Fundraising Chair Launches Cross-Sector Coalition to Bolster Israel’s War Relief Efforts

In the shadow of Israel’s darkest day in decades, something extraordinary happened. As the nation reeled from the horrors of October 7, a tidal wave of support surged across Jewish communities worldwide uniting hearts, wallets, and institutions behind the people of Israel.

At the helm of this unprecedented mobilization stood Keren Hayesod – United Israel Appeal, a historic bridge between Israel and the global Jewish diaspora. According to World Chairman Sam Grundwerg, what followed was nothing short of miraculous.

“We saw the purest form of solidarity,” Grundwerg shared. “It wasn’t just about money it was the heart, the love, the readiness to act.”

In 2023, a year once forecast to suffer steep declines in giving, Keren Hayesod exceeded expectations by raising over $220 million, a 25% surge from its annual average. In 2024, donations remained strong at over $200 million, revealing a powerful trend: global Jewry’s commitment to Israel is not just reactive it’s enduring.

The organization’s agility was critical in the chaos of those early days. With national agencies overwhelmed, Israel’s municipalities from Sderot in the south to Kiryat Shmona in the north became front-line responders. Keren Hayesod, already deeply embedded in these local communities, sprang into action.

Over $18.5 million in emergency funds was swiftly delivered to local governments $13.5 million to the south, and over $5 million to the north to support displaced families, trauma care, and essential services.

“We didn’t need to introduce ourselves in a crisis. We were already there,” Grundwerg explained. “Our long-standing ties meant we could move fast, with trust.”

While the state rebuilds infrastructure, Keren Hayesod focuses on the soul of communities trauma clinics, daycare centers, resilience spaces. In Eshkol, one of the hardest-hit regions, the organization played a vital role in expanding trauma services for adults and children alike.

A hallmark of Keren Hayesod’s model is its blend of structure and responsiveness. Funds are generally tied to specific projects, closely monitored by professional teams. But during those critical first weeks, donors were flexible, enabling fast, unrestricted aid where it was needed most.

Now, the organization is looking beyond the emergency phase, co-launching one of the most ambitious alliances in Israeli history. Yisrael Mitgayeset (“Israel Rising”) brings together government ministries, philanthropic partners, and the business sector in a coordinated push to rebuild and strengthen Israeli society.

“This is a new model,” Grundwerg said. “We’re not duplicating government efforts. We’re leveraging them tripling the value of every shekel through joint investment.”

The alliance, anchored by a memorandum with Israel’s Finance Ministry, signals a turning point in how Israel and its allies abroad can collaborate to close gaps quickly and effectively.

What makes this moment even more moving is the unwavering support from global Jewish communities despite facing their own rising antisemitism and security threats.

“We feared they might retreat, focus inward,” Grundwerg admitted. “But instead, they stepped up time and again. No donor fatigue. Only more resolve.”

As Israel navigates the third year of crisis and recovery, Keren Hayesod is shifting toward long-term goals: education, economic renewal, and communal resilience.

“This isn’t just about surviving,” Grundwerg said. “It’s about thriving. And we’re not stopping.”

Israel’s strength lies not only in its soldiers and leaders, but in the steadfast support of Jews around the world. Share this story to honor their efforts, and subscribe to our newsletter for more stories of unity and impact.