Over $1 million raised for Israel Emergency Fund

The Israel Emergency Fund, a fundraising effort by the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, has hit the $1 million mark.

In fact, 560 donors had pushed the total to $1,016,271 as of press time, according to Jennifer Zwirn, chief development officer at the Alliance.

But the need continues to be great, said Mark Feinstein, who, with his wife, Cindy, chairs the campaign.

“The needs aren’t getting any less,” Feinstein said in a recent interview. “The needs will only continue to grow. We thank people who have made an initial gift and hope people might consider another.”

The Israel Emergency Fund was opened after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, to provide immediate financial assistance and relief to victims of terror and war. One hundred percent of all funds raised go directly to support on-the-ground needs, medical care, humanitarian relief, relocation and terrorist victims.

Contributions are channeled to the Jewish Federations of North America to distribute to organizations working in Israel, including the Israel Trauma Coalition, the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency for Israel, World ORT, United Hatzalah, Magen David Adom, ZAKA, Barzilai Medical Center and the Soroka Medical Center.

“None of the money goes to the government. None of the money goes to the military,” said Feinstein. “It all goes to social programs that have come about because of the war.”

“This is a united approach,” he said, pointing out that the funds are distributed where they are most needed. “The agencies in Israel know where the needs are greatest,” he said.

“This is an emergency situation,” Feinstein said. “The last time we had a fund like this [for Israel] was during the 1973 war.”

He said that donations have come from outside the immediate Jewish community, as well as from those who do not usually give.

“People are looking for an opportunity to help,” he said.

To make a donation to the Israel Emergency Fund, go jewishallianceri.org/support-us/featured/Israel-emergency-fund.

FRAN OSTENDORF is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.