Compassion for Israel - 2010

It is clear to us at JIJ and to all who wish to assist the thousands of needy in Israel, that as we summarize all the humanitarian aid activities of 2009, the situation is dire. Here is an overview of the social justice needs of Israel and the related activities of JIJ.

Facts on the Ground

Facts reveal an increase of about 40% of Israeli families in which a member has died due to lack of sufficient funds for medicines and medical care. 63% of needy families are unable to buy medication. 62% of the needy families are unable to supply their children with a nutritionally balanced diet. A poverty report published recently by the “Latet” organization projects a gloomy picture with regard to the repercussions of the economic situation in Israel. “Latet" is one of the leading organizations in providing aid to the under privileged while emphasizing on aid to holocaust survivors.

Over the last few years, JIJ has been working hand in hand with “Latet”. Their report, which covers 2009, determines that dental care for needy families is in the realm of luxury. 75% of children from these families receive no dental care whatsoever. 25% of children from families receiving food donations from various organizations are obliged to work in order to help support the family. The most distressing fact is that 6% of these children revert to stealing food in order to survive. One eighth of the needy families report that at least one of their children has violent behavioral problems due to their situation. Research finds that poverty in school children leads to derision and social rejection within the school framework. The connection between poverty and deterioration to crime is obvious.

Recently, Israel’s Council for the Welfare of Children published a report showing a steep rise in the number of children becoming victims of severe violent crimes. Furthermore, the aid organizations themselves have become victims of the economic crisis in Israel. The picture that is clear now is that most of the organizations will not recover in 2010, many professional employees are being discharged, and many organizations are at risk of closure.

Statistics and Trends

Here are some more interesting facts with regards to existing aid organizations in Israel:

4% of aid organizations in Israel did not survive 2009; 24% cut activities over 2009; 3 out of 4 organizations reported decrease of over 33% in donations; 25% of planned projects were either postponed to an unspecified date or cancelled completely; 66% of organizations supplying food reported that they were forced to reduce activities and also had to discharge about 14% of their employees, leading to a 22% reduction in ability of providing food. On the other hand, almost on half of the organizations reported an increase in needy families requiring food supplies.

This is a serious picture which challenges JIJ to advocate even stronger for the needy coming year.

JIJ's Compassion Projects

We do want to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing donations. The JIJ social justice projects are very important in this time of crisis. We would like to give you an idea of what we have been able to accomplish with your donations. In 2008 we had three major projects:

Kimcha D’Pischa ~  we were able to bless approx. 200 families; The Back-Pack Project ~  6,500 children received brand new back-packs; The Helping Israel’s Elderly Project ~  we blessed over 5,000 elderly Israelis with brand-new blankets.

That was good. This past year, 2009 was even better:

Kimcha D’Pischa ~ over 600 families were blessed; The Back-Pack Project ~ over 8,500 children received brand new back-packs. This was also possible because of the economic crunch (we had more negotiating power and got a better price); In 2009 we focused Holocaust survivors for the winter distribution. You responded to our requests and we distributed over 2,500 water resistant, double lined fleece coats to Holocaust survivors.

Together we can make a Difference

Again, we thank you for letting us be your hands of compassion in Israel. When so many humanitarian organizations are floundering, you are helping JIJ succeed in reaching many.

In a special meeting at JIJ it was decided to invoke an emergency plan in order to widen the scope of the aid to the needy in the framework of JIJ’s existing projects in the coming year. We need to step in and assist those being left by the wayside as NGOs continue to close or cut aid. The upcoming Kimcha D’Pischa project is vitally important as this helps families with their basic needs for the Passover Holiday.

We turn to you and appeal for your help so that together we can help to create a better future for our children, Holocaust survivors still with us, and for the whole community of the needy in the Land of Israel. We are here and we are faithful with your donations. Help us make 2010 the best year yet!

Poverty in school children leads to derision and social rejection within the school framework

Over 8,500 children received brand new back-packs

You responded to our requests and we distributed over 2,500 water resistant, double lined fleece coats to Holocaust survivors

When so many humanitarian organizations are floundering, you are helping JIJ succeed in reaching many