Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) Israel Emergency Response Committee has announced that the Emergency Fund for Operation Rising Lion has now allocated more than $13 million to nearly two dozen organizations on the ground in Israel.

These vital funds are supporting a wide range of urgent needs, including strengthening bomb shelters, expanding mental health services, assisting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled, and providing relief for displaced families and evacuees.

For example, funds from Operation Rising Lion are distributed to organizations like the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC) which offers direct emotional support, resilience kits for children, and training for frontline professionals. It also provides therapeutic workshops and a hotline for mental health workers. 

Another example of where the funds go is the Jewish Federations’ Emergency Loan Fund. The fund provides critical support to small businesses impacted by the war and lacking access to credit. It has helped over 2,500 businesses and faces hundreds of new applications, with additional funding needed to meet demand. 

Locally, United Jewish Federation of Stamford, New Canaan, and Darien (UJF) has played a meaningful role in this national effort. Raising funds for emergency campaigns, securing funds from donors who choose to designate their annual giving to Israel and Overseas, and for pass-through gifts to designated projects, UJF continues to support the ongoing needs in Israel and around the world in a meaningful way.