MasterCard employees volunteer to create direct aid platform

The volunteer-driven initiative enables direct donations to survivors of the October 7 pogrom.

 Sign at the entrance to kibbutz Nir Oz, Gaza envelope area, Israel (photo credit: WIKIMEDIA)
Sign at the entrance to kibbutz Nir Oz, Gaza envelope area, Israel
(photo credit: WIKIMEDIA)

Volunteers from Mastercard Israel have taken action to help communities that were impacted by Hamas’ devastating attack along the Gaza border on October 7. Their initiative aims to consolidate the verified bank accounts of the southern villages, enabling individuals and organizations to make direct and secure contributions to assist those in need.

The donated funds are intended for both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts. Evacuated families, who have been left with nothing, require a wide range of essential items, from clothing for adults and children to toys, phones, and tablets. Additionally, there is a pressing need for psychological treatments and support to aid in the residents' emotional recovery.

Furthermore, the donations will play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of the affected villages in the south. The security systems in these kibbutzim were severely damaged during the attack, necessitating the purchase of radios, protective vests, emergency room equipment, security cameras, generators, and the restoration of security gates at the entrances to the destroyed towns, among other critical needs.

 The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, October 19, 2023. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)
The destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Nir Oz, near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, October 19, 2023. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)

Project began as effort to support staff member

The project began as a personal effort to support a staff member residing in Kibbutz Nir Oz and quickly evolved into a broader mission to provide assistance to other affected villages.

“When we heard about the attack, through the story of one of our colleagues who lost an entire family and dealt himself with terrorists that attacked his house, it was undoubtedly that we must do something to support the rehabilitation, the strength and the power of the families and the villages,” said one of the volunteers from Mastercard Israel. “Our hearts are with the families that have been hurt from the horrific attack, and with the Kibbutzim, cities and towns that are trying to rehabilitate now.”

 As the initiative progresses, the volunteer team is focused on expanding public awareness and connecting potential donors with convenient donation options. They are actively working on establishing dedicated landing pages to simplify the entire donation process.

For those who wish to contribute and support the victims of this tragic event, you can find more information and donation options on the official website.