Donations to Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City’s Israel Emergency Fund, which was established in the wake of Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on Oct. 7, have been matched dollar for dollar for the first $1 million raised thanks to an anonymous local family.
With the match, Federation has now raised more than $2 million for Israel relief efforts – and aims to raise much more. Fundraising continues locally, and thanks to other generous families, Federation now has smaller matches in place to inspire additional generosity. Every dollar donated goes toward helping those in need in Israel. Donations can be made at jewishkansascity.org/israel or by scanning the QR code.
Systemwide, Jewish Federations across North America have raised $388 million to support those affected by terror, trauma and ongoing war. The Federation system has already allocated more than $70 million of this total amount through core partner organizations like the Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and the Israel Trauma Coalition; local municipalities and regional councils; and other Israeli emergency medical organizations and healthcare centers.
The Jewish Federations of North America continues to evaluate how to use funds for the greatest impact both immediately (basic needs, medical services, evacuation/housing and trauma relief, as well as the safety of vulnerable populations) and in the middle-to-longer term (rebuilding of critical infrastructure, for example).
Donations will be used to meet the following needs:
- Food and financial assistance for impacted families, the elderly, and the homebound.
- Support for frontline communities, including those under fire; the new olim living in absorption centers; temporary housing; respite trips; children’s activities; and increased security.
- JAFI’s Funds for Victims of Terror, which provides immediate cash grants to families and individuals who have been impacted by acts of terror and violence.
- Trauma relief and psychosocial support; care for first responders, lone soldiers, the injured, and families whose relatives were murdered, injured, or abducted; training and support for caregivers and responders.
- Medical supplies and equipment for first responders and hospitals near the front line.
- Assistance to vulnerable populations and their caregivers, including the elderly, young children, people living with disabilities and marginalized populations.
- Funding to enhance capacity and provide operational support to evacuees, special populations, frontline communities and those responding to crises.