Update January 4, 2009

We continue to share with you about relief actions that are being funded by an allocation from Rashi. I should reiterate that we are able and willing to handle calls from other philanthropic funds to operate relief provision on their behalf. Ronit Segelman, Director of Partnerships, is available at all times to discuss this further - +972-50-8855998 (ronits@rashi.org.il).

Hats Off! With a great sense of admiration to the southerners - officials, residents, young and old - we note that there is no panic, no shortage of anything. The local authorities are coping with the emergency situation very well, encouraging the residents to stay in their communities and giving a feeling that all aspects of life are under control, so that the army can "peacefully" concentrate on completing the mission. The State is present and all relief efforts are complementary to government assistance, with absolutely no need to replace it.

Mobilizing Volunteers: All IsraCorps volunteers doing a year of community service in the south are remaining in the communities, and instead of dividing their time between schools and afternoon frameworks, are now fully active in local shelters to keep the teens active in all kinds of social activities during the long hours of taking shelter,rather than idle and wandering the streets. In addition, IsraCorps volunteers are spread out as support help in all Yahdav frameworks (children's villages and sheltered housing for the mentally challenged).

IsraCorps volunteers from the north and center have driven down and are helping their southern colleagues. Funding has been approved for the volunteers to commute between southern towns, and those who come from out of town are provided room and board at the Goldberg Community Anchor Youth Village. The students of Katzir scholarship program are now being mobilized to join IsraCorps for a collaborated and efficient volunteer distribution and supervision. A nice contribution to the overall enlistment is the contribution of the astronomy teaching team of Beit Yatziv, who have come forward to instruct IsraCorps volunteers in leading scientific activities, using special learning kits for children and teens.

Meeting the Matriculation Deadline: Some 1,500 Tafnit students in the southern region are approaching the first winter matriculation exams next week. They have already lost a number of days of intensive studies and so every effort is being made to find ways to make up for time lost. Currently, the Home Front Command instructions are not allowing bussing the students and their teachers away from their home towns, so we are concentrating on identifying shelters or protected spaces in the different towns where lessons can be held. The idea is that the teachers, many of them of small children, will bring the children with them and IsraCorps volunteer will engage them in playing and will take care of the babies while the mothers are teaching. This focus on making up for lost time, and reinforcing all educational activities especially for those who were falling behind, will be at the heart of all recovery efforts once normal life is restored.

Upgrading Shelters in Poor Neighborhoods: While the government and the Jewish Agency are responsible for public shelters, Rashi will provide help to upgrade private shelters in apartment buildings in disadvantaged neighborhoods where residents cannot fund such things as fixing bathrooms and pipes, and installing proper lighting, with an approximate budget per shelter of NIS 5,000 each. We are starting in Sderot and Netivot, under the supervision of Rashi's Capital Projects' team.

Approved requests:

A sum of NIS 20,000 NIS was approved for bussing children and teens for a day respite for each municipality.

Supply of 60 folding beds to shelters in Netivot

Renting of 10 generators of different sizes to be distributed upon requests of municipalities

Supplying of 40 activity kits to shelters in Ofakim

Supplying 100 radiators to shelters in Ofakim

Supplying 80-100 transistor radios to shelters in Ofakim

Providing mobile projectors (massive flash lights) to 25 shelters in Ofakim

Not Approved:

Other requests that have come in, which have been considered but denied because we see that there are other bodies dealing with them, include: buying services for distance-learning from private companies (the Ministry of Education has launched a coordinated and supervised distant learning project); additional social workers and psychologists for the shelters (requests are being referred to ITC – the expert service provider in this field); provisional neighborhood shelters of light construction (this is the government's responsibility); and food distribution to shelters (request on hold pending further discussion with the National Emergency Authority) - yet, at the same time, the lunch program could be provided for school children involved in educational activities in shelters, community centers or other venues replacing the school environment.

Update January 5, 2009

The Emergency HQ is keeping up with the dynamic situation and the latest instructions of the National Emergency Authority (know by the acronym Rach"el in Hebrew) by holding meetings every morning at 8.30 in Be'er Sheva.

