Supporting Humanitarian Relief

A Global Commitment to Humanitarian Care

Across the world, Jewish donors have mobilized in response to wars, refugee crises, hunger and natural disasters. From providing food and medical relief to supporting displaced families, our tradition compels us to act.

Bringing that same commitment to today’s moment, a group of local donors came together through the Jewish Community Foundation to create a fund to provide humanitarian relief to civilians in Gaza. Guided by their love for Israel and in expression of their Jewish values, they chose to respond collectively rather than alone. Read their story here (page 12).

The Fund for Gaza Humanitarian Relief

The Fund for Gaza Humanitarian Relief is a donor-initiated collaborative effort housed within and facilitated through the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington. It reflects the intent of a group of donors, motivated by their personal values and a deep love for Israel, to address humanitarian needs in Gaza through rigorously vetted aid organizations. Explore all collaborative funds housed within the Foundation here.

As of September 17, 2025, donors have contributed $1.1 million. Their goal is raise $2 million to expand relief.

What the Fund Supports

Grants focus on essential, non-political humanitarian needs for civilians in Gaza, such as:

  • Food distribution
  • Mobile medical infrastructure (not permanent shelters)
  • Sanitation services and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs
  • Other non-political, humanitarian services

Inaugural Grants

IsraAID provides emergency disaster relief, public health, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), education, psychosocial support, and community development globally. IsraAID has been working to support those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza by partnering with local communities to assist in recovery.

World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a nonpartisan humanitarian organization that provides food aid in crisis zones globally within hours of a humanitarian or natural disaster. WCK operates two large community kitchens and a bakery in Khan Younis, and resources a number of small local kitchens and a mobile bakery. To date they have served more than 153 million hot meals in Gaza.

Project Rozana promotes peace between Israelis and Palestinians through health diplomacy by enhancing access to healthcare via training, cross-border cooperation, and joint initiatives. They are currently focused on mobile tent healthcare in Gaza to provide aid to displaced persons.

Clean Shelter is a nonpartisan organization cofounded by an Israeli and a Palestinian focused on alleviating suffering through delivering sanitary solutions, safe shelter, and clean water. Clean Shelter operates the Zomi Protection Camp and is working to open a second camp in Al-Mawasi for the most vulnerable displaced populations such as women-led households, persons with disabilities, children, and the elderly.

Founding Donors

This fund was created by the following donors who believe that their love for Israel and care for the civilians in Gaza can go hand in hand. They believe that by pooling their resources, they’re able to align intentions, amplify their impact, and ensure every contribution is stewarded with care.

In alphabetical order: 

  • Rabbis Penina and Aaron Alexander 
  • Joshua and Lisa Bernstein 
  • Diane and Norman Bernstein Foundation 
  • Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation 
  • Susie and Michael Gelman 
  • Rabbi Lauren and Ari Holtzblatt 
  • Krifcher Family Tzedakah Fund 
  • Mary and Jeff Zients 
  • Anonymous (4)

Selection Criteria

  • 501(c)(3) status (or U.S. fiscal sponsorship)
  • Registration or coordination with COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories), a unit of IDF, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where applicable
  • Proven operational capacity in Gaza and a track record in volatile settings
  • Ability to adapt and deliver in volatile conditions
  • Track record of humanitarian delivery
  • Consistency with humanitarian principles supported by the Israeli government
  • No organizations who delegitimize (no BDS or antisemitic activity) or otherwise seek to harm Israel
  • No activity that undermines Israel’s humanitarian efforts

 

To learn more about this or other collaborative funds, contact The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington at foundation@shalomdc.org.

Here are Four Ways to Give

Visit our contribution page to make a donation via credit card.

Make an allocation through a Donor Advised Fund to The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington indicating “Gaza Humanitarian Relief Fund” in the note section. (Learn more about DAFs and open a DAF with the Jewish Community Foundation)

Send a check to The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington, 6101 Executive Blvd, North Bethesda, MD 20852, with the name “Gaza Humanitarian Relief Fund” in the memo line.

Make an allocation through a Donors Advised Fund from an outside financial institution by recommending a grant from your DAF to The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Washington “Gaza Humanitarian Relief Fund” in the note section.