Your Impact 2020
The global Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a devastating new reality for people in Israel and around the world. Vulnerable populations such as new immigrants, the elderly and youth at-risk are particularly hard hit. Keren Hayesod is making every effort to adapting its fundraising activities to the new circumstances. However, there is a tremendous fear that many populations in need will not get the support that they need. That is why your partnership has been and remains so crucial.
Thanks to Keren Hayesod support worldwide, over $14 million was raised for a wide range of programs that are having a major impact on Israel’s populations at the fringe of society. We would like to share the following update about some of the projects. It illustrates how your contribution directly impacts people’s lives.
Thank you for being part of the global Keren Hayesod community.
KH Fundraising Efforts During the Coronavirus Crisis
The Coronavirus pandemic has created a dire economic situation in Israel, with an estimated 1 million people unemployed or placed on unpaid leave and more than 70,000 businesses that have closed. Experts project that it will take at least five years for the economy to recover.
Despite careful optimism that Israel is currently gaining control of the Coronavirus, thousands of families in Israel are in severe economic crisis. Many families simply have no money to feed their children or pay utility bills. Some families have fallen into debt and have literally no means to recover financially. Coupled with the uncertain future of their job situations they face a bleak fate.
The effect of Corona in numbers:
- One out of every two Israelis cannot afford their monthly living expenses.
- One out of every five elderly live in poverty need to survive on monthly stipends from Israel’s welfare institute.
- 2.3 million Israelis indicate that their economic status has dramatically decreased due to the Coronavirus and they lost their primary source of income.
- 50% of families with children are living under the poverty line due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
- At the peak of the first wave of the Coronavirus, 1.3 million people were unemployed.
Youth Futures is providing much needed intervention for over 14,000 children at-risk and their families to bridge social and educational gaps. The 2019-2020 program year was overshadowed by the Coronavirus and had to adapt according to health regulations, often conducting activities in small groups, telephone or via the Internet. Keren Hayesod assisted Youth Futures with ongoing support, purchasing tablets for distance learning but mostly as emergency grants and food packages for families in need, due to rising poverty.
Amigour the more than 7,000 elderly residents living in Amigour facilities throughout Israel are at the highest risk for the Coronavirus. Amigour’s devoted staff is doing its utmost to ensure the emotional and physical well-being of all residents.
With the help of Keren Hayesod donors, Amigour’s 75 facitlities could receive the suppot they need to continue to provide the elderly a life in dignity.
Absorption Initiatives is providing much needed intervention for over 14,000 children at-risk and their families to bridge social and educational gaps. The 2019-2020 program year was overshadowed by the Coronavirus and had to adapt according to health regulations, often conducting activities in small groups, telephone or via the Internet. Keren Hayesod assisted Youth Futures with ongoing support, purchasing tablets for distance learning but mostly as emergency grants and food packages for families in need, due to rising poverty.
Aliyah – Despite the Coronavirus and travel restrictions worldwide, over 13,000 new immigrants arrived in Israel between January and August 2020. Israel is expecting a 20% rise in the number of people opening Aliyah files and figures during the next several months will also increase, depending on flight regulations and availability. The majority of new immigrants arrived from the United States, France, Brazil, Argenitna, the former Soviet Union (FSU), South Africa and Ethiopia.
Aleh – protective equipment, hygienic and basic medical supplies were purchased, as well as support for respiratory treatments and staff recruitment for four facilities that are home to 440 children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. These children have compromised immune systems and weak respiratory functioning, thus the danger of contracting the Coronavirus is a matter of life and death.
Hospitals – Israel’s hospitals are in a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus. Funding
was allocated to six of Israel’s major hospitals to purchase hospital beds, ventilators, and other
needed equipment. In addition, molecular laboratories were established to help in the fight
against the Coronavirus pandemic.
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus is not going to be eradicated until there is a vaccine. Keren Hayesod is committed to supporting Israel’s disadvantaged populations that have been so adversely affected by the global pandemic. The programs and activities that we support through your generosity are doing their utmost to adapt to the situation. We hope we will be able to continue our funding for these crucial projects and activities.
