In the aftermath of the Carmel fire–the worst natural disaster in Israel’s modern history–that ravaged communities, killed 43 Israelis and burned down 500 million trees, I have received numerous calls from past beneficiaries of ATZUM’s assistance. Initially, they call to express their emotional reaction in the face of this national catastrophe. But mostly, they are calling to communicate compassion for their fellow Israelis, who are suffering in the face of tragic loss. They want to know if ATZUM will be assisting the many families impacted by these fires.
I am reminded once again that the ATZUM family consists of people who are working to put their own lives back together again and yet are filled with compassion for their fellow Israelis who are suffering from these fires. I am struck with the knowledge that we, as Israelis, are united in support for one another as a nation.
I am also deeply moved by those who expressed their compassion for their fellow citizens in more direct ways, such as the Jerusalem man, who lost his father-in-law in a terror attack, who served as a firefighter on the frontlines of the Carmel fire; and a survivor of terror from Sderot who was a member of the prison security unit that lost 40 colleagues in this fire.
We mourn with the families who have lost a loved one in this collective tragedy.
May their memories be a blessing.
Karyn London
Coordinator, Survivor of Terror Project
