Israel is a relatively small but geographically diverse country. Sitting between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, our promised land holds great significance in both Jewish history and current global affairs. However, like the worldwide diaspora, it has faced several major crises over the years. One of the worst in recent memory happens to be unfolding today. This blog post discusses the ongoing conflict, its growing impact on Israeli civilians in the country’s north, and what can be done to mitigate its effects.
A Brief History Lesson on Israel’s Northern Region
The nation of Israel was established in 1948, following the end of the British Mandate for Palestine. Its conception represented a significant milestone in Jewish history and the culmination of the Zionist movement’s long-standing aspirations for a Jewish homeland.
Our country shares a border with Lebanon and Syria to the north, and Jordan to the east. These borders have been the frontlines of numerous conflicts, especially in the north, where the land is highly sought after for its water sources and tactically-beneficial elevated terrain. Over the years, Israel has aimed to secure its northern border through various means, including military operations, diplomatic agreements, and the establishment of buffer zones.
What’s Happening in Israel Right Now?
Decades of tension came to a culminating point on October 7th, 2023, when Israel’s eastern side was invaded by gunmen belonging to the terrorist group Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades. They, along with several other armed Palestinian groups, launched a large-scale, coordinated attack that had been planned for months. It wasn’t made for military targets but rather aimed at civilian populations.
Data shows that 695 civilians and 373 members of the Israeli Security Forces (ISF) were killed on that day. The thousands of people who survived it weren’t much better off, many left injured, traumatized, and homeless. Over two hundred individuals were also kidnapped and taken to Gaza as hostages.
The violence that ensued was unprecedented in its scale and brutality. Hamas militants went door-to-door in some communities, killing civilians indiscriminately. At the Nova music festival near Re’im, dozens of young people were massacred as they tried to flee. The attacks continued for hours before Israeli security forces could mount an effective response.
Rising Tensions in the North
Israel’s north has historically been fraught with conflicts waged due to territorial disputes, complex geopolitical relationships, and ongoing security concerns. The region has witnessed numerous conflicts, including the 1982 Lebanon War and subsequent clashes with Hezbollah, a militant group affiliated with Lebanon.
While that organization isn’t thought to have had a direct role on October 7th, it does publicly support Hamas and shares its anti-Israel stance. In the wake of the October 7th attacks, Hezbollah has expressed solidarity with Hamas and increased its provocations along the Israel-Lebanon border. This has raised concerns about a potential two-front war for Israel.
The group’s involvement has not been limited to verbal support. Hezbollah has launched numerous rocket attacks into northern Israel, targeting both military installations and civilian areas, particularly in the embattled region of Golan Heights. These actions have prompted retaliatory strikes from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), leading to a dangerous cycle of escalation.
Who Is Most Affected
Regions under attack sheltered thousands of Israeli families with no involvement in the war whatsoever. An indiscriminate number are undeserving victims and the psychological and physical toll on these communities is immense. War effects are devastating and they leave innocent children without homes and families, with adults alike suffering from grief, anxiety, and severe trauma.
The escalating conflict has forced many families to abandon their homes and seek shelter in safer areas. Schools have been closed, businesses shuttered, and daily life disrupted as residents live under the constant threat of violence. In the middle of all of this fighting, help is desperately needed and there are many ways we can help Israel:
- Donate online
- Run community fundraisers
- Volunteer in humanitarian aid
- Donate to Colel Chabad’s efforts:
Preparing for Potential War
We can’t afford to limit our thinking to ‘if’ full war breaks out in the north because as the October 7th attacks showed, unprepared populations can suffer catastrophic losses. Widely considered a more capable adversary than Hamas, Hezbollah’s involvement makes the stakes too high to ignore.
So What Can We Do?
Support networks for Jewish families in need will be critical as households are displaced by fighting in Northern Israel. Shelter is a primary concern for the wellbeing of Israelis given its immediate impact on safety and well-being. Jewish charities that help the poor need support as they are now opening their doors to provide temporary housing to individuals and families fleeing conflict zones. Local communities are also stepping up, with many residents offering spare rooms or apartments to those in need.
The government is collaborating with these efforts to create a comprehensive network of emergency housing options. This includes repurposing public buildings, such as schools and community centers, into temporary shelters. Hotels in safer areas are being contracted to provide rooms at reduced rates.
Food security is another major problem amid ongoing disruption in supply chains.
Well-established Israeli organizations from community food distribution networks to soup kitchens are ramping up their operations. Over the long term, victims will also need community connections. That’s unfortunately an often-overlooked aspect of crisis response. Widows groups, charities for orphans, children’s education funds, and healthcare projects need support now if they are to meet an expected increase in demand for services.
Colel Chabad’s Mission to Help Northern Israel
Colel Chabad is proud to be on the frontlines of aid to help Israel’s needy during this chaotic time. As northern populations prepare for war, our historic organization will continue to be a reliable source of aid for the Jewish community. An extensive network of sign-up volunteers and resources allows us to provide immediate assistance in a way that no other charity can. Our response to the potential northern conflict is multifaceted and proactive and includes:
Food Packages
We’re preparing emergency food packages that can sustain families for extended periods. These include non-perishable items, water purification tablets, and essential supplies.
Summer Camps for Displaced Children
Colel Chabad is working to route displaced children beyond the battlefield, to summer camps in safer regions of the country. Here, war-affected children can continue their education, engage in recreational activities, and receive the emotional support they need to thrive.
ICE Packages
Our ICE packages combine all of the essential items a family could need to safely evacuate into one easy-to-grab package. In the case of a local attack, mothers and fathers can rely on this resource for guidance and focus more of their attention on keeping their loved ones safe.
Chabad leaders conceptualized Colel Chabad with the main goal of addressing chronic social issues like poverty, hunger, and lack of access to essential resources. Today, our organization continues to uphold religious values; we’re protecting the poor, but also proactively aiming to prevent poverty from happening altogether.
Help Israel Today
You can play a part in this mission. Getting involved with Colel Chabad is a meaningful way to support Israel’s most vulnerable populations during these challenging times. Your contributions make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the ongoing conflict and potential war in the north. Crisis doesn’t wait – help us address it by giving today.
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