Following the severe impact experienced by the city of Dimona on Saturday night, we mobilized to provide an immediate and large-scale response, offering initial assistance to residents and strengthening the municipal system. In close cooperation with the Mayor, Mr. Benny Biton, and the Municipality’s CEO, Mr. Shuki Klein, as well as municipal staff, we are implementing an urgent assistance package with a total value of approximately NIS 500,000.
The current response is based on the Joint’s long-standing presence in Dimona through programs promoting early childhood, youth (such as the Yated and STEM programs), and activities supporting optimal aging.
The immediate assistance model consists of four main channels:
Flexible budget for assisting at-risk populations:
We have made available to the municipality a flexible budget of up to NIS 200,000. This budget is intended to provide a rapid and targeted response to urgent needs of at-risk families and other vulnerable populations, as defined by field professionals.
The entire operation is managed by a representative of the Joint’s emergency team, operating from the humanitarian command center, in full coordination with municipal authorities, to ensure that all assistance reaches its destination quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Municipal first-aid package:
Within up to 24 hours of the event, we provided essential basic equipment for residents whose homes were damaged. The package includes clothing, toiletries, and pajamas, delivered in coordination with the municipality and in partnership with the “Social Delivery” NGO.
Upgrading medical and rescue readiness:
First-response teams in the field used emergency equipment previously provided by the Joint in the last round. In addition, first-response teams from Arara in the Negev and other Bedouin communities surrounding Dimona arrived to assist, using the emergency equipment they had received from us in the previous round.
Reinforcement of professional manpower – “Community Supporters”:
To strengthen the municipality’s welfare department, two dedicated full-time positions will be allocated for a period of three months. The community supporters will assist in reinforcing field-level care for the most vulnerable populations—elderly individuals and people with disabilities who require close support following the events.
We continue to operate across the country and provide assistance as needed.
