The recent war with Iran subjected Israel to an unprecedented barrage of missile attacks – hundreds of which were successfully intercepted by Israeli air defenses. Yet, despite these defensive achievements, missiles that successfully penetrated the shield left cities and communities across Israel to cope with widespread destruction, loss, and trauma. The aftermath created an urgent need for rapid, large-scale support.
The Mandel Foundation quickly rose to meet this challenge, approving a total of $10 million in emergency grants to bolster Israel’s response and recovery efforts. This substantial commitment was allocated to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term recovery:
$7.5 million in critical aid was given to communities grappling with the trauma and destruction caused by the Iranian missile attacks, via the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Israel Emergency Campaign.
$1,000,000 was given to the Weizmann Institute of Science, enabling Israeli scientists to salvage and restart vital research after university laboratories were destroyed by two missiles.
$500,000 was allocated to Magen David Adom, Israel’s primary disaster response, ambulance, and blood services organization.
$500,000 was given to United Hatzalah, the country’s only nationwide, fully volunteer emergency medical service.
$500,000 was donated to support recovery efforts in Beer Sheva, a city particularly affected by the strikes.
Since the onset of the Iron Swords War and the October 7, 2023 attacks, the Mandel Foundation has donated over $55 million in war-related philanthropy across Israel. These grants have supported a broad spectrum of needs, from emergency relief and trauma care to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring community resilience.
A recent and especially poignant example of the Foundation’s impact is its support for agricultural recovery in Israel's south. The community of Nir Oz suffered devastating losses on October 7, 2023, with nearly a quarter of its residents murdered or taken hostage. The agricultural sector was particularly hard hit – every single tractor and piece of farm machinery was destroyed. The Mandel Foundation's recent donation enabled the purchase of new tractors for Nir Oz and other southern communities. In a moving ceremony this month, Mandel Foundation President and CEO Jehuda Reinharz and Chairman Steve Hoffman joined the Nir Oz community for the dedication of the new tractors, underscoring the Foundation’s hands-on commitment to rebuilding Israel's south.
The Mandel Foundation’s swift and generous response to Israel’s recent crises is part of a sustained, multi-phase effort to help the country heal and rebuild. By providing both immediate resources and long-term support, the Foundation continues to deliver not only essential aid, but also a powerful message of solidarity and hope for Israel’s future.