Open/Shut: According to the instructions of the Home Front Command, the out-of-home frameworks in and around Be'er Sheva of Ashalim Dorset Children's Village, the Goldberg Community Anchor Youth Village and Adanim Village remain open and functioning, almost as usual, with the young residents and staff taking cover in the villages' protected spaces whenever necessary. In contrast, all day care settings in the affected towns – including the after-school clubs and Meitar at the Community Anchor, and the sheltered employment centers in Be'er Sheva and Ofakim – have been closed for now, as children are encouraged to stay close to their homes and not move around from place to place. (However, if a youngster shows up at one of the centers, they are obviously welcomed and cared for!) The emergency night shelter at the Community Anchor is open.

Plenty of Volunteers: The towns have reported that their needs for volunteers are covered. There is an emphasis on making home visits to vulnerable residents. The local authority's staff – including the mayors in some localities! – are taking part in the effort to ward off anxiety, trauma and isolation by visiting people in their homes. All requests for professional staff – psychologists and other therapists – are transferred to the Israel Trauma Coalition.

Matriculation Pressure is Off: The Ministry of Education announced the postponement of the winter matriculation exams in English and Arabic until February, for all students nationwide. Meanwhile, the Home Front Command's directives mean that the Tafnit groups cannot meet for "make-up" lessons while school is out. If circumstances change, then the Tafnit students will be able to meet in the shelters of their schools. In those southern authorities beyond the 40km range, Tafnit classes are continuing as usual – although the marathons that usually take place in Be'er Sheva will obviously have to be reorganized for elsewhere.

Focus on Netivot, Sderot and Ofakim: According to the priorities set by the Rashi Foundation for provision of emergency relief, these towns have received various items to help kit out the communal shelters within apartment buildings in poor neighbourhoods. Heaters, radios, folding beds, kettles, laptop computers, mini-fridges, emergency lights and activity kits for children – these make up the bulk of what has been provided so far.

No Transportation Budget: In line with the policy of the National Emergency Authority, the budget for transportation of children or other vulnerable groups has been cancelled, as all efforts focus on keeping residents within their hometowns and on strengthening the home front.

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Update 6 January 2009

Welcome Initiative: Yesterday Rashi launched a pilot to renovate and equip 30 shelters in the towns of Sderot, Netivot and Ofakim. These are shelters in neglected apartment houses in poor neighborhoods, heavily populated with elderly Israelis who were placed in these development towns in the early 1950s. Most of them received these apartments as "public housing" and were given ownership of their apartment through a law that was issued about 10 years ago. Many of the shelters of these buildings lack bathrooms, lights, heating, and are unpainted and grubby. Since they fall under the category of "private shelter", the government and local authority can not use public money in improve them. We have estimated the cost of basic renovation and equipment at NIS 5,000-8,000, and that each job will take only a few days to complete. This initiative has been veru well received by the mayors. In Netivot, the mayor said he will add NIS 3,000 shekel to our allocation per shelter.

Good Feedback: Rashi's staff visited the local authorities that have received assistance so far (Ashkelon, Sderot, Netivot, Ofakim and Be'er Sheva) and also the towns that have been added (Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Malachi) and were unanimous in their feedback: the fact that there is one, clear address for requests, and that a reply is given within 24 hours (either a "no" based on a policy decision, or a "yes" with a supply within 24 hours) is much appreciated, creates trust between the local authority and the Emergency HQ and prevents confusion.

Volunteers on Standby: While there is no immediate need for more volunteers, 35 students from the north participating in Rashi's Katzir Scholarship Program are on standby in case new needs emerge. Rashi will cover cost of transportation and hospitality.

"Forewarned is …": While there is currently no need nor instructions to move vulnerable populations out of the region to alternative frameworks, we are continuing to make preparations if such a scenario develops. Lists have been supplied from each residential framework of the number of residents and accompanying staff. For example, if necessary we can move the Sheltered Home in Ofakim to Nitzana or Sde Boker, and the Shelter for Teenage Girls to Beit Ariel in Jerusalem.

Special Ed Needs: Ten students from Arad and Yerucham who attend special education classes in Beer Sheva have been found an alternative solution in the Beit Hava framework in Yerucham, that is operated by the Yahdav Association. In addition, the Dimona Center for the Handicapped (another Yahdav project) has been prepared to accept more students if necessary.

