As the war with Iran continues to unfold, communities across Israel are facing renewed uncertainty, disruption, and danger. In response, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) has moved quickly to deploy a series of emergency grants, delivering immediate, on-the-ground support to those most affected.
Working through trusted partners, CJP has directed critical funding to address urgent needs ranging from physical safety and medical care to humanitarian aid and mental health support. The goal: to act swiftly, adapt in real time, and ensure resources reach the people and communities who need them most.
Across Israel, that impact is already being felt.
In Beit Shemesh, where recent attacks have heightened the need for civilian protection, CJP funding is supporting the installation of mobile protected shelters in vulnerable neighborhoods.
“We are deeply grateful to CJP for stepping in at such a critical moment,” said Mayor Shmuel Greenberg. “This support is an investment in saving lives. These additional shelters will ensure that more of our residents can reach safety in time, strengthening protection for some of our most vulnerable neighborhoods when it matters most.”
For families facing unimaginable loss and disruption, CJP’s support is helping to provide a measure of stability in the midst of crisis. Through its partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), emergency financial assistance is reaching bereaved families, severely injured civilians, and those whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.
“In moments of profound loss and disruption, CJP’s support allows us to respond with both urgency and compassion,” Yehuda Setton, CEO of JAFI, shared. “This funding ensures that those affected are not facing these challenges alone, but with immediate, meaningful support to begin rebuilding their lives.”
At the same time, humanitarian needs across the country continue to evolve rapidly. Through the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), funding is enabling the delivery of critical aid, strengthening municipal welfare systems, and supporting displaced families.
“Our partnership with CJP is nothing short of strategic,” said Hadas Minka-Brand, head of JDC Israel. “It enables us to respond quickly to growing acute needs, deliver critical humanitarian aid, and support the most vulnerable Israelis.”
In Northern Israel, where hospitals are operating under sustained emergency conditions, CJP is supporting Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa as it absorbs patients from across the region.
“As we operate under full emergency conditions and care for patients from across Northern Israel, CJP’s support is vital,” said Dr. Avi Weissman, deputy director. “This funding helps ensure we can continue delivering lifesaving care at scale, even under extraordinary pressure.”
Through Project Tzafona, CJP is accelerating more than $100,000 in existing funding to rapidly expand Upper Galilee programs that support families living under threat. By condensing months of programming into a two-week period, these initiatives are delivering daily, child- and family-centered activities in shelters—providing critical structure, stability, and a sense of normalcy during the crisis.
For families sheltering for extended periods, that sense of stability is critical. Through IsraAID, CJP funding is helping distribute resilience kits and family support tools designed to provide comfort, structure, and coping mechanisms during ongoing stress.
“CJP’s support allows us to reach families living under constant threat with the tools they need to cope and stay resilient,” said CEO Yotam Polizer. “These resources provide stability and strength, helping communities endure and recover together.”
Mental health support is also a critical and growing need. With demand surging, SAHAR—Israel’s leading online emotional support organization—is expanding its 24/7 digital services with the help of CJP funding.
“At a time when emotional distress is at an all-time high, CJP’s partnership enables us to expand immediate, accessible mental health support,” said CEO Inbar Shenfeld. “This ensures that no one has to face fear, anxiety, or trauma alone.”
In total, these emergency grants reflect a coordinated effort to meet the moment—delivering support across multiple fronts, from immediate safety and healthcare to long-term resilience and recovery.
While the situation on the ground continues to shift, CJP’s approach remains constant: act quickly, partner closely, and respond where the need is greatest. It is a model built not only for moments of crisis, but for sustained commitment—ensuring that, even in the most uncertain times, communities across Israel are supported, protected, and not alone.