Vulnerable Populations
JUF supports organizations that are making a change in the day to day lives of many Israelis. Strengthening vulnerable populations and helping them live their lives with dignity, added values and social responsibility, strengthens the entire society and leads to social change. JUF proudly supports projects in the areas of poverty, children and youth at risk, women empowerment, the elderly, employment, new immigrants, Holocaust survivors, victims of terror and more.
Photo credit: Carmel Vernia
Fund for Victims of Terror
Following a terror attack, victims and their families often need funds quickly to start rebuilding what they have lost. The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for Victims of Terror helps them by providing immediate, direct assistance so that they can start the process of healing – often within 24 hours.
In addition, the fund also helps victims of terror in rehabilitation, providing them with financial assistance for additional rehabilitation programs otherwise not funded by the government. Children who are victims of terror themselves or siblings of victims are invited to a fully funded camp that accommodates their special needs.
To date, JUF support for the fund has helped hundreds of families and provided comfort for those whose lives are suddenly overturned by trauma.
Photo credit: Jewish Agency for Israel
NII’s Sexual Assault Survivors Project
The Tel Aviv Sexual Assault Crisis Center was founded in 1978 by the Tel Aviv branch of the feminist movement in Israel, evolving in 1982 into an independent, fully accredited, non-profit organization. It was the first such entity in Israel and remains the largest, offering the most services.
The Center’s Advocating, Educating, Synergizing: NII (Israel’s National Insurance Institute – in Hebrew: Bituach Le’umi) Sexual Assault Survivors project, works to more effectively and sensitively help survivors of sexual violence. Many experience mental health challenges and post-traumatic stress, and turn to NII for access to disability rights and other health benefits and services. Through workshops and conferences, the Center educates the NII staff and therapists to better understand how to work with, support, and communicate with survivors. Additionally, trained Center volunteers accompany survivors in their interactions with NII.
Sports Center for the Disabled
The Sports Center for the Disabled in Israel of the Ilan association is one of the pioneers in the field of rehabilitation sports in the world. The center specializes in physical and psychological rehabilitation for children and adults with disabilities through sports.
The participation of people with disabilities in activities in the various sports offered at the sports center for the disabled has a great effect: developing motivation, personal empowerment, strengthening the ability to make decisions, creating interpersonal relationships, gaining social recognition and strengthening the sense of competence and the sense of control over what is happening. In addition, physical activity contributes to physical achievements and strengthening skills that increase the independence of those with disabilities in performing daily activities.
Today, over 3,000 children and adults enjoy activities in 20 different sports without discrimination based on religion, gender and origin at the Sports Center for the Disabled in Israel.
Photo credit: Carmel Vernia
