(Courtesy of One Israel Fund) At a time when many businesses and nonprofits are closing their doors, One Israel Fund perseveres. The organization works diligently to support the residents of Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley as well as the vulnerable Jewish communities along the Gaza border.
Founded in 1994, One Israel Fund has consistently provided up-to-date infrastructure and security equipment for the residents of Judea and Samaria. They have upgraded communication systems and installed safety apparatuses for vulnerable Jewish communities.
Allowing nothing to stop them, One Israel Fund will be holding its annual gala event— albeit virtually. The public is invited to join One Israel Fund’s “We Are One” live event on December 29 at 8 p.m. EST. Hosted by Nachum Segal, the program will feature digital influencer and Jewish activist Elizabeth Savetsky, musical guest Gad Elbaz and special appearances by MK Naftali Bennett, Caroline Glick, Mayor Oded Revivi, Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi and more.
With the theme “We’re Stronger Together,” the event will honor Dr. Emma Laskin & Bart Baum, Amichai Lourie, Rebeka & Gabriel Boxer, the memory of Gloria & Morris Grob ע”ה as well as five very special 12th graders at SKA HALB High School for Girls: Hannah Lewin, Talia Loskove, Molly Sigman, Isabella Weisfeld and Arielle Yarmish.
The past couple of years have been especially busy for One Israel Fund, an organization that has raised over $65 million for the communities on the frontlines. Marc Provisor, their director of security projects, uses his enormous experience to bring unique solutions in protecting the nearly 500,000 Israeli citizens in these areas. For example, one of the greatest challenges for those along the Gaza Border is the threat of mortar and rocket attacks and the shrapnel contained in these projectiles. Marc developed the “Armadillo Protective Blanket,” which is a life-saving blanket that people deploy and throw over themselves in a matter of seconds. The blankets are vital when bomb shelters are inaccessible or filled to capacity. Often, what maims or kills a person is not the explosion of the bomb itself, but rather the shrapnel inside of it. The simple yet brilliant protective blanket provides excellent protection, proven to save lives.
One Israel Fund has also provided the “GUY” Mobile Thermal Observation System. This tool is a portable thermal surveillance system that mounts on top of security patrol vehicles, identifying threats and preventing potential terror attacks.
The Jerusalem Post’s magazine recently included a feature article describing Provisor’s skills and creativity as an artist – both traits that enable him to think outside the box and determine which security systems are necessary for particular situations.
One Israel Fund’s Director of Community Development and Tourism Eve Harow educates groups of tourists eager to see and learn about Judea and Samaria. Additionally, she connects with large audiences through One Israel Fund webinars and virtual tours, using her experience as a former radio host.
Harow has sat and spoken with some of the greatest minds in the Jewish world, including Rabbi Mois Navon of Mobileye, who discussed the ethics behind robots and their influence on mankind, and MK Naftali Bennett, who discussed sovereignty issues, Iran and COVID-19. She also spoke with Dr. Yechiel Leiter, founder of One Israel Fund and one of the most well-traveled political thinkers in Israel regarding the recent signing of the Abraham Accords. The most recent webinar featured renowned journalist and author Caroline Glick, who offered a thought-provoking discussion on the current state of U.S.-Israel relations.
People from all over the world join Harow for her virtual tours. She shows the essence and history of the heartland through thriving arts, historical locations, food and wine. Everything holds meaning in this part of the world. Everything is tied to history and the beauty of the Jewish religion and culture both in ancient times and now, l’dor v’dor.
Scott M. Feltman, the executive vice president of One Israel Fund, is known for his astute commentary on Fox, i24 News, Newsmax and DOVE TV and on radio for issues related to Israel, including the possible declaration of Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria as well as the impact of the Abraham Accords. His commentary has appeared in The Daily Wire, Newsmax and Townhall.com.
One Israel Fund proudly stands up for Israel and the Jewish people. From combatting anti-Semitism on college campuses—as in Feltman’s piece in Townhall.com— to saving Jewish lives and souls, One Israel Fund is there.
For more than a quarter of a century, One Israel Fund has served the needs of Jews in the biblical heartland. It enriches communities, improves educational and recreational needs and saves lives through medical and security-related projects.
An upcoming medical-related development is the commencement this week of construction for the Binyamin Medical Center. Presently, if a person is injured in a terrorist act or car accident, or if a person has a medical emergency such as a heart attack or an appendicitis, they have to be rushed over treacherous roads to a hospital in Jerusalem, over an hour away. Now, they will have access to a top-notch hospital with easy access and outstanding care. Not only will it treat patients with emergencies, but will also offer routine and specialty service visits.
Taking care of residents’ medical needs has always been one of One Israel Fund’s priorities and it has raised millions of dollars toward the purchase of traditional and armored ambulances, triage centers, defibrillators and emergency lifesaving kits.
Provisor works hand-in-hand with security chiefs to focus on their greatest needs, providing tools such as perimeter surveillance camera systems and thermal drones so they can save lives, and do so efficiently. Provisor has set up sophisticated communication systems that enable security teams to quickly detect threats and communicate with each other before and during terrorist attacks, oftentimes preventing them.
“The projects we have implemented in the field of security have not only made our communities safer, but have also made the Ministry of Defense [MOD] and the IDF more engaged in these areas and have matched our efforts, sometimes tenfold, in improving security around this region.” Provisor continues, “We took on a pilot project to improve the communication for emergency services by sponsoring four communication repeaters in strategic locations. Upon the success of this pilot, the MOD upgraded the communication equipment for every EMT and security professional in the region. That’s an unbelievable success for our donors and for our people.”
During this worldwide pandemic, there has been an increase in cases of depression and suicides because of the isolation. People need a sense of community and opportunities to interact with others. And although there is no work more important than directly saving lives, One Israel Fund has always remained aware that people need communal infrastructure and support in order to lead healthy, productives lives.
One Israel Fund has been at the forefront of providing for children’s and adults’ needs both educationally and spiritually through the building of playgrounds, schools, including programs for individuals with special needs, libraries, mikvaot, synagogues, youth centers and senior centers. At times they even partner with other local governments and philanthropies to accomplish these tasks. One Israel Fund also prides itself on supporting active-duty IDF soldiers through Pinot Chamot, hospitality centers where the brave soldiers can relax on their breaks.
With the hope that, quite soon, life will return to normal, One Israel Fund is proudly embarking on new projects. The world might be facing a pandemic right now, but unfortunately terrorism continues and basic necessities are still required. With the generous support of donors, One Israel Fund is able to ensure that its communities continue to flourish.
One Israel Fund invites you to participate in their 36-hour, $360,000 fundraising campaign, planned for December 28-29. And please join them on Tuesday night, December 29, at 8 p.m. EST as they bring the heartland into your home with an evening of entertainment, wine pairings and celebrity cameos. Since many people can’t visit Israel right now, this is their way of having Israel visit you.
To pre-register, visit the website at www.oneisraelfund.org.
