Humanitarian Support for Civilians Affected by Violence in Israel and Palestine

When crises unfold, people, organizations, and philanthropists unite to support affected communities. Lauren Renda, a dedicated philanthropic advisor at the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada, is committed to connecting those who wish to help with reliable ways to assist civilians impacted by violence in the region. Her steadfast commitment has made her a trusted resource for those seeking to provide aid during these difficult times. Today, we're sharing Lauren's carefully vetted list of organizations dedicated to humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians impacted by the escalating violence in Israel and Palestine.

An Overview

As violence escalates and the civilian death toll increases in Israel and Palestine, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, issued a plea "to all States with influence to take steps to defuse the 'powder keg' situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He stressed that international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be respected in all circumstances."

He further stated, "The world cannot afford more polarization. We need to find solutions guided by the full respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law."

Similarly, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell is calling for "the immediate cessation of hostilities, and for all parties to protect children from harm and afford them the special protection to which they are entitled, in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law."

Russel expressed her concern about "measures to block electricity and prevent food, fuel, and water from entering Gaza," which will surely affect the lives of children. "More than anything, the children of Israel and the State of Palestine need a lasting political solution to the crisis so that they can grow up in peace and free from the shadow of violence."

As you consider where to direct charitable funds, here is a list of some of the vetted organizations that are helping to provide humanitarian support to innocent civilians affected by the escalating violence.

How You Can Help

A donation to UNICEF USA helps ensure the world's most vulnerable children get the nutrition, water, protection, education, and health care they need to survive and thrive.

The Carter Center is a humanitarian aid organization that has been promoting peace and advocating for a viable two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades. After Israel declared war, The Carter Center released a statement condemning the targeting of Israeli and Palestinian civilians and called for international action to end the violence.

Jewish Federations of North America is working with its core partners to support victims of terror, help rebuild damaged infrastructure, and address the unprecedented levels of trauma. The organization has established the 2023 Israel Emergency Fund.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) aims to protect victims of conflicts and provide them with humanitarian assistance. The ICRC has been present in Israel and the occupied territories since 1967. The organization is asking for donations to improve access to essential services like water and to support livelihood projects.

Doctors Without Borders is assisting with medical needs in the region by donating medical supplies to hospitals and health facilities while local staff are providing surgical and inpatient care.

With thousands wounded by airstrikes, the organization reported overcrowding and supply shortages, including medical supplies, drugs, and power for generators, in Gaza. Medical staff are also facing dangerous conditions and are struggling to find safe ways to transport patients to hospitals, as ambulances have been hit by airstrikes.

Save the Children is providing assistance to children affected by the attacks, where many face dangerous conditions and displacement and may suffer from "serious mental health impacts."

Palestine Children's Relief Fund is the primary humanitarian organization in Palestine, delivering crucial and life-saving medical relief and humanitarian aid where it is needed most. Access to essential resources like food, clean water, and healthcare is severely limited, and PCRF is working to provide crucial and life-saving medical relief and humanitarian aid to conflict victims in Gaza.

Jewish Assistance & Relief Fund supports for the needs of Israel's poor by providing basic daily needs, such as food and medicine. The organization has now turned its attention toward the refugees of the war.

OR Movement, Lev Echad (One Heart), and Ein Prat are teaming up to help Israelis in need and to help assist refugees and evacuees.