Israel Active

United Hatzalah EMS Elhanan performed CPR in the intense heat of a Beit Shemesh house. Although the patient passed away, Elhanan returned to the shiva house the next day and installed two air-conditioners, free of charge. At least the mourners could breathe.

Combat navigators, identified only as “Yud” and “Bet” both attacked Iran during the 12-day war. “Yud” is the first female deputy commander of a fighter squadron. Husband “Bet,” commands an air squadron and will soon command a fighter squadron. They have 2 children.

Israeli reservists comprised the bulk of the troops largely responsible for Israel’s successes during the long multi-front war. They are all IDF veterans who completed their full service and then entered civilian life as students, members of the work force, spouses, and parents. Now they are on the front line.

Ohad couldn’t attend his medical graduation ceremony at Bar-Ilan University as he was in the IDF serving in Gaza. So the university brought the graduation ceremony to him. He put a hat and gown over his IDF uniform and recited the doctor's oath (Hippocratic Oath) to his fellow soldiers.

Karina Ariev, held by Hamas for over a year, has officially completed her service in Israel’s Defense Forces. All of Israel has recognized her courage for both the bravery she displayed during her captivity, and for her decision to return and honor her fallen comrades by completing her duty.

The U.S. State Department will provide $30 million to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The GHF has replaced the United Nations in delivering humanitarian aid to Gazan civilians and avoiding Hamas looters. GHF has delivered many millions of meals since its launch.

Foreign aid for Israeli victims has come from Taiwan, which donated $160,000 to the ZAKA emergency response organization. Meanwhile, the Jewish community of Foshan China is donating building materials. Their city is one of the largest suppliers of construction services in the world.

Colel Chabad, with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ) and the Hatzinor Fund, are giving debit cards worth 3,000 shekels to Israeli families left homeless after missile attacks. The JDC (Joint) have also been deploying emergency aid and services to support vulnerable populations.

Israeli non-profit Ogen (see previously) has launched a NIS 30 million emergency aid program “Israel’s Financial First Responders,” to support small businesses and families impacted by Iran’s missile attacks on Israel during “Operation Rising Lion.” JNF-USA has also rallied to help.

Beer Sheba's Soroka hospital opened up maternity wards in bomb shelters to deal with the threat of rockets. Despite suffering an Iranian missile hit, Israeli women gave birth to 100 babies in the hospital during the 12 days of Operation Rising Lion.