B'nai B'rith International (BBI) is launching an Israel Emergency Fund in response to events in Israel and the Gaza Strip. Its goal is to raise funds to assist Israeli residents and to help meet the ongoing personal needs of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers fighting in Gaza. The fund will be administered by the B'nai B'rith World Center in Jerusalem.

“It is imperative that we support both the work being done by the IDF and those Israeli residents who have been affected by the fighting,” said B’nai B’rith International President Moishe Smith. “These continuing acts of aggression by Hamas affect not only the soldiers in battle, but also their families at home and other residents of Israel.”

Since Hamas broke a six month cease-fire on December 19 and Israel began its Gaza operation, Hamas has continued to fire rockets on the citizens of Israel. In the defensive action against Hamas, the IDF has sent ground troops into the Gaza Strip with the goal of stopping Hamas rocket attacks on Israel. Israel is dedicating enormous human and financial resources into its ongoing struggle for peace and security.

“At this moment, when Israel is fighting to protect its citizens, we need to show our support however possible,” said BBI Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin. “We stand by Israel as it defends the safety of its residents and its borders.”

B’nai B’rith International also opened its Israel Emergency Fund in 2006, when Hezbollah attacks crippled the lives of many of Northern Israel’s residents. With money donated to the fund, B’nai B’rith purchased Hebrew-language best sellers for Israel Defense Force combat soldiers through the “Sifrut for Soldiers” program, also buying computers, electronic equipment, and inflatable playgrounds to help improve the lives of those trapped in the bomb shelters.

Donations will be accepted online here or by mail at:

Israel Emergency Fund
B’nai B’rith International
2020 K Street, NW, 7th floor
Washington, D.C. 20006