WIZO: Standing Strong During Operation Rising Lion

This month, we’re shining the spotlight not on one woman—but on all of WIZO.

From the frontline staff in shelters and day care centers to our volunteers and leaders in Israel and around the world, WIZO has shown unwavering strength, compassion, and unity during one of the most difficult times in Israel’s recent history.

In the aftermath of Operation Rising Lion—and especially between June 13–24, as Israel faced relentless missile attacks, mass evacuations, and widespread trauma—WIZO mobilized immediately. Across the country, our teams protected children, supported vulnerable women, sustained elderly care, and held entire communities together with incredible dedication.

Emergency Aid: Clothing, Toys, and Essential Supplies

While WIZO’s secondhand clothing stores (Bigudiot) remained officially closed to the public in line with Home Front Command regulations, WIZO volunteers were granted access to fulfill urgent municipal requests for emergency aid.

Across dozens of cities, volunteers packed and distributed clothing, shoes, toys, hygiene kits, and other essentials to displaced families and injured civilians. These deliveries reached evacuation centers, hospitals, and private homes—from Be’er Sheva and Tel Aviv to Nahariya, Giv’atayim, Hod HaSharon, and beyond.

In Hod HaSharon, the local branch supported the city’s IDF war room, while other WIZO teams coordinated with municipalities and private businesses to distribute new donated items.

“Even when the skies are filled with sirens and the heart is heavy, WIZO women continue to serve—packing, distributing, and supporting. This is civic resilience at its finest,”
— Ora Korazim, Chairwoman of WIZO Israel

Supporting Vulnerable Women and Children

Throughout the crisis, WIZO provided critical assistance to women and families most in need, through both emotional support and direct aid:

• Over 10 women and nearly 20 children found refuge in WIZO’s emergency shelters.
• Consistent phone outreach was conducted to survivors of domestic violence, women in WIZO’s Safety Net communities, and seniors in WIZO’s older adult networks.
• Volunteers delivered craft kits and games to help mothers soothe and entertain children during long hours in shelters.

At Beit Pa’amonim, WIZO’s emergency center for infants, four high-risk babies remained under 24/7 care in fortified conditions. Meanwhile, the WIZO Elderly Home cared for 36 dependent seniors and over 70 independent residents, offering both safety and social connection during this frightening time.

Emergency Daycare in Hospitals

Understanding the vital need for childcare for frontline workers, WIZO launched emergency daycare operations in 10 hospitals, serving over 160 infants of medical teams and essential personnel. These centers operated in fortified areas, allowing parents to continue lifesaving work with peace of mind.

Youth Villages and Educational Continuity

Despite the chaos, WIZO kept its youth villages and boarding schools operational, serving as stable homes for Israel’s most vulnerable teens. In total:

• Over 400 children and staff members remained on-site across six WIZO educational and welfare campuses.
• Many were participants in programs like NAALE or residents with complex social needs.
• All schools shifted to online learning, while educational and therapeutic programming continued in-person where safe.

Staff showed immense dedication, adapting to emergency conditions while ensuring educational, emotional, and physical support.

Adapting Community Programs to Online Platforms

WIZO branches moved quickly to ensure that no woman was left isolated. Community programs were restructured and delivered online via Zoom:

• In Rishon LeZion, Bat Yam, and Herzliya, “Women in the Reserves” programs continued virtually.
• In Afula, the empowerment program “Kodem At” hosted online sessions.
• In Herzliya, support groups for divorced women met weekly.
• In Tel Aviv, a city-wide Zoom yoga session led by WIZO’s own staff helped relieve stress and restore calm.

Meanwhile, nearly 800 daycare teachers and staff members received emergency training in first aid and crisis-safe caregiving—ahead of the 2025–2026 school year.

Infrastructure Damage, Recovery & Resilience

Despite sustaining physical damage to 16 institutions, including daycare centers, youth villages, schools, branches, and thrift stores, WIZO continued operations without interruption. Damaged programs were relocated to secure backup facilities, with classes held in protected shelters where needed.

A structured damage-assessment process was launched, including:

• Professional property evaluations
• Online claims to the Property Tax Authority
• Coordination of repairs—either independently or through state-funded recovery

Financial and Fundraising Update

In response to the emergency, WIZO launched the international Operation Rising Lion Emergency Appeal to fund:

• Reconstruction of damaged facilities
• Emotional resilience programs
• Ongoing support for women, children, and elderly in crisis

Support poured in from global federations and partners, demonstrating that WIZO’s international family stands united in action, not just in words. The campaign continues, as WIZO faces long-term recovery needs and mounting financial strain.

WIZO’s Human Frontline: Staff Impact

While caring for others, many WIZO staff were themselves affected by the war:

• 31 employees were called to IDF reserve duty
• 27 staff members and volunteers experienced damage to their homes
• 3 families were forced to evacuate

WIZO responded with empathy and solidarity—offering emotional support, personal outreach, and resilience programming to its own people. Because in this organization, care begins from within.

This July, WIZO Is the Woman of WIZO

From local volunteers to national leadership, from emergency clothing deliveries to trauma-informed care—WIZO rose to the moment with heart, resilience, and purpose.

Because when the world shakes, WIZO stands strong.