As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to threaten civilian lives, Israelis across the country are experiencing increased danger, displacement, and disruption. While the government and IDF are working around the clock, much of the support for families, reservists, and frontline soldiers is coming from grassroots efforts and ordinary citizens.
Here are three meaningful, direct ways you can support Israelis affected by war today—through food, shelter, and solidarity.
1. Shelter4All – Placing Families Without Shelters in Safe Housing
For families without access to bomb shelters, every siren is a life-threatening emergency. That’s where Shelter4All comes in.
Launched in response to the increased rocket threat, this grassroots project is helping relocate vulnerable families—often with young children—from homes without shelter access to safe temporary housing. On a single day, Shelter4All was able to place five families out of harm’s way, and they continue working daily to expand their reach.
- What they provide: Emergency relocation to safer areas for families with no shelter access
- Run by: A coalition of volunteers including the Graber brothers, Eliezer and Efraim
- Donate: Shelter4All.com
- Tax status: Registered 501(c)(3), fully tax-deductible
2. Citizen’s Kitchen – War-Time Food Relief from a Tel Aviv Cooking Studio
What began as a private cooking class business in Tel Aviv has turned into a full-scale war kitchen. Since October 9, 2023, Citizen’s Kitchen, created by the founders of Citrus & Salt, has served over 150,000 meals to soldiers, displaced civilians, and communities in crisis.
Each day, volunteers prepare hundreds of sandwiches and hot meals—over 700 daily—based on specific orders from IDF units, families, or aid coordinators. This eliminates waste and ensures the food reaches those who need it most. The kitchen is fully volunteer-run and relies entirely on donations.
- What they provide: Fresh, hot meals for soldiers and civilians in need
- Operated by: Expats and volunteers, most of whom are not native Israelis
- Donate: Citizen’s Kitchen GoFundMe
- Message: “You don’t need to be a soldier to serve Israel”
3. The Israeli Foodie – Shabbat & Weekday Meals for Soldiers and Reservist Families
Whether it’s delivering warm Shabbat meals to soldiers on the front lines in Gaza or helping the families of reservists put dinner on the table during a stressful week, The Israeli Foodie campaign makes it personal.
This campaign, organized via GiveButter, allows donors to either send a meal to an IDF soldier fighting in active combat or sponsor a comforting Shabbat meal for families with a loved one away serving in miluim (reserve duty). It’s a way to feed both body and soul during one of the most difficult times in Israel’s modern history.
- What they provide: Hot meals for soldiers or reserve-duty families, especially for Shabbat
- Donate: GiveButter Campaign: The Israeli Foodie
- Organized by: Yehudah Jacobs and a local network of food donors and delivery partners
How You Can Make an Impact
Each of these campaigns goes beyond traditional aid channels, offering real, immediate support to Israelis affected by war. Whether it’s providing safety, sustenance, or a sense of solidarity, your donation can make a direct and measurable difference.
These efforts remind us that even across the world, we all have the power to help.
