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In the immediate aftermath of the October 7th massacre in Israel, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) launched an emergency fund to assist communities impacted by the attack.
The Israel Support Fund successfully identified and backed local organizations and heroes who stepped up to strengthen Israeli civil society, addressed emerging and unprecedented needs, and inspired innovative ideas and initiatives.
To date, CAM donors and partners have generously contributed $4.6 million to the fund, which has been distributed to more than 60 entities and individuals, helping meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of Israelis adversely affected by the horrific events of October 7th.
After 16 months of war, Israel is now confronting a scale of injuries and rehabilitation needs unparalleled in modern history. This is why CAM recently expanded the scope of the fund to include supporting the recoveries of the thousands of Israeli soldiers and civilians wounded on October 7th and in the subsequent war.
Following a meticulous review and selection process, a total of $500,000 was allocated t0 four unique and impactful projects in this realm, run by Restart Global, Brothers for Life, Tikvot, and Israel Judo Association.
A full report detailing these projects is available HERE.
For more information about the Israel Support Fund, and to donate, please visit: philanthropy.combatantisemitism.org
Information on the projects:
Granted: $180,000
Restart is dedicated to designing innovative products for injured soldiers from the war who face disabilities without existing solutions on the market. By engaging with tech companies and medical teams, Restart bridges the gap between advanced technology and urgent medical needs.
Through the support of the emergency fund, the Hospital Makers Program was launched, bringing teams of makers into hospitals to collaborate directly with medical staff in creating tailored rehabilitation products for wounded soldiers. This generous donation enabled the development of 35 groundbreaking solutions, providing critical support where none existed before.
Examples of Created Products:
Adapting bicycle mechanisms for one-handed use. Designed for individuals with arm amputations, this modification enables full control of brakes, gears, and other functions using a single hand, ensuring safe and accessible cycling.
A specialized gaming keyboard for individuals with functional hand impairments or upper limb amputations.
A mechanism that enables toothbrushing motion even when the injured individual is unable to perform it independently.
An upper body training device for bedridden individuals and those with functional difficulties in their limbs, featuring a hand-holding mechanism to enable movement in the air without engaging injured muscles.
Granted: $105,000
Brothers for Life (BFL) is a non-profit organization founded and led by wounded IDF officers, built on a unique “soldier- to-soldier” model. BFL provides critical medical and financial support, educational opportunities, mental health programs, and wellness initiatives for injured soldiers. From hospital visits to long-term mentoring, BFL empowers soldiers to rebuild their lives.
The emergency fund supported the establishment of sport programs for injured soldiers. The contribution enabled the establishment of a dedicated tennis group for 15 disabled veterans, offering them a space to rebuild strength and camaraderie. It also facilitated the launch of a specialized MMA course for 24 veterans, providing an empowering platform for soldiers to regain confidence and resilience through martial arts. Furthermore, the funding contributed to the creation of an adapted gym, designed to meet the unique needs of disabled soldiers with 320 personal trainings per month, ensuring they have access to state-of-the-art equipment and tailored fitness programs.
Granted: $85,000
TIKVOT, a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to rehabilitating Israel’s wounded soldiers and victims of terror through sports, has been a cornerstone of our efforts to empower and uplift individuals facing new challenges. Since its founding in 2007, TIKVOT has helped thousands of severely injured Israelis overcome pain, trauma, and disability, with a focus on guiding participants toward meeting Paralympic criteria and rebuilding productive, fulfilling lives.
In partnership with TIKVOT, we have established and will fully support running and triathlon classes throughout 2025, with each class accommodating 20 participants. Additionally, this year, we are helping 10 wounded soldiers learn paraplegic skiing, offering them the tools and support needed to adapt to their new realities while fostering resilience.
Granted: $130,000
The emergency fund, in partnership with the Israel Judo Association, has launched a nationwide initiative to harness the resilience and values of judo to support wounded soldiers, civilians, and individuals suffering from severe post-trauma caused by the war.
This transformative project offers unique opportunities for recovery and empowerment through the discipline of judo. Four classes, each accommodating 20 participants (80 in total), will be conducted over 15 sessions in the north and south of Israel. These classes will not only teach the physical techniques of judo but also create resilience, discipline, and personal growth essential for healing.
In addition, the program will provide weekly judo classes and free judo camps during the upcoming Passover vacation for children who have been affected by the war from northern Israel and children from the southern city of Ofakim. This initiative, supported by trainers from the Israel Judo Association, will be open to 200+ participants, offering them a supportive environment to rebuild confidence and gain a sense of community.
