While our eyes are glued to the news from Israel, we wanted to take a few minutes to tell you about what UJA is doing and how you can help.

In times of crisis, UJA's role is to respond quickly and decisively based on the expertise and input of our network of more than 100 local, national, and international partner organizations who are being impacted by this crisis. We provide immediate assistance where it is needed most, pivot as necessary, and problem solve for new and unforeseen issues as they arise. We are only able to do so because so many community members invest in UJA’s Annual Campaign, precisely so we can be positioned to help in moments like these. 

When fighting between Israel and Iran broke out late last week, our agencies in Israel, here in Toronto, and across Canada were prepared to act immediately to assist Israeli civilians. Through the ongoing efforts of our partners and agencies already on the ground, we were able to quickly and decisively offer support where it is most needed.

While the situation in Israel and the greater Middle East is rapidly evolving, here are ways UJA is already working to help our brothers and sisters in Israel, as well as our Jewish community in Toronto and across Canada:

Israel Travel Programs. At present, there are approximately 100 Canadian participants on the ground in Israel through UJA-funded Birthright Israel and Birthright Israel Onward trips. With Israeli airspace closed for the immediate future, these groups have been relocated to safe areas. Israel travel participants are being well cared for by our partners on the ground, and travel plans will be rebooked as soon as it is safely possible. A volunteer trip with several Toronto participants has also been relocated safely. All participants are being offered logistical and emotional support.

We understand parents’ concerns surrounding UJA-funded summer Israel experiences for teenagers, including programs like Ramah Seminar, NFTY Israel, Diller Teen Leaders, and Biluim Israel. Plans for this summer are on hold at the moment. We will notify the community soon with developments.

In addition, we know that there are Canadians unable to leave Israel at the moment—and many Israelis who cannot return home. UJA is in contact with many of them and we are ensuring they have what they need to stay safe and secure.

Advocacy. The threat of a nuclear Iran is wholly untenable—this is not just Israeli policy, but the longstanding policy of Western democracies. Israel’s daring mission carries with it foundational Canadian values.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), our advocacy agency, is in direct communication with senior government officials in Ottawa to send a strong message: world leaders must act decisively to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran. Meanwhile, Allies For A Strong Canada is organizing our allies across Canada, emphasizing that this is a fundamental matter of Canada supporting a democratic ally as it protects its citizens—and the rest of the world—from a terrorist regime pursuing nuclear weapons.

CIJA is actively countering media coverage that unfairly blames Israel. On Friday evening, CIJA issued an e-blast and Action Alert urging supporters to email Prime Minister Carney and call for leadership on the Iranian threat. By Sunday morning, more than 5,000 Canadians had taken action. 

Community Security. The Jewish Security Network (JSN) continues to monitor global developments and remains in close contact with trusted law enforcement and intelligence partners. While there is currently no specific or credible threat to the Jewish community in the Greater Toronto Area, recent events—including across North America over the past weeks—remind us that Jewish institutions and individuals can be impacted by developments far from home. In these moments, our strength lies in awareness, preparedness, and unity.

Security is a shared responsibility—and a shared effort. Be aware of your surroundings, especially near schools, synagogues, and community gatherings. Information posted online—event locations, leadership names, or security details—can unintentionally create risk. Think before posting and trust your instincts. If something seems unusual, speak up. 

Real security begins with prevention, not panic. You don’t have to be a security expert to contribute. You simply need to care enough to act. Many synagogues and schools have volunteer security teams. Whether it’s helping monitor an entrance, participating in planning, or simply being present and alert, your contribution makes a difference. We all have a role to play—through vigilance, involvement, and support.

Summer Camps. With Jewish camps beginning soon, JSN has developed a robust security plan for this summer. The closure of Israeli airspace also means that, at present, many of our summer camp’s staff members may not be able to travel for camp jobs. This includes Israeli camp counselors coming to Canada and Canadian staff members currently on Israel experience trips. UJA is supporting camps as they explore solutions to staffing gaps.

Bat Yam. We woke up Sunday morning to the horrific news that our partner city of Bat Yam was directly hit from an Iranian missile that left nine people dead, including children, and approximately 100 more injured. Dozens of buildings in Bat Yam have been damaged or destroyed.

UJA has been strengthening education and social welfare programs in Bat Yam for 19 years. We know that Bat Yam is more than just a place—it is a community of heart and resilience. A community of strength.

We are in direct contact with the mayor, community leaders, and our local partners, and we will do whatever is needed. In the short-term, we are assisting to provide food, housing, and clothing for people there who have lost everything, respite care for children who now find themselves living in hotel rooms, and additional essential needs and services for vulnerable populations, including seniors, new immigrants, and children with disabilities. A pilot emergency program co-developed with the municipality is already playing a key role in co-ordinating first response efforts during this crisis.

UJA’s deep, ongoing investment in Bat Yam through our Annual Campaign continues to make a meaningful difference in a time of extraordinary need. As always, we stand strongly beside our partners in Bat Yam and will continue to be there with them as we navigate through these difficult times, and together emerge stronger from these devastating attacks.

We pray that this war ends speedily, in peace and security for Israel. And we pray that Israel will uphold the shared values of all Western democracies as it confronts Iran. In the meantime, please know that we are continuing to make every effort to do our part, and that your contributions through our Annual Campaign are already making a difference. If you would like to help us, please click here for more information about our Israel Urgent Needs Campaign.

This situation is changing rapidly. We will continue to monitor events closely and do our best to keep you informed of all developments.