Safety & Well-Being Resources During Iron Swords

On October 7th, Israel experienced a sudden escalation in violence, with rockets launched from the Gaza Strip reaching the cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and more. The country also experienced terrorist infiltrations in the neighboring areas of the Gaza border. In response to this situation, Israel has entered a state of emergency throughout the country. The IDF and security forces are tirelessly working to protect its residents and maintain our security.

All shelters in the country have been opened, and non-essential activities have been canceled. Heightened security measures are in place to guarantee security.

The Masa team, led by our Chief Security Officer, is in close contact with the Jewish Agency, relevant government entities, and the National Emergency Portal, who are in constant communication with program organizers, ensuring our Fellows are as safe as possible and well-informed.

Remember, Masa is more than an organization; we are a community. We are here for you; we are in this together, and we will get through this together, too. Your resilience and well-being matter deeply to us.

We will update this page regularly with the most recent safety and security information. Additionally, we will share volunteer opportunities both in Israel and abroad, ways to contribute through donations, initiatives for spreading positive information about Israel (hasbara), and resources for mental health support.

FAQs About Safety and Security in Israel

Access the FAQs

Home Front Command Updates

Visit the Home Front Command website's National Emergency Portal to receive the latest information about Israel's security guidelines per city and region.

National Emergency Portal

Masa’s New Six Week Volunteer Program

Masa is excited to introduce a new 6-week volunteer program in Israel designed for individuals eager to transform their compassion into meaningful action. This unique opportunity allows participants to immerse themselves in Israel’s narrative of resilience by choosing a volunteer initiative that resonates with their passions. With options to volunteer in Tel Aviv, Haifa, or Eilat, participants will have the chance to contribute to various communities across Israel. The program offers 12 cohorts, with start dates ranging from February to June 2024, accommodating a wide range of schedules. To be eligible, individuals must be between the ages of 18-40, possess a basic knowledge of English, have a valid passport, and identify as Jewish. Join Masa’s journey to make a difference and be part of the vibrant story of Israel.

Sign Up to Volunteer in Israel

Volunteering Opportunities

If you are looking for a way to help and be involved in relief efforts there are many options available; you can donate blood at MDA locations, deliver food to the elderly, volunteer with the elderly, collect donations for soldiers and drop them off at a local collection space. It can be challenging to sit back during these uncertain times and we are here to help you navigate this feeling. All volunteering efforts must receive the approval of the program director and from the Masa Chief of Security and Safety, Amir Keinan.

If you want to contribute to relief efforts, you can get involved in many ways. You can donate blood at MDA locations, deliver food to the elderly, volunteer to assist the elderly, or collect donations for soldiers and drop them off at designated local collection points. We understand that it’s difficult to stay inactive during these uncertain times, and we’re here to support you through this. Please note that all volunteering initiatives need approval from the program director and Masa’s Chief of Security and Safety, Amir Keinan.

Below, you can find a list of volunteer opportunities around the country.

If you would like to organize or join additional volunteer opportunities, please email Talia Alboher-Tevel, Masa’s volunteer coordinator at taliaal@masaisrael.org

Volunteering Opportunities Outside of Israel

Mental Health Support

If you’re feeling distressed and want to talk to a professional, here is a link to a hotline. Help is available in multiple languages, or you can call them at *3201. In addition, we want to share three resources for mental health support:

Natal – National Trauma Center: Call 1800-363-363
Crossroads – Mental Health Support: Dial 02-624-6265
Eran – Mental Health Support: Reach out at 1201

If you need an individual call or meeting with a professional, contact Sigal via email at sigalk@masaisrael.org

Israel is at War and Needs your Immediate Support

Help us bolster The Jewish Agency's Fund for Soldiers and the Victims of Terror, providing for everyone impacted by these heinous attacks

Donate Now

Tell Your Story, Share Your Experience

We invite you to share your stories and experiences, which will help you and thousands of others to process this challenging situation. Whether you want to record a short video or write a text, we will be happy to hear how you feel during these difficult times. Please fill out this form with your information.

Hear from our alumni around the world:

Fight Antisemitism Online

Without leaving home, it is possible to bring about a significant change in the anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic discourse and help the State of Israel in the public sphere and online. To report offensive content on social media? https://foantisemitism.org/en/monitoring

To make the process more precise Fighting Antisemitism Online (FOA) prepared Google Forms to collect problems; https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fV_f-JS7ROF4Ftih1S0ZpXae7e_6yEjW?usp=sharing

The folder currently includes:

Accounts worth following and sharing informational content –
Link to a page with hate content to report
Link to a hateful reportable video/post to report

If you’ve been blocked from your TikTok account – https://forms.gle/hcsyNmAtYmEFuTNd7

Our Fellows and Alumni in Action

We are proud to see that many members of our community have already made a substantial impact using their platforms to stand for Israel, below are just a few examples of our Fellows and Alumni making an impact:

WhatsApp News Updates

We would like to invite to you to join the Masa Israel News Update WhatsApp group, where, as part of the Masa Israel Education Initiative, we publish short updates about the main events going on in Israel.

Join the WhatsApp Group

Israel at War Podcast Episodes

In this three-part special current event podcast, Mike, Alan, Mordechai, and Jordana discuss what may come next in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. They share their feelings and observations in this difficult time. We hope these special episodes help our listeners understand and process these difficult events in order to build up our own resilience. Together we will find the light at the end of the tunnel. Am Yisrael Chai!