Upgrade of Municipal Emergency Services: We have improved the infrastructure of Kiryat Malachi's municipality with six mobile computers and a projector for its emergency room.

Caring for Volunteers: Netivot asked for assistance in providing food to volunteers. A corporate company donated a week of supply, and Rashi has approved food supply for them for this week. .

And for Kindergartners: Ofakim received emergency alarm buttons for 40 kindergartens, which will serve for any emergency situation after this crisis as well. Rashi is going half-half with the municipality.

Fewer Requests: As there is a decrease in the number of requests coming in from the local authorities, the meetings of the Emergency HQ will be reduced from daily to once every two days. The next update will therefore be published on Thursday 8 January.

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Update - 08 January 09

The Cost So Far: We have repeatedly emphasized that in this conflict, we have seen no dire shortages or crippling hardships. This point is confirmed by our bottom line so far – NIS 688,268 from Rashi's funds – which we have distributed among seven towns and the Aleh Negev Village for severely disabled adults. Strong preparation and coordination in the field, from the National Emergency Authority down to the emergency teams in each local authority, means that even when we say "yes" to all requests that adhere with government policy, we have needed to spend only this relatively modest amount since the Emergency HQ was formed a week ago.

Books Down, Overalls On!: Over the past two days, 15 students from Sami Shamoon College of Engineering in Be'er Sheva and from Achva College near Kiryat Malachi – all of them in the Social Leadership track of the Katzir Scholarship Program – have donned overalls to repaint nine shelters in Kiryat Gat. At first, 24 students came forward to volunteer, but several were called up for reserve duty. So the 15 who remained went straight to work in five school shelters and four other public shelters, supervised and directed by the municipality's team, and accompanied by two professional renovators who kitted them out with tools and paint. The shelters now look clean and fresh.

Cultural Sensitivity in Practice: Baruch Molto, an Ethiopian-born Katzir student from Netivot, is heading a group of 11 students from his community which is working to address the community's needs. In conjunction with the Youth Coordinator from the Netivot council, they spread awareness of the importance of taking shelter when the siren alerts, visit the shelters during the evenings to keep the youngsters calm, translate notices and public announcements into Amharic, and generally serve to help members of their own community come through the conflict with as little trauma as possible.

Facilitating an Important Project: In support of the government's initiative A Computer for Each Child, which is particularly urgent now when students in the south rely on computerized distant learning, we have approved funding for the Be'er Sheva Municipality to purchase 500 computers (matched by the government). The computers must be bought, delivered, installed, linked up to a phone line and the child instructed in how to use the program – all within 48 hours.

Small Actions, Huge Impact: Over the past couple of days, social workers in Netivot made house visits to around 100 families that they care for, and returned with requests to address personal or domestic needs that are making the situation difficult for their clients during these days. Without fuss or discussion, we have approved items such as new boilers (to heat water), repairs of damp walls, and medications. When the fighting is long behind us, these improvements will continue to brighten the lives of the town's neediest residents.

Work Begun in Shelters: Workmen have begun renovating 19 shelters in Sderot, Netivot and Ofakim – according to lists provided by the local authorities. The budget for each – NIS 12,500 on average – is higher than at first anticipated, because, as is often the case, the needs on site are more severe than we initially thought, as this photo shows. The work includes clearing out and cleaning the spaces, dealing with damp, making bathrooms fit for use (or providing chemical toilets), bringing in waterpipes and electricity, fixing doors, and installing emergency lighting.

Update 11 January 2009

Resumption of (Some Degree of) Routine: As we enter the third week of fighting in Gaza, school resumes today in some localities under certain conditions. Improvisation is the name of the game (all under the supervision of the Home Front Command): some classes will use school shelters in shifts, or on alternate days; some are using the protected spaces in community centers or even within private buildings. Seeing the students out on the streets today with schoolbags on their backs, we can only marvel at their resilience. The Tafnit team is very busy finding solutions for all 1,500 Tafnit matriculation students living in the firing zone, who have been affected just as much (and probably more) than their peers by the lost lesson time coupled with emotional setbacks caused by uncertainty and anxiety.

