In the summer of 2006, during and immediately following the Second Lebanon War, Canadian Jewry mobilized – as in every period of emergency in the past – and raised over CAD 40 million in an Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC) to help the residents and communities of northern Israel.
During the war, representatives of Magbit Canada were actively involved in the north, identifying local needs and providing immediate aid. Under life-threatening conditions, Magbit Canada’s staff was committed to engaging first-hand with Israelis and their communities. Magbit Canada also played a crucial role in communicating with the Canadian Federations through live feeds from the war zones to solidarity rallies in Canada, providing footage and daily reports on partnership areas and Canadian-funded projects.
Over CAD 6 million of IEC funds were invested in immediate emergency relief including providing summer camps in central and southern Israel for one million children living in the north; providing food and medication; providing air-conditioning units for bomb shelters; and supplying over 1,500 ceramic vests for first-aid providers all over northern Israel’s communities.
Following the war, Magbit Canada’s representatives identified the areas in which the Canadian Jewish community could have the most direct and most beneficial impact. The Canadian IEC was to be a strategic three-year investment in order to produce profound, long-term impact.
IEC investments span four regions:
- Acco
- Hatzor Haglilit
- The Galilee Panhandle
- Sderot
IEC investments focused on the following themes:
- Bridging Socioeconomic Gaps: providing educational and economic opportunities and developing services for vulnerable populations
- Human Capital: focusing on encouraging volunteerism and supporting Young Communities
- Emergency Relief: providing support for victims of trauma and equipping rescue workers
In light of the 2006 IEC’s impact, in December 2008, during Operation Cast Lead, Magbit Canada was able to respond immediately and efficiently, providing relief to hundreds of children based on the recommendations developed by the Israel team who were constantly in the field, meeting with mayors and government officials.