Fund for Victims of Terror Newsletter – July 2025 – Operation ‘Rising Lion’

Mobilizing the Rising Lion Emergency Fund

Since the outbreak of Operation Rising Lion and the establishment of The Jewish Agency’s Rising Lion Emergency Fund, the Fund for Victims of Terror was entrusted with coordinating the response on behalf of the new fund.

Drawing on years of experience supporting victims of terror and national emergencies, the Fund for Victims of Terror’s professional team was mobilized immediately and has since worked with unwavering commitment to assist those affected. In recent weeks, representatives of the Fund for Victims of Terror have carried out field visits to areas across Israel that sustained significant damage, including Rehovot, Petach Tikva, Ramat Gan, Bat Yam, Rishon LeZion, Holon, Ness Ziona, and Tel Aviv.

During these visits, senior leaders of the Fund and The Jewish Agency met with mayors, welfare professionals, emergency personnel, victims, and their families—both in the field and in hospitals (Wolfson, Ichilov), as well as in absorption hotels (Herods, Leonardo Gordon Beach, Crowne Plaza, Midtown) where evacuees were relocated.

Participants in these field missions included Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of The Jewish Agency; Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, Chair of the Fund for Victims of Terror; Yael Raz, Director of the Fund for Victims of Terror; Edna Weinstock-Gabbay, CEO of Keren Hayesod-UIA; Yaakov Hagoel, Chairman of the World Zionist Organisation; and representatives from Jewish Federations and other partner organisations.

These meetings, held in close coordination with municipal leaders—including Rami Greenberg (Petach Tikva), Carmel Shama Hacohen (Ramat Gan), Zvika Brot (Bat Yam), Raz Kinstlich (Rishon LeZion), Shay Kenan (Holon), Shmuel Boxer (Ness Ziona), and Matan Dall (Rehovot)—focused on identifying urgent needs, closing response gaps, and formulating effective community-based solutions. In parallel to field operations, the Fund for Victims of Terror has led the implementation of the Rising Lion Emergency Fund’s grant distribution effort.

Approximately 2,500 grants are being allocated across 13 impacted communities to help alleviate the physical, emotional, and financial toll on those affected. These grants reflect the deep solidarity of Jewish communities worldwide with the people of Israel during this time of crisis. From emergency coordination centers to hospital rooms, from one-on-one conversations to complex inter-agency collaboration, the Fund for Victims of Terror continues to lead with professional excellence, a deep sense of moral responsibility, and an unwavering human commitment to every person impacted by the war.

Jewish Agency Volunteers Assist Evacuees in Bat Yam

At the height of a period marked by deep uncertainty—when thousands of residents were forced to leave their homes and relocate to hotels due to the security situation—employees of The Jewish Agency chose to take part in one of the most meaningful humanitarian efforts: to be there, in person, face-to-face, with those affected. Over the course of two intensive days, volunteers visited seven hotels housing evacuees from Bat Yam, assisting approximately 300 individuals in completing application forms for emergency grants from the Rising Lion Emergency Fund.

At first glance, it may have seemed like a simple, technical task—just filling out a form. But in reality, each encounter became a moment of listening, empathy, clarification, and support. The patience, sensitivity, and willingness of the volunteers to slow down and attend to every detail turned a bureaucratic process into something deeply meaningful for the evacuees. These volunteers didn’t settle for offering instructions from afar. They sat with each beneficiary, listened to their stories, helped clarify eligibility, translated bureaucratic language into plain and accessible terms, and offered a sense of calm and reassurance to people grappling with a loss of control.

This effort extended across multiple locations, including the Herods, Crowne Plaza, and Leonardo Gordon Beach hotels. At every stop, the volunteers were met with heartfelt gratitude and warm embraces from the families. This operation is a powerful expression of the spirit of solidarity and service that defines The Jewish Agency—not only as an institution, but as a community of people who believe in resilience, mutual responsibility, and the importance of showing up at the right time to do the right thing. To all the volunteers who took part in this vital effort: thank you.

Your presence in the field was far more than the completion of a form—it was a boost of morale, a moment of hope, and a reminder of the enduring power of human connection.

Message from Raz Kinstlich, Mayor of Rishon LeZion

“On behalf of myself, the city administration, and the residents of Rishon LeZion, I extend my heartfelt thanks to The Jewish Agency for Israel and its partners—the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod—for your swift, meaningful, and generous support during Operation Rising Lion. During the operation, Rishon LeZion suffered significant losses, both in lives and property.

The establishment of the Rising Lion Emergency Fund, which provides emergency grants of NIS 4,000 per eligible household, reflects a true sense of mutual responsibility and a deep understanding of urgent needs on the ground during times of crisis. This critical support enables us to continue offering compassionate, effective responses to affected families, vulnerable populations, and all residents in need of guidance and support during this difficult time. I thank you for your partnership, your readiness to stand with Rishon LeZion in moments of hardship and emergency, and for The Jewish Agency’s strong public and ethical commitment.”

Learn more about the UIA-supported Fund for the Victims of Terror: