Established in 2002, ATZUM endeavors to open eyes and extend hands to those in need, to confront and remedy injustices in Israel. ATZUM’s work is founded on the belief that Israel should serve as an example for the rest of the world in addressing social problems and crises. It encourages individuals to become social activists and be part of a process providing assistance and creating change. Through its network of volunteers and support from friends and contributors, ATZUM is able to make a crucial difference in the following areas:
Assistance to Survivors of Terror. Countless Israeli families have suffered significant trauma and serious economic difficulties following death or injury. ATZUM helps 350 families to regain stability, particularly those whose major wage earner has been incapacitated.
Support to Righteous Among the Nations. Israel is a home to a group of surviving Hasiday Umot Olam, Righteous Among the Nations, and their spouses who risked their lives to save Jews during the Shoah. ATZUM works to meet the basic needs of this heroic, elderly population and protect and improve the quality of life in their last years.
Israel is a destination country for human trafficking. Approximately 2,500 women a year illegally enter the country as modern day sex slaves. Nearly all are from the Former Soviet Union, smuggled into the country over the Israel-Egyptian border. Once in Israel, victims are repeatedly sold and resold to pimps and brothel owners; forced to work in slave-like conditions; and ruthlessly abused and exploited, suffering severe beatings, rape and sometimes even starvation. Israel has made far too limited progress in the fight against human trafficking and much more can and must be done. ATZUM works tirelessly to compel the Government to commit significant resources to combat trafficking in Israel in the areas of prevention and border closure, protection of women who escape their owners, and prosecution of smugglers and pimps.
