Emergency Response: $2.5 Million Aid Distributed Following Iranian Missile Attacks

Emergency Response: $2.5 Million Aid Distributed

In a rapid response to the recent Iranian missile attacks targeting Israel, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (The Fellowship) took swift action over the weekend to provide essential aid to those affected. Following the military operations initiated by Iran, known as Operation Rising Lion, the organization has allocated approximately $2.5 million in emergency aid to support families whose homes have been either damaged or completely rendered uninhabitable.

As the conflict unfolded, roughly 5,000 Israelis found themselves evacuated from their residences, with hundreds of buildings suffering extensive damage. Many residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable, were left without basic necessities such as food, medicine, and shelter. The Fellowship mobilized quickly to address these immediate needs, distributing over 1,000 debit cards, each loaded with more than $225, to families in severely impacted regions including Tel Aviv, Rishon LeZion, Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Rehovot, and Tamra.

Amidst the chaos, images of Fellowship volunteers delivering ready-made meals and essential supplies to elderly residents like Zelda, who faced devastating losses in her neighborhood, emphasize the urgency and importance of this humanitarian intervention. Daniel, a brave volunteer and former IDF soldier, played a vital role in delivering food to Zelda and others in dire circumstances, embodying the spirit of compassion that The Fellowship stands for.

Beyond immediate relief, The Fellowship is in close coordination with local municipalities to assess ongoing needs and fine-tune their support efforts in light of the evolving situation. This includes planning the large-scale distribution of emergency food boxes and bomb shelter kits, which will enable families and the elderly to take refuge in public shelters during prolonged periods of insecurity.

Yael Eckstein, President and Global CEO of The Fellowship, encapsulated the desperate situation by stating, "In a matter of seconds, lives were turned upside down. Homes destroyed. Children frightened. Elderly men and women suddenly without food, medicine, or even a bed to sleep in. In those moments, there is no time to wait. Only to act. That's what the Fellowship is here to do—to bring comfort. To bring help. To bring light."

In addition to immediate aid efforts, The Fellowship has started purchasing and placing 10 bomb shelters this week, with plans for 50 more standard shelters and an additional 50 upgraded shelters intended to endure more significant threats. These upgraded models are made with blast-resistant steel doors to offer enhanced protection against high-impact explosions.

Furthermore, The Fellowship is actively assisting new immigrants (olim) who arrived in Israel just days before the conflict escalated. The organization is providing critical resources and guidance to these newcomers as they navigate their new lives amid turbulence.

Eckstein expressed profound admiration for the commitment shown by team members who have been delivering meals and hygiene kits door-to-door, even in the midst of falling rockets. She recognized the crucial role that supporters play: "I'm also overwhelmed with gratitude for our Christian friends whose love and prayers make this work possible. Their support is not just financial—it's spiritual. It reminds the people of Israel that they are not alone—that even in the darkest nights, there are hands reaching out in love."

For over 40 years, The Fellowship has been a beacon of humanitarian aid, building connections between Christians and Jews and providing critical assistance to the Jewish people both in Israel and across the globe. As Israel's largest provider of humanitarian support, The Fellowship has contributed over $105 million to various projects aimed at enhancing the country’s security infrastructure, including the installation of bomb shelters and equipping local emergency services with necessary supplies.

Eckstein concluded with a powerful affirmation of the organization’s mission: "We can't stop the missiles, but we can meet fear with faith, and we can meet loss with love. And that's what we're doing—every hour, every day."

For more information about The Fellowship and their ongoing efforts, please visit their website at http://www.ifcj.org.