Colel Chabad, Israel’s longest continuously operating social-services organization, has been on the ground working with displaced communities in the Gaza Envelope.
The outbreak of the war has significantly intensified the organization’s activities with direct efforts to reach out to more than 2,500 families that have been evacuated from the southern border region, as well as others who have been directly impacted by the violence.
Many of the families have lost homes, cars and other property, and have been relocated to hotels or housing in other parts of the country. Most affected are the Jewish communities of Kfar Aza, where more than 10% of the kibbutz population of 1,000 was killed, and Kibbutz Be’eri, which suffered a similar fate.
Colel Chabad has already distributed debit cards of 5,000 shekels (nearly $1,250) to hundreds of families for the purpose of buying food and clothing. It is also assisting elderly residents of the affected region who are immobile or ill and unable to leave, getting them food and other basic supplies.
It is further distributing 5,000 prepared meals on a daily basis to homes in coordination with Israel Defense Forces personnel, as they are often located in closed military zones that are inaccessible to volunteers.
With the ongoing evacuation of more neighborhoods on both the southern and northern borders, the organization is actively working with the Jerusalem Municipality to open spaces for residents needing to temporarily relocate. These shelters can accommodate 1,000-plus people, providing housing as well as meals and other basic supplies.
Rabbi Shalom Duchman, director of Colel Chabad said: “When we are confronted with deeply challenging times, the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson—always taught that our responsibility is to engage in a positive response and care for others in need. These actions not only benefit those who are being helped but as importantly help create a spirit of unity and strength that we firmly believe will lead our nation to the victory it so needs. We are showing our military that we are behind them and working towards a full victory both on the battlefront and on the home front.”
