Volunteers Became a Lifeline

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WIZO Israel’s 2,300 volunteers provided food, childcare, emotional support, and essential aid to Israelis during the war.

WIZO RESPONSE – Volunteering

WIZO’s 2,300 active volunteers became a lifeline for Israeli society, offering everything from food deliveries to childcare to emotional support, ensuring no family was left behind. The volunteers provided around the clock essential aid to families and communities most impacted by the war. WIZO branches from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat became critical support hubs, where volunteers worked to support displaced families and their immediate needs. The dedication of WIZO’s volunteers, many of whom had family members directly affected by the conflict, was felt everywhere. Their grassroots initiatives reflect WIZO’s ability to pivot quickly to meet the needs of Israeli society.

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Amira, volunteer at WIZO Rehovot branch:
“We all immediately rolled up our sleeves and got to work helping anyone who needed it. In fact, it was us who needed help to cope with the shock and helping others was our way of soothing our souls.“

Converting Existing Resources

WIZO’s 45 Bigudiyot (secondhand stores) were transformed into distribution hubs, providing crucial supplies to survivors, evacuees, and soldiers. Volunteers collected and distributed 5,000 boxes of clothing, toys, personal hygiene and supplies for pets. They even established a “Laundry Hub” where volunteers washed clothes for evacuees and soldiers. 

Support for Military Wives and Children

The “WIZO With You” Project engaged 80 volunteers who supported 135 women and children whose partners had been drafted into the military. Volunteers helped with childcare, grocery shopping, and emotional support, ensuring these families received the care they needed to cope with their bewildering circumstances.

Support for Active Soldiers, Wounded Soldiers and Bereaved Families

Volunteers visited injured soldiers and worked closely with families who had lost loved ones, offering compassion and support during an incredibly challenging time. Volunteers also distributed donations to soldiers, such as mobile chargers, allowing soldiers to stay in touch with their families. WIZO hosted relaxation events to provide much-needed respite for soldiers returning from the front lines.

knitting wool hats

WIZO Students Mobilize to Assist Farms

WIZO mobilized hundreds of our high school students to volunteer on farms in the north and south, helping alleviate the manpower shortages caused by the war.

Acts of Kindness and Community Solidarity

Volunteers knitted 2,500 warm clothing items including hats for soldiers in combat. Volunteers crafted funeral wreaths to honor fallen soldiers, and exhibits were set up in WIZO secondhand stores to raise awareness for the hostages, fostering community solidarity in a time of national mourning.

We are very proud of our Israeli volunteers who contributed 55,000 hours of dedicated work and for the massive in-kind support we received from the community, companies, and private donors.

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