Update from Canadian Friends of AKIM
Urgent support needed for the people with intellectual disabilities in South Israel October 2023
The world is shocked by the devastation and horrific acts committed against Israel by Hamas. The death toll and number of people injured continue to rise. No one in Israel is untouched by the tragedy. People with intellectual disabilities and their families are facing overwhelming challenges. AKIM’s staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to provide individuals and families with care and
support during these unsettling times. They continue to ensure that each and every person in all population sectors receives the care and attention they require. Their Parents to Parents (P2) Hotline provides support in Hebrew and Arabic. Staff and volunteers are in constant contact with the people and families that they serve, providing care for their physical and emotional well-being.
Due to the security situation and the constant rocket attacks, families with a loved one with intellectual disabilities are distressed. Repeated visits to the security (reinforced) rooms are difficult for everyone and often even more stressful for people with intellectual disabilities. Because of the continuation of the fighting, more people with intellectual disabilities living at home are experiencing anxiety attacks. As a result, they either refuse to or are unable to enter the secured rooms
when the warning sirens of missile attacks are sounded, thereby endangering their own life and the lives of their loved ones.
To help families who have a loved one at home, AKIM is raising funds to provide respite for families living in areas at high risk for a rocket attack.
The plan is to send families from AKIM branches in Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beer Sheva and Netivot in the south to enjoy a few days of rest outside of the range of the rockets providing transportation, food, accommodation, and activities. The cost is $3200 CAD for a family of five.
Please click on the Donate Now button to support these families. One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to AKIM Israel.
Thank you for helping people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Israel in this crisis.