By Daniel Sokatch
SAN FRANCISCO — After October 7, NIF (New Israel Fund) did something we’ve done only rarely. Although it is not our primary strategy for change, we stepped in to help Israeli families who were displaced, grieving, and who had family members taken hostage in the brutal attack. We provided support for basic needs, needs that the government should have met; but in those terrible days, far too often, the government was nowhere to be found.
We were there, NIF alongside our generous and compassionate community, when Israelis needed us most. I now am asking us to extend that compassion to the civilians suffering in Gaza.
Today, NIF is beginning an effort to raise urgent funds to provide humanitarian aid through World Central Kitchen (WCK) and International Rescue Committee (IRC). These are world-renowned organizations which have spent the last six months working to bring aid into Gaza to help feed people in desperate need. They need our support.
As an organization committed to both a vision of a democratic Israel at peace with its neighbors and itself and to the idea of universal rights and human dignity, we know that in this moment it is not only important—it is our moral responsibility to try to help. And just as we worked to alleviate the suffering of Israeli civilians in Israel after October 7, we cannot ignore the desperation and suffering of civilians in Gaza today. There is nothing political or controversial about feeding the hungry.
As Ramadan ends and Passover nears, two holidays that include festive meals, we must remember: Food is a fundamental right.
We will direct 100% of all funds raised to organizations doing humanitarian aid work in Gaza, even as we continue responding to the needs of Israelis suffering in the wake of the attacks of October 7. And as always, we remain committed to our core mission of working for democracy and equality for all Israelis.
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Daniel Sokatch is the Chief Executive Officer of the New Israel Fund.
Please explain to me the following:
What aid do you intend to send to “Gaza”? (“You” includes the various groups that you fund.) Don’t just tell me, “food”. What, peanut butter crackers? What do you plan to send?
What makes you think that your trucks and your crates will pass through IDF or other official security stops?
Who exactly will receive it? Is there an honest, effective distribution network within Gaza?
Why doesn’t your website have a way to contact your organization?
I am considering a donation in the range of $10,000 but as the matter stands I have essentially no information that would reassure me that the money would be useful.