Supporting Israel in Times of Crisis
Early on the morning of Saturday, October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists carried out the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. They tortured, decapitated, and burned alive children and adults, committing unspeakable gender-based crimes. By the end of the day, more than 1,200 Israelis were murdered, thousands were injured, and over 240 were kidnapped to Gaza—some barefoot and in their pajamas.
In response to this tragedy, we launched the Embrace Campaign, a comprehensive initiative dedicated to relief, rehabilitation, and resilience-building for those affected. Through the Center for Jewish Impact, Alumot Or, and SASA Setton, our social impact hub mobilized a support network to address both the immediate and long-term needs arising from this crisis. While our efforts typically do not extend to direct fundraising, the overwhelming sense of national unity in the aftermath of these events compelled us to take action and contribute to the relief efforts for our affected brothers and sisters.
We have focused our support on areas where we can make the greatest impact—hospital networks, child welfare, trauma recovery, and educational initiatives—leveraging our expertise and extensive network to ensure resources are directed effectively. As the situation continues to evolve, additional funds are being collected and allocated to new projects, recognizing that the road to rehabilitation is far from over.
This effort has been made possible by the generosity of individuals, foundations, federations, partner organizations, and the global community standing in solidarity with Israel.
To contribute to our efforts, click here. Your solidarity strengthens our ability to rebuild lives, heal communities, and stand resilient in the face of adversity.
The Projects Driving Embrace
Restoring Early Childhood Education in the Western Negev
We are rebuilding 35 early childhood centers in the Gaza envelope, providing psychological, emotional, and educational support to children and families returning to their communities. To learn more about this project, its impact, and the generous supporters making it possible, click here.
Brothers at Heart
In partnership with the Israel Venture Network (IVN) and Alumot Or, we provided psychosocial support to 12,000 students and staff in 22 schools beyond the 7km Gaza border, offering therapy, psychiatric care, occupational therapy, and trauma training for educators where government aid does not reach.
Specialized Training in Trauma-Focused CBT for Childhood Trauma
We helped train staff at Barzilai Medical Center’s Child & Adolescent Unit in trauma-focused CBT, ensuring effective care for children facing severe psychological distress from October 7th and the ongoing war.
Post-trauma seminar for survivors of the Nova music festival
We hosted a two-part Post-Trauma Seminar for 92 Nova festival survivors, equipping them with expert-led tools to cope with stress and trauma and support their healing process.
Supporting Evacuees from the Western Negev
We supported evacuees from the Western Negev and northern front with vouchers, judo and computer classes, drumming sessions, warm blankets, toys, hot meals, and post-trauma seminars, providing relief during uncertain times.
Rehabilitation for Injured Soldiers through Paralympic Sports
We are helping injured soldiers recover from the Iron Swords war through adaptive sports, supporting their physical and mental rehabilitation while training them to compete at the highest levels of Paralympic events.
Aid for Hospitals in Southern Israel
We provided medical equipment and support to Soroka, Barzilai, Assuta, and Kaplan Medical Centers, helping overwhelmed hospitals continue providing essential care in the aftermath of October 7th.
Hot Meals for the Elderly
We provided hot meals and essential supplies to over 7,000 elderly residents in Ashkelon and Tiberias who were unable to evacuate, ensuring care and support for one of the most vulnerable populations affected by the conflict.
A Safe Heaven Restored
We restored the Eden Home in Carmia, supporting 55 girls (12-18) with complex PTSD by renovating the boarding school and creating a life-skills center in Kibbutz Dorot to aid their recovery.
Financial Aid for University Students
We provided financial aid to 600 students from Ono Academic College and Ben-Gurion University who lost their homes and belongings in the October 7th attack, helping them cover essentials and continue their studies.
Hagshama Program: Academic Integration for Wounded IDF Soldiers
This initiative at Ono Academic College helps wounded IDF soldiers transition to higher education. It offers introductory courses, personalized mentorship, tailored academic support, and services like counseling and occupational therapy.
Supporting IDF Soldiers
In response to the sudden call to arms on October 7th, we provided essential supplies to soldiers defending our nation, ensuring they had the necessities to endure the harsh conditions of mobilization.
Embrace 2.0
In the aftermath of the October 7th massacre, the Center for Jewish Impact launched the Embrace Campaign to support families and frontline communities shattered by disaster. What began as an emergency response to the horrors in southern Israel grew into a global expression of solidarity – one that delivered critical aid to survivors, restored educational frameworks, and rebuilt broken communities for 634 days and counting.
On June 13, 2025, in an attempt to halt Iran's nuclear program, Israel launched the Rising Lion operation, a precise preemptive strike on key Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with a barrage of ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles aimed at Israeli civilian centers.
While Israel’s defense systems performed remarkably, several civilian sites were struck, leaving behind devastation and emotional scars. As the dust settles, the Center for Jewish Impact is expanding the Embrace Campaign to support the communities most affected.
The road to healing is long, but we do not walk it alone. Just as we stood together after October 7th, so too must we stand together now. The Embrace Campaign 2.0 invites our global network of partners and supporters to show up once again – with compassion, with commitment, and with the resolve to help Israel’s most vulnerable communities recover and rebuild.
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Rehabilitating Educational Spaces at Soroka Medical Center
We are restoring the educational spaces at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, which were severely damaged by a missile strike during the war. As the only Level I trauma center in southern Israel, Soroka serves over one million people, including children who rely on hospital classrooms for learning and emotional support during hospitalization.
The Initiatives Powering Embrace 2.0
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Restoring Early Childhood in Bat Yam
We are working to restore three kindergartens in Bat Yam’s Shikun Amidar neighborhood—one of the city’s most vulnerable areas—after they were severely damaged in recent Iranian attacks. These vital spaces supported children from low-income and immigrant families, and rebuilding them will help bring back stability, safety, and hope.
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Rehabilitating Educational Spaces at Soroka Medical Center
We are restoring the educational spaces at Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, which were severely damaged by a missile strike during the war. As the only Level I trauma center in southern Israel, Soroka serves over one million people, including children who rely on hospital classrooms for learning and emotional support during hospitalization.
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Scholarships for Displaced Students
We are providing urgent
scholarships to 20 displaced students whose academic paths were disrupted by the war. Many lost their homes, belongings, and support systems overnight. These scholarships—targeting students at Ben-Gurion University and Ono Academic College—will help cover basic needs, housing, and tuition
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A Balcony of Hope
We are creating a therapeutic balcony at Ness Ziona Mental Health Center to support adolescents in psychiatric care who were deeply affected by the Israel-Iran war. With day programs shut down and inpatient teens exposed to rocket fire in Bat Yam, many experienced emotional setbacks. This secure outdoor space will include a classroom, art area, and therapeutic garden—offering a calming environment for healing, expression, and reconnection.
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Coffee for the Soul
We are launching a therapeutic coffee truck at Abarbanel Hospital for adolescents in the day hospitalization program. These teens, coping with trauma and emotional challenges, faced major setbacks during the Israel-Iran war. The project offers a structured, supervised space to build life skills—like preparing drinks and managing inventory—while supporting emotional healing. It will also serve adult patients, fostering connection, confidence, and recovery across the hospital.
