IsraAID sending emergency response team to Majdal Shams

After rocket attack kills 12 teens and children, Israeli NGO sending experts in trauma, logistics, and mental health support who have worked intensively with communities from Gaza border region

Sunday, July 28, 2024. For immediate release:

IsraAID is sending an emergency response team on Monday to Majdal Shams in response to Saturday’s devastating rocket attack. IsraAID is bringing all the experience it has gained since October 7 and offering urgent support in partnership with local organizations and authorities. The emergency response team will include experts in logistics, trauma, and mental health who have worked intensively with communities from the Gaza border region. IsraAID aims to support the Druze communities of Majdal Shams and the surrounding area in the face of this tragedy.

On Saturday, a rocket struck a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams near the Lebanese border. The attack killed 12 children and teenagers and injured an additional 30. The strike was the single deadliest attack on a community in the north since the start of the war.

Since October 8, IsraAID has been working to support Israeli communities affected by the ongoing war with Hamas. IsraAID has provided both immediate and ongoing help to over a dozen communities that were attacked and evacuated on October 7th. This includes aid in mental health, art therapy, logistics, and education. The organization’s focus has been on group therapy and providing mental health resources on a community level. IsraAID continues to partner with 10 kibbutzim and moshavim as they move from evacuation centers to temporary housing solutions, and eventually back home. In addition, IsraAID provided mental health retreats to Cyprus and ongoing mental health follow-up to survivors of the Nova massacre. Since November, IsraAID has also been supporting the Bedouin community in providing rocket shelters and ongoing psychosocial support programs.

IsraAID’s Head of Emergencies and Operations Michal Bar, said:

“We are heartbroken by this horrific tragedy and our hearts are with the families and community members who have lost loved ones. Our team will use our experience to support the community in Majdal Shams, in any way we can.

Since October 7th, we have seen so many communities facing ongoing uncertainty and fear. Each community has its own unique needs and challenges, but timely mental health support is critical to face these difficult realities and build resilience for the future.”

-ENDS-

Further information is available on request, including interviews with IsraAID CEO Yotam Polizer and other individuals involved in this operation.

CONTACT:

Shachar May – Press Officer
Email: [email protected]