60% of Evacuated Families Lack School Supplies

The Fellowship  |  September 5, 2024

The war in Israel means living costs are rising, especially those in the north near the Lebanese border. And over 60% of children feel afraid to return to school, with rates of anxiety and fear rising. Writers at JNS explain what The Fellowship is doing to help:

In response to these challenges, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews has partnered with Kravitz, Israel’s largest office supply chain, to provide more than $1 million in supplies for children and families in need.

The initiative will distribute 12,000 “Kravitz Gift Cards” worth 300 shekels (about $82.50) each to 1,000 students evacuated from the Kiryat Shmona and Shlomi school districts, more than 2,000 pupils from Gaza border communities, and other students around the country.

Yael Eckstein, president of the IFCJ, said, “The 2024-25 school year marks a new beginning for many children, especially those starting first grade. With the challenges posed by the ongoing war and the increased cost of living, parents are struggling to manage both the practical and emotional impact on their families. Particularly during these times, our responsibility is to care for those who need help—young, old and everyone in between—from basic needs, to bomb shelters to backpacks.”