The American Jewish community has rallied around Israel since October 7 with prayers, rallies, posters and financial support with more than $800 million in donations made to the Jewish Federations of North America for its emergency relief campaign.

The umbrella arm representing 146 Jewish community federations and some 300 smaller Jewish communities, says more than half of the $806 million raised has already been allocated to meet critical needs in Israel.

“We’re absolutely stunned by the immense outpouring of generosity in the North American Jewish community, and we’ll keep working hard to make sure that we continue to be there to support Israel through this difficult time and as it rebuilds,” said Julie Platt, chair of Jewish Federations of North America.

According to the Jewish Agency for Israel, the funds have been sent to some 300 partner organizations and NGOs on the ground in Israel. The organisations are utilizing the funds to help those most in need, including groups like Magen David Adom, the JDC and World ORT along with some, lesser-known entities such as Israel Trauma Coalition, Brothers and Sisters for Israel, and ReGrow.

The latter organization is helping farmers in the Western Negev with grants of up to $12.5 million to allow the communities to replace equipment that Hamas broke as they rampaged through the periphery towns. The funds will also help to ensure these communities can have their farms up and running for the planting season.

Money has also been allocated to create the Israel Emergency Loan Fund to provide aid to small businesses that have been “severely impacted” by the war and do not have access to “traditional banking credit.”