As an expression of world Jewry’s solidarity with now-homeless victims of the fires, The Jewish Agency for Israel has mobilized to provide immediate, emergency assistance to them. The organization is doing so with the support of its funding partners: the Jewish Federations of North America, led by the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago; Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston, Keren Hayesod; and private donors worldwide.
The Jewish Agency is providing immediate financial assistance of $1,000 to those all over the country whose homes have burned down completely or are damaged severely enough to prevent them from returning for an extended period. The aid is designed to address the urgent and immediate needs that arise due to their inability to return home.
Identification of eligible recipients is being carried out through local municipal and regional authorities, in coordination with the National Emergency Management Authority.
Who is eligible for the immediate assistance?
- Citizens and/or legal residents of Israel (including foreign workers who have documented permission to work in Israel).
- Citizens whose primary place of residence has been severely damaged. (To clarify: homeowners who do not live on the property, but rent it out to others, are not eligible).
- The primary purpose of the property is residential and not business of any kind.
- The property is not a public building.
- The home was damaged by the fires after November 22, 2016.
- In the case of roommates who share a primary address, each roommate will receive $500.
- Distribution of grants will be based on the above criteria and at the discretion of The Jewish Agency.
If you believe you are eligible for an emergency grant, please turn to the municipal offices of the city or region of the damaged residence.