Even as hundreds of rockets from Gaza have barraged Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s () emergency response continues on the ground and now online in a new effort reaching the Israeli public. As volunteers are deploying in bomb shelters and emergency kits for the elderly and people with disabilities are prepped and distributed, (www.facebook.com/joint.israel) is offering videos and tip on how to handle children’s trauma, information for people with disabilities and those helping them in times of emergency, and instructions for how elderly Israelis can cope or can be assisted during the crisis.

‘At this time of continued conflict, remains at the forefront of efforts to ensure that those Israelis most in need are reached, helped, and comforted. We are carrying out this most critical task with the tremendous support of our most valued partners in the Jewish Federations of North America, the Jewish federation system, the broad spectrum of American Jewish religious movements, and so many others,’ said President Penny Blumenstein and Interim CEO Darrell Friedman.

Since the beginning of the crisis, immediately began caring for people with disabilities, the elderly, children at risk, and others through a variety of programs including hot meal distribution, care for displaced families, and constant outreach and aid provision to the disabled. is also:

works closely with Israel’s Ministries of Social Affairs and Social Welfare, Education and Health, the Home Front Command, and the National Emergency Network during times of crisis. ‘s emergency response in Israel is based on expertise and programmatic initiatives developed during the second intifada, the Second Lebanon War, and the Carmel Fires disaster. This response ensures that support and assistance can be delivered quickly and effectively.