Every pound we raise for Israel is an act of defiance against attempts to destroy it

For the past 20 months, Israel has been living through a prolonged state of emergency. Since October 7, daily life has unfolded against the backdrop of war. In recent days, what we have experienced is of a magnitude Israel has never seen — not in the past 50 years, and arguably not ever.

While Israelis have sadly become used to rocket attacks, waves of terror, and intense rounds of conflict, the current war with Iran is different. It has brought Israel into a state of near-total shutdown. Schools are closed, workplaces shuttered, airspace shut. Even public transport is largely suspended.

Israel’s strong air defences are a source of pride and comfort. These defensive systems continue to perform magnificently under near-impossible conditions. But the sheer scale of this attack –  hundreds of missiles, including long-range ballistic threats – means that up to 10 per cent of projectiles have penetrated defences. The result is scenes of bombed-out apartment buildings, families climbing through rubble, entire neighbourhoods unrecognisable from the day before.

Over 1,000 Israelis are now homeless and this number is expected to grow. This fresh wave of internal displacement comes just as previous evacuations were winding down.

Beyond those directly hit, there are thousands more living without safe shelter. In certain towns and communities, the buildings simply were not built with safe rooms or reinforced spaces. These families spend their nights running through darkened streets to reach public shelters, children in tow, sirens blaring, missiles in the sky overhead. Most attacks are taking place at night. Sleep has become a luxury. Security, a memory.

Post October 7, Israeli society has learned how to survive prolonged crisis. Municipalities, hospitals, emergency services and civil society – all bolstered in resource and morale by the generous support of global Jewish communities – have spent the past year and a half not only responding to emergencies, but also preparing for future ones.

We are now seeing the results of that preparation. In many towns and regions, local authorities have mobilised rapidly and effectively. Hospitals are functioning under fire. Civil society networks are responding to urgent needs. But this capacity is not evenly distributed. Weaker areas, already disadvantaged before the war, are now overwhelmed. Their populations – poorer, more vulnerable and less mobile – are bearing the heaviest burden. These are the people who most need our help right now.

UJIA has built networks over decades to ensure that we can respond to crises immediately. Following consultations with partners, we have identified three priorities which require our urgent support: providing basic needs to the most vulnerable, supporting children and young people who are sheltering, and providing emergency psychological first aid.

Life has been turned upside down for those whose homes have been destroyed or have been evacuated as their home is no longer structurally safe. If they’re lucky, they will be rehomed temporarily, but will still need hot meals and basic supplies.

When sirens wail in the middle of the night, parents barely have time to wake their children and get them to safety, never mind bringing provisions. From mattresses and blankets to games and books for children, arriving in a safe, bright and well-equipped shelter can make all the difference for parents and their kids already struggling.

The emotional toll of 20 months of sustained trauma, capped by this latest escalation, is immense. Israelis are resilient, but the cracks are already showing. The demand for psychological and emotional support has surged, especially among children. We know that swift intervention can prevent trauma from developing into long-term PTSD.

Israel will endure. Of that we have no doubt. But resilience is not the same as invulnerability.

The crisis is ongoing, and the road ahead is uncertain. But every pound we raise and every act of solidarity we offer is another act of defiance in the face of this attempted destruction. Another brick in the foundation of recovery. Another spark of hope for what a peaceful tomorrow looks like with our hostages returned to us.

Let us take care of today, so that together, we can help Israel rebuild and look to the future.