Taking Action in Challenging Times

One of the best things we can do in challenging times is come together with others to take positive, constructive action. It’s good for those we help, and it’s good for us. This page has some suggestions to help you get started.

Advocacy

Sign the letter to add your name on the Global Women Leaders’ Letter condemning Hamas’ brutal attack, demanding all hostages receive the humanitarian aid that International Law requires, and imploring the release of all hostages.

In a brief message, share what you are experiencing, how it is impacting you, and what support you need from your university right now. Please review a sample email below you can use and adapt, asking for understanding from a professor if you need extra understanding and time.

Sample Email

Sending an Email to Faculty and Administrators Tools


Fundraising

Organized by Hillel Israel, all funds raised will benefit Israeli college students who are deeply impacted by the war and in need of support.

Visit Hillel Israel’s Fundraiser

When terror strikes, the emotional toll is unimaginable. The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Fund for Victims of Terror seeks to lighten that load in the wake of a crisis by offering immediate financial aid to individuals and families affected by terror, and longer term support to recover from trauma as victims begin to rebuild their lives.

Visit the Fund for Victims of Terror in Israel Page

Israel’s National Emergency Pre-Hospital Medical and Blood Services Organization. Magen David Adom has activated all 1,400 of its existing ambulances, as well as its Medicycles, helicopters, and all other vehicles. EMTs and paramedics are treating the wounded, often while under rocket attack and gunfire themselves. Help is needed to put more ambulances on the road and to replenish supplies for EMTs and paramedics and for MDA’s blood services division.

Visit the Magen David Adom Website

This global NGO is based in Tel Aviv with a mission of supporting people around the globe affected by crises like natural disasters, post-conflict situations, and epidemics. In response to the current crisis, the group is providing support for families evacuated from communities near the Gaza border, housing evacuees, and supporting children and families in their recovery.

Visit the IsraAID Website

As the leading global Jewish humanitarian organization, JDC rescues Jews in danger, provides aid to vulnerable Jews, develops innovative solutions to Israel’s most complex social challenges, cultivates a Jewish future, and leads the Jewish community’s response to global crises like natural disasters, public health emergencies, and more. JDC’s emergency fund will provide psychosocial training for frontline responders and economic assistance to those impacted by the war, particularly in Southern Israel.

Visit JDC’s Emergecy Fund Website

Antisemitism on campus has reached its highest rates following the terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7. Make a gift to Hillel International or a campus Hillel.

Donate Today


Service

Engaging in acts of service to help others has the tremendous power to provide opportunities to connect to community and strengthen our resolve to build a better future for all people. Participating in service in your local community can have ripple effects that extend in far-reaching ways. You can use Hillel’s Guidelines for Ethical Volunteer Service to guide your planning. Some ideas include:


Community Building