Mifal HaPais and Israel’s local and regional authorities are transferring about NIS 20 million in immediate aid to municipalities coping with the war with Iran during Operation Roaring Lion, according to a statement from Mifal HaPais. The funding is intended to help local authorities continue providing rapid welfare, emergency, and resilience services to affected residents.
The statement said thousands of Mifal HaPais scholarship students have been assisting municipalities and residents since the fighting began. Their work has included running childcare frameworks for essential workers, helping welfare departments and emergency command centers, supporting reserve families, cleaning shelters, assisting at impact sites, and delivering medicines and basic supplies.
Support for affected municipalities
Mifal HaPais said NIS 2.2 million was approved for residents along the Lebanon border, including Kiryat Shmona, Mateh Asher, Shlomi, Ma’ale Yosef, Metula, Upper Galilee, Ghajar, and Merom HaGalil. The funds are meant to provide respite lodging and hosting in calmer areas outside the immediate threat zone.
Additional grants of NIS 1 million each were approved for Beit Shemesh and Beersheba, while Ramla, Hatzor HaGlilit, Zarzir, and Shoham each received NIS 500,000, according to the statement. Mifal HaPais said the remaining funds would be distributed later to additional cities affected by missile fire.
Mental health and accessibility
The statement also highlighted support for ERAN, Israel’s emotional first-aid organization, through a recently launched national emergency center funded with an investment of about NIS 1 million. The center serves as the operational hub for about 1,800 volunteers who provide round-the-clock emotional support by phone, online, and through digital platforms.
In parallel, Mifal HaPais and the local government said they are operating the Purple Emergency Center, a nationwide assistance service for people with disabilities during sirens, missile attacks, evacuations, and other security incidents. The service coordinates accessible evacuations, personal accompaniment, emotional support, information, and on-the-ground assistance.
Wider emergency effort
Haim Bibas, chairman of the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel, said municipalities needed flexible, immediate support to keep functioning under emergency conditions and respond to needs on the ground. Itzik Larry, the chairman of Mifal HaPais, stated that the funding aims to bolster welfare departments and assist authorities in delivering prompt, customized services to the residents.
The announcement comes as sirens sounded in central and northern Israel following Iranian missile launches.
According to the statement, the ERAN emergency center now coordinates about 1,800 volunteers