Because Iranian missiles cannot reach the United States, the first targets in a retaliatory strike would likely be Israel and American bases in the region. The entire nation of Israel has been on high alert since last week, as tensions continue to escalate. Already on the ground, The Fellowship sprang into action immediately, and this week the impact of our efforts is already evident through new emergency security measures and food aid initiatives.
Already, The Fellowship and our partners at ESHEL Chabad have prepared thousands of food boxes containing essential proteins such as chicken and tuna, along with fresh produce. Our partners at the Jaffa Institute and the Meir Panim soup kitchen have also prepared hundreds of additional packages. The Fellowship has further strengthened food relief efforts by providing 1,500 vouchers to be distributed to evacuated families. If Iran were to attack, families could be evacuated with little to no warning. Those displaced would be able to purchase food quickly and with dignity.
With assistance from the IDF Home Front Command, The Fellowship has also readied 13 bomb shelters for deployment, five of which are reinforced with steel doors and designed to withstand a ballistic missile strike. Other major security initiatives include vehicles to transport the elderly and those unable to leave their homes during an emergency, as well as 1,000 pieces of protective gear provided to rescue volunteers at United Hatzalah.
Israel’s hospitals remain the backbone of lifesaving efforts whenever the Holy Land is under attack. The Fellowship’s grants and assistance to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa and Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya have helped them secure their facilities and treat patients safely. The underground, protected hospital at Rambam ensures doctors can continue saving lives even under rocket fire, and Galilee’s 300 new beds and mobile X-ray machine mean more patients can be treated and more lives can be saved.
The Fellowship’s emergency preparations also include support for infants. Shamir Medical Center in Be’er Ya’akov received a reinforced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) from The Fellowship, enabling doctors to care for premature babies under any circumstances. In addition, thousands of baby products have been prepared with the Social Bank for Baby Food and are ready for distribution in an emergency.
Other efforts by The Fellowship — including providing firefighting equipment and ambulances — continue to strengthen lifesaving efforts across Israel, regardless of if it’s a time of war or a time of relative peace. It is during times like these that we truly come together to support those who need it most, as we pray for true peace — shalom.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
