The extent of the devastation and the depth of the negative impact of the events of October 7th 2023, cannot be imagined. From the obvious direct effects – the deaths, the loss of homes and damage to infrastructure – to the less obvious impact, such as psychological trauma, the people of Israel have been hit hard.
Yet, despite the potential to feel that the amount of assistance and support needed is too overwhelming to cope with, the Jewish nation has stood together. And many organisations have pulled out all the stops to make a huge difference to the many Israelis suffering the after-effects of the shocking attack on the country and of the ensuing war.
Telfed, the agency involved for over 75 years in helping new Olim from South Africa to integrate into Israeli society and find work in Israel, has more than stood up.
Dorron Kline, Telfed’s CEO, explained on a recent visit to Cape Town that, “In addition to the many added support initiatives necessitated by the October 7th attacks, we are increasingly busy assisting new immigrants. It’s interesting to see the large uptick in youth Aliyah in recent times, including the substantial numbers of young South Africans who have chosen Israel as their new home, even in the face of the war and the consequent uncertainty.”
The number of initiatives undertaken by Telfed post-October 7th is impressive. “Wherever there is a need identified, we have responded,” explains Dorron. “Our model is certainly working well: the numerous volunteers we have, as well as the help provided by our scholarship recipients, have been vital in allowing us to reach hundreds of people impacted by the attacks and the war.”
Among the many victims, are 12 South African families that lost family members during the attacks on October 7th, and 130 former South African families evacuated from their homes, or whose homes were destroyed.
The organisation has been organising regular events, geared to provide assistance and support. With at least two events a week, the total number of these initiatives is around 100 a year. “Our volunteers and staff get together to pack gift baskets for wounded soldiers and evacuees – the thousands of people who had to leave their homes because of the devastation and the ongoing conflict. We also host social events to bring some sense of normality to people so traumatised by the events of the past months. Ultimately, we focus on ensuring that people feel that they are not alone; there is a community of people who care.”
Significant financial support for those directly impacted by the war has been made possible through donor funds. In particular, the Goldberg Family Trust (a Trust administered by Telfed, established through the generosity of a family originally from Zimbabwe) has proved invaluable. It was created to provide support to victims of terror, and now the funds are utilised to assist those who have lost homes, need basic supplies like clothing and food, and who will benefit from emotional support. To date, the Trust, together with generous donors, has provided over 3 million Shekels (close to R15 million) for the various support initiatives.
Dorron is upbeat that Telfed has played such a crucial role in helping people to pick up their lives after the horror of October 7th. “We are truly having a very positive impact,” he concludes.
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