In a collaborative effort to support families returning to their homes after recent hostilities, Colel Chabad, in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), has launched a program providing 16,000 families with debit cards valued at NIS 450.
As homefront officials signal the imminent return of communities located beyond 4 km. from the Gaza and northern borders, these initiatives aim to ease the transition for affected families, offering a lifeline for purchasing essential food and supplies.
“In the midst of the pain and tension surrounding this bitter war, witnessing people return to their communities is a beacon of hope,” shared Rabbi Shalom Duchman, director of Colel Chabad. “Recognizing the inevitable uncertainty and stress that accompanies this transition, we are committed to providing assistance to make this next stage a bit more manageable.”
Debit cards to be distributed through Colel Chabad
The debit cards, manufactured at the Kibbutz Be’eri factory – a community devastated by the October 7 attack – will be distributed through Colel Chabad’s southern network, in close coordination with local welfare department representatives.
"In the midst of the pain and tension surrounding this bitter war, witnessing people return to their communities is a beacon of hope,"
Rabbi Shalom Duchman, Director of Colel Chabad
Rebecca Caspi, senior vice president for Israel and overseas at the Jewish Federations of North America, noted that JFNA has raised over $650 million to support Israel during this critical time.
“These funds are being rapidly deployed offering lifelines to Israelis suffering as a result of the barbaric attack on October 7 and its aftermath,” she said. “We are proud of our support for Colel Chabad’s important work providing aid to those from the south returning home after the terrible trauma they have experienced. We know that the thousands of hot meals and prepaid credit cards make a world of difference to a population that has suffered so much.”
In an additional announcement, Colel Chabad disclosed further support from the IFCJ and funds raised through the television show, Hatzinor. Families currently enrolled in the National Food Security Initiative, with a spouse called up to the IDF reserves, will benefit from an additional grant of NIS 2,000. The initiative, also managed by Colel Chabad, has significantly expanded its support since the onset of the war, extending assistance to families in need across the country.
IFCJ president Yael Eckstein underscored the positive collaboration and spirit of partnership forged to address the diverse needs of the people of Israel: “One of the bright lights amid all this pain has been the support and spirit of partnership that has been created to respond to all sorts of needs for the people of Israel,” she said. “Together with our hundreds of thousands of supporters around the world, we stand side by side with Israel and will continue to do everything we can to help provide for the safety and humanitarian needs of the Israeli people.”