Resources in Response to Deaths in Israel and Gaza

View Reimagine's Community Vigil for Our Collective Pain recorded on October 13, 2023

Poem recited by Vigil guest and Reimagine Co-Founder Jeannie Blaustein:

A Brief for the Defense, by Jack Gilbert

Poem shared by Vigil attendee Peter Bokor:

Try to Praise the Mutilated World, by Adam Zagajewski; Translated by Clare Cavanagh

Songs shared by Vigil attendee Holly Pruett, Life-Cycle Celebrant:

Precious Human Life, One Village Music Project

New Year's Eve, Joe Purdy

Music by Vigil guest Phoenix Song

Shukri Devi from London has kindly offered free online guided meditation via:

https://www.meditationchangeslives.com/

Charities Recommended by Reimagine Collaborator Rebecca Goldman:

Magen David Adom - supports first responders and paramedics (Magen David Adom, Israel's National Emergency Pre-Hospital Medical and Blood Services Organization.)

Natal - provides mental health and trauma support (NATAL is an apolitical nonprofit organization that specializes in the field of war and terror-related trauma. NATAL aims to advance the resiliency of Israeli society through treatment, prevention, public awareness and research.)

Soroka Medical Center, in the South of Israel in Be'er-Sheva, has already treated over 700 patients, approximately 130 of whom are in critical condition (Soroka is one of Israel's leading medical centers and the only one in southern Israel, providing care to more than 1 million people.)

United Hatzalah - supports volunteer first responders (United Hatzalah is a free, volunteer-based emergency medical services organization throughout Israel with its headquarters based in Jerusalem.)

Charities Recommended by NPR:

ActionAid is an international network dedicated to "building a just, equitable, and sustainable world in solidarity with communities on the frontlines of poverty and injustice," with a presence in Palestinian territories since 2007. The group is calling for the safe passage of humanitarian aid to those who need it the most and has set up an emergency response fund that it says will be used to deliver essential relief as soon as possible and sustain long-term disaster preparedness around the world.

Anera addresses the development and relief needs of refugees and others hurt by conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Jordan. It's working to provide humanitarian relief to Palestinians and residents of East Jerusalem. According to its website, $30 can provide the Central Blood Bank Society in Gaza with 16 bags, $80 will provide a hygiene kit for two displaced families, $100 can provide a displaced family with enough food for seven to 10 days, and $200 will provide food to two families.

Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) describes itself as an "independent and impartial humanitarian organization" that delivers emergency medical care in places that need it. It does not currently run medical programs in Israel — citing its strong emergency and health systems — but says it has offered support to Israeli hospitals treating a high number of casualties. It does provide medical care in Gaza and is focused on meeting immediate emergency needs there, including donating medical supplies.

The International Committee of the Red Cross is a "neutral, independent humanitarian organization" that responds to help people harmed by armed conflict and disasters in conflict zones. The group says it immediately offered help to both sides. It's donated medical supplies to Gaza and is working with authorities to help identify missing people. It's working with Israel's Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society to help people who are wounded, sick, and in need.

Palestine Children's Relief Fund provides medical and humanitarian relief to Arab children, regardless of nationality or religion, and has had a presence in Gaza for some 30 years. It says donations mean access to medical care, mental health support, and essential supplies for kids in Gaza.

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in over 190 countries and territories to protect children's lives and rights. Spokesperson James Elder said 1.1 million children were already in need of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank before the current escalation of violence. UNICEF and its partners are on the ground in Gaza delivering medical supplies and fuel, as well as mental health and psychosocial support, he added.

For those seeking continued support:

Grief Share — Phone: 1-800-395-5755 (US and Canada) | 919-562-2112 (International) Availability: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm ET

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — Helpline: 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Dial or Text: 988