How you can help Israel today

By Cindy Saltzman

As Israel and America stand strong against Hamas, Hezbollah, and anyone who supports the massacre of innocent civilians, the desire to help is palpable. But how do you know where and how to give? How do you determine a charity is credible and fiscally responsible? How can you be sure that the money you donate is getting to those in danger and most in need?

Jewish Life Now has done some research and through a careful analysis of philanthropic, economic, and human service non-profit organizations and charitable organizations, we have put together a list of some of the most reputable and effective charities. (As always, please do your own research):

Hospital / Medical

– Soroka Hospital @soroka_medical_center: Beersheba, closest major hospital, treating hundreds of the wounded – soroka.org

– Magen David Adom @magen_david_adom_america: Israel’s paramedic and Red Cross service – afmda.org/donate

Immediate Help for Soldiers

– Operation Iron Swords with Rabbi Rav Rimon: Providing for IDF soldiers in coordination with the Army and Government. Direct Donation: https://www.jgive.com/new/en/ils/donation-targets/110057/charity or more igfo at www.sulamot.org

– Friends of the IDF @friends_of_the_idf: Umbrella organization providing a wide range of services – fidf.org

– Barkai / Rabbi Dovid Fine: in contact with many rabbis in the field, they will direct funds to immediate needs such as food and supplies for soldiers, coordinated with commanders and officers in the field – israelrabbis.org

– Grilling for the IDF @grilling4idf: Providing food to huge numbers of soldiers in the field – grillingforidf.com

Communities in Need

– Yeshivat Sderot @sderotstrong: Providing services year round to residents in Sderot – https://rootfunding.com/campaigns/sderot-emergency

– IsraHelp: Providing a wide range of referral services to Israelis including donation opportunities – coing.co/Israhelp

Terror Victim Support

– Zaka @zakasearchandrescue: Israel’s rescue and recovery organization – give.zakaworld.org

– One Family @Onefamily_together: Extensive services for victims of terror – Onefamilytogether.org

– Koby Mandell Foundation @comedy.for.koby: Therapeutic programs for victims of terror – kobymandell.org