As the situation in Gaza and Southern Israel remains volatile, our community's concern over the safety of Israelis in the region remains very high. We wanted to inform you of how our community here in Toronto is helping Israel's southern region cope with the continuous threat of Hamas missile attacks. Below is a partial list of initiatives funded by UJA Federation through UIA Federations Canada (UIAFC) that has helped the people of Israel's southern region:

Crisis intervention for Post Traumatic Shock Syndrome

Clinical support to individuals and families in severe distress

Psychological assistance to hundreds of hotline callers

Respite trips away from constant missile attacks for the region’s young people

Volunteer projects undertaken by students who are part of the Ayalim project which encourages young adults to help rebuild and live in peripheral communities

Computers for many of the 200,000 students who could not attend classes during the war

United Jewish Appeal is already providing more than $2 million dollars in urgent assistance to the rocket stricken residents of Sderot, through UIA Federations Canada. Now, in response to the region's worsening situation and requests from members of our community who have contacted us asking how they can help, we have set up a new fund to enhance our assistance beyond Sderot. We urge you to participate in this critical initiative by clicking here and contributing to the Southern Israel Relief Fund.