Modest Material Aid: Katzir students are continuing to distribute food coupons to elderly or needy in four towns, based on lists of recipients from the welfare departments.We note that there these lists are not long: about 35 households per town, which receive NIS 300 of aid each. At this point, there is no approval for additional coupons.

Computers for Distant Learning: Ashkelon has turned to the Prime Minister Office to offset the municipality's participation in the distribution of 300 new computers as part of the "Computer for Every Child" project. If that request is denied, it will be passed on to Rashi, which will consider approving it only under the same conditions that applied to Be'er Sheva's 500 computers last week: that they are purchased, delivered, installed and linked up within 48 hours.

Emphasis on "Home Improvement": Although an additional sum of NIS 19,000 shekels for transportation for respite and studyin the center of Israel was approved to Ashkelon, we are cautious and not light-handed with such requests because (in line with government policy) our efforts are directed towards improving conditions within the communities, so that the locals can weather the current situation as comfortably as possible while staying at home.

What About Nutrition?: The rule-of-thumb still applies not to provide lunch within shelters, even to children. In mostframeworks where lesson are resuming, the extended school day is notimplemented and children gohome by lunch time. However, in Sderot where the kindergartens and schools are extending the day as usual, the municipality is in direct communication with the operators of the lunch program and meals are being served according to the number of actual children attending school.

Update 13 January 2009

Thankfully, with the decrease of rocket fire and the gradual resumption of routine in the south, including the return of schoolchildren to their classrooms (more with each passing day), the Emergency HQ is dealing with fewer requests. Our aim, however, is to remain attentive to needs (even small ones that can get overlooked in the rush to deal with urgencies), deploy volunteers effectively, and complete the jobs we have set ourselves:

Shelters Nearly Done: We budgeted for 30 shelters, split evenly between the towns of Ofakim, Sderot and Netivot. With referrals from the municipalities, we started on 19 (and so far, no more have been requested). In Sderot, five out of the six will be finished today. In the eight shelters in Netivot, we have finished the cleaning and paintwork, and began equipping with chemical toilets and water dispensers. In Ofakim, too, the five shelters are nearly finished, including dealing with sewage problems in three of them. While the renovations are on, the shelters are open to residents if they need to take cover.

Busy Volunteers: Whether hailing from the Katzir Scholarship Program (students from southern colleges) or from IsraCorps (teens doing a year of community service), all the volunteers are keeping busy and useful. The Katzir teams are active in the shelters and making house visits to deliver food coupons to welfare-referred families, where they are received with great warmth and gratitude. The value of the IsraCorps volunteers is keenly felt in our 24/7 residential settings for at-risk youngsters and people with disabilities, where they reinforce the night staff (some of whom must be at home with their own children). It is doubtful that we could have kept some of these frameworks uninterruptedly open if not for the willing and conscientious help from these young volunteers. They are also serving as tutors in schools, to help the children catch up after their unwelcome break from lessons.

Overcoming the Stipulations: Sometimes strict rules get in the way of having a good time! When 400 children from Be'er Sheva were hosted by the Dimona Community Center for day's activities, they could not have the hot lunch that they are entitled to through the Milat – Enriched Day Program, because they were not eating on school premises. So, we provided the hot trays that they are used to through our emergency action budget. And, of course, the volunteers who accompanied the children didn't miss out either.

Seeking Alternative Space: With fieldworkers active in every urban center in the region, we had no difficulty in helping the Regional Council of Bnei Shimon locate spare classrooms in Dimona for over 300 children. Pending the approval of the Ministry of Education, Bnei Shimon's youngsters will soon also be back to schoolwork, albeit in Dimona for now.

Looking Forward to Afterwards: The education department in Netivot has analyzed the amount of assistance it needs in order close learning gaps now that the high school students are gradually coming back to studies. It has compiled a list of schools and matriculation subjects, with a total request of 945 hours. This request is under consideration.

 Review of Emergency HQ for the South during Operation Cast Lead

January 25, 2009

A week after the cease-fire was implemented and residents of the south began to resume their daily routine, a summing-up meeting of the Emergency HQ was held at Beit Yatziv in Be'er Sheva on Sunday January 25. The meeting dealt with two themes: yesterday and tomorrow.