to their homes.
- 300,000 reservists are mobilised.
- 13,945 new immigrants (Olim), Holocaust survivors and elderly people from the Amigour retirement homes live in emergency accommodation provided by the Jewish Agency.
- 1,003 new immigrants (Olim) and senior citizens continue to live in risk areas (in the north and south of Israel).
Help for Terror Victims
Christians for Israel has supported direct relief efforts, as well as long-term rehabilitation programmes and help for rebuilding communities through our partners in Israel among others the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Psychological Help
Children from the destroyed kibbutzim are receiving therapeutic help to cope with the horrors and losses they’ve experienced. Summer camps for teenagers offer support, build resilience and help them process their experiences. Additionally, there are also specialised programs for senior citizens aimed at combating PTSD, depression and isolation.
Volunteer visit at Amigour retirement home. | Photo: The Jewish Agency for Israel
Family Assistance for Evacuees
Residents of kibbutzim, such as Kfar Aza and Beeri, are being relocated from hotels to caravans. These communities receive psychological support and practical help. They are in need of household appliances, clothing and food.
A Kfar Aza couple who were evacuated to Kibbuz Shefayim. They have moved from the hotel into a temporary pre-fab home. C4I sponsored appliances like refrigerators, ovens and washing machines. | Photo: C4I
Safety
Bomb shelters across northern and southern Israel are being renovated, and new shelters are being constructed. Ensuring people feel safe and can reach a shelter quickly during emergencies is of utmost importance. Consider, for instance, elderly individuals with mobility issues: it is crucial that they have a shelter nearby.
A bomb shelter. | Photo: The Jewish Agency for Israel
Food Programmes
Since the outbreak of the war, many Israelis have been struggling with food insecurity. Israeli farmers are fighting for their livelihoods. Food prices have risen. The western part of the Negev desert and other areas on the border have reduced their agricultural land by around 30 per cent. To support those in need, food parcels for families, cooked meals for the elderly and snack packs for schoolchildren are distributed daily.
Will You Help?
Israel needs your help. Assist us in addressing the areas of greatest need.
All help and every prayer is a blessing.
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