The Jewish Agency announced it will provide immediate financial assistance to hundreds of families across the country who cannot return to their homes due to damage caused by the wildfires of the past week. A grant of $1,000 will be provided to each family in order to help them address urgent needs presented by the loss of their place of residence. Eligible recipients will be identified by local authorities in coordination with the National Emergency Authority. Funding for the grants will be provided by special contributions from the Jewish Federations of North America—led by the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago—Keren Hayesod-UIA, and additional donors.

Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky said: “At trying times like these, world Jewry feels closely connected to what is taking place in Israel and comes to our help without hesitation. We are proud of our partners in Jewish communities around the world, and particularly in North America, and appreciate their solidarity when it matters the most.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)