Right now,
2.7 million
2.7 M
1.24 million
1.24 M
1 in 5
20%
are living in poverty.
When the temperature drops, so does the carefully crafted stability families have worked so hard for, already stretched thin by war, trauma, and rising costs.
For those in poverty,
cold is not a mere inconvenience
Holocaust Survivors
For many Holocaust survivors, winter is when cold becomes dangerous. One in four lives below the poverty line, over a third live alone, and many ration heat to afford food and medication. Cold worsens chronic illness, increases falls, and accelerates decline. Since October 7, 61% report a severe drop in quality of life, leaving already-fragile lives exposed to isolation and harm.
Children
Children living in cold homes are more than twice as likely to suffer respiratory illnesses. Cold housing significantly increases anxiety and depression, with nearly 28% of adolescents at risk of multiple mental-health conditions. Additionally, studies show that chronic cold reduces children’s ability to focus, learn, and regulate emotions.
IDF Soldiers and their families
For IDF reservists, winter hits at home. Income is unstable, costs are constantly rising, and spouses are left to manage alone. 11,000 IDF soldiers are coping with PTSD and trauma, and over 16,000 have received mental health exemptions from reserve duty. When heating, food, and emotional reserves all run low at the same time, families crack under the weight.
Real, daily impact
2,200 Holocaust Survivors are being fed, checked in on, and cared for daily
Thousands of families receive hot meals and pantry boxes, so winter doesn’t mean hunger
We are supplying over 1,500 blankets, 150 radiators, and 500 sets of coats, gloves, and scarves, so no one faces the cold unprepared.
Hundreds of sets of clean linens are distributed so families can use their new blankets with dignity.
IDF Soldiers and reservists receive meals and care, both on base and when they return home.
Families are connected to welfare services and partner organizations to stabilize them beyond the winter.
Across our Restaurant-Style Soup Kitchens in Tzfat, Sderot, Tiberias, Or Akiva, Dimona, Jerusalem, and beyond –
We are here for those in need with a hot meal and a warm smile
Winter will pass.
The consequences of going cold can last much longer
Help Israel's needy get through this winter safely, with warmth, dignity, and care
