Donating to the Victims of Terror and Soldiers Defending Israel

Israel is Under Attack and people around the world want to know how they can support the families who have lost their loved ones and their homes, and the soldiers who are risking their lives to protect the people of Israel. Overnight,  thousands of miluimnikim (reserve soldiers) were called up for duty and many were unable to bring anything with them. We know they need basic necessities like food, clothing, toiletries, and equipment, but this is just the start.

In response to the numerous calls and messages I have received from friends and family outside of Israel, I have put together a list of charitable organizations providing support to the victims and families of the recent and ongoing attacks, and supporting  Israeli soldiers emotionally and physically. The list below includes Israeli organizations with online platforms in English and I have noted if the donations are tax-deductible, and in which countries.

Speak Up – Use Your Voice

People around the world can help by sharing messages of support on social media. Please don’t be afraid to speak up, share your support, and encourage your network to do the same! Staying silent is not an option. Now more than ever, Israel needs the world to understand the immense challenge it is facing both physically on the ground but also in the media and the world’s perception. We need people to speak up and not stay silent. Whether it is with your friends, colleagues, or people you interact with online, we need to drown out the narrative that our enemies are sharing that this attack was justified in any way. It was a terrorist attack and there is no justification. It is also important to report any inaccurate or biased news coverage and correct the many misconceptions in the media.

For up-to-date graphics and messaging, I recommend following StandWithUs and Israel’s Story. You can also follow and share the stories of:

• Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem & Special Envoy for Innovation
• Muhammad Zoabi, a young Israeli Arab activist
• Natasha Kirtchuk of i24 News
• Noa Tishby, a Former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism and Delegitimization of Israel

Vetted Israeli Charitable Organizations

Everyone has different causes they like to support. I do not want to influence that choice in any way, but these are organizations I have a personal link to and can vouch for.

• Amuta Golani supports the Golani Brigade, its troops, and its commanders. Donations from Canada, the UK, and the US are tax-deductible via this link.
• Chabad of Talbiya is providing support to Israeli families who have been evacuated to Jerusalem. As well as providing necessities like toiletries, food, and clothing, they are also providing moral support through a network of volunteers and organizing activities for the families (including a challah bake, see images below). Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK, & the US.

Credit: Yonit Schiller

Credit: Yonit Schiller

Credit: Yonit Schiller

• Duvdevan Foundation has a specific project to set up portable showers for soldiers in the field. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK, & the US.
• Leket, Israel’s National Food Bank,  has launched an emergency relief fund to send cooked meals to homebound individuals and seniors and to purchase essential supplies from local grocery stores in the South for individuals and families affected by the war. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen.
• Lone Soldier Center manages homes for lone soldiers in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva. Their centers are safe havens for all lone soldiers who need a place to stay, sleep, and eat. They also have a team of dedicated psychologists and social workers ready to provide much-needed emotional and mental support, and they are looking for psychologists to volunteer their time via Zoom. Donations are tax-deductible in Australia, Canada, France, Israel, the UK & the US, based on the currency chosen.

• PizzaIDF has sent food to active-duty IDF soldiers across Israel for the last 20 years. Donations range from US$34-1800 and you can send pizza or falafel to a single patrol, a squad, a platoon, a company, or even a battalion. The organization is run by volunteers (led by friends of mine) and all donations go directly to the soldiers.

• Shalva has set up a crisis center for hundreds of evacuees where they receive physical and emotional care. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen. Donations can also be made in Crypto.
• United Hatzala has set up field hospitals and is providing medical equipment and medical support to civilians and soldiers in the area. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, France, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen.

• Yahalom Foundation supports the Yahalom Unit field combatants and is raising money for warm clothing, nutritious food, and anything else they need to best prepare them for the prolonged battle ahead of us. I have a good friend whose son is in this unit so I know how important this cause is. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen.

Additional ways to  support Israel:

• Barzilai Medical Center – Ashkelon is one of the closest hospitals to the Gaza Strip and is the first responder to missile attacks in the area. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen.
• Chayal el Chayal is a home for lone soldiers in Jerusalem and is preparing care packages for lone soldiers. Donations are only tax-deductible in the US.
• Duvdevan Together supports the active-duty soldiers and reservists in the Duvdevan special forces unit. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen.

• Friends of IDF assists the IDF in various aspects including supporting lone soldiers, wounded soldiers, and bereaved families. Donations are only tax-deductible in the US. You can donate in the UK via this link.
• Im Tirzu provides support to soldiers all over the country distributing snacks and care packages to soldiers in the field. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, the UK & the US, based on the currency chosen.
• Latet provides aid to families in need and populations affected by the war situation. Donations are tax-deductible in Australia, Canada, France, Israel, the UK & the US, based on the currency chosen.
• One Family supports victims of terror and their families and has set up an Israel Emergency Campaign. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK & the US, based on the currency chosen.
• Project Aid4Israel is collecting funds to help those in need due to this catastrophe and distributing much-needed supplies to IDF soldiers.
• Samson Assuta Ashdod Hospital is one of the closest hospitals to the Gaza border and has already admitted over 100 wounded terror victims including IDF soldiers, police officers, and residents. They urgently need money to buy more medical equipment. Donations are tax-deductible in Australia, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen.
• The National Emergency Fund is raising money for relief services, welfare, equipment, food, and other necessities for the victims of the war and their families. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen.
• Yad Ezra V’Shulamit feeds Israel’s hungry children and families and is currently collecting donations to send food and drink to the soldiers on the front lines. The charity is tax-exempt in Australia, Canada, the EU, France, Israel, the UK, & the US, based on the currency chosen. Donations can also be made in cryptocurrency.
• Yashar LaChayal is raising money for the emergency needs of soldiers. Donations are tax-deductible in Canada, the UK, and the US.

Here is a directory of leading Israeli non-profit organizations, but many of them are only tax-deductible in the US.

I hope that we can resume the usual content very soon, but in the meantime, please stay safe and well and pray for the safety of everyone in Israel. עם ישראל חי