“Thank You, JDC” from Tirat HaCarmel

Four years ago in the aftermath of the Second Lebanon War, JDC – with the support of the JFNA Israel Emergency Campaign and others – launched its New Galilee Initiative, a broad endeavor to bring long-term strength, resilience and preparedness to Israel’s north.

December 7, 2010

Four years ago in the aftermath of the Second Lebanon War, JDC—with the support of the JFNAIsrael Emergency Campaign and others—launched its New Galilee Initiative, a broad endeavor to bring long-term strength, resilience and preparedness to Israel’s north.

As we witnessed the destructive force of the recent Carmel fires, we also saw the fruits of this investment. The letter below from the director of the Center for Young Adults in Tirat HaCarmel is just one demonstration of how JDC programs helped transform an emergency scenario into an opportunity to aid those in need:

Dear JDC Friends,

Just yesterday fire fighting planes flew low over Tirat HaCarmel. Now tonight has brought blessed rain that saturated the tortured ground and washed away the dense air.

Thank you for worrying, for calling, for instantly inviting us to you, and for connecting us to places of hospitality for evacuees and monies to be used for immediate action.

You proved what partnership really means in difficult times. You warmed our hearts. The relationships that we have built over the years as we have planned and carried out initiatives together, really came together during these dramatic few days.

Our young adults [participants at Tirat HaCarmel Young Adult center] arose and left their homes to join the municipal evacuation efforts that performed so well. These gallant young people “reported for duty” at two out of the three evacuation centers and worked in shifts around the clock. Others worked spontaneously in their neighborhoods, mainly helping elderly and Ethiopian-Israeli families pack up their stuff and travel to the evacuation centers. They handed out blankets, mattresses and food and gave any other assistance needed.

Just as the tragedy that hit the Carmel on the first night of Hanukkah brought the importance of young adult activists to the attention of the local authorities, these youngsters’ feeling of communal made them truly realize their leadership and giving potential.

May we enjoy a continued Holiday of Lights

With the blessing of brave partnership

Tzlila Frankel-Frisco

Director, Center for Young Adults, Tirat HaCarmel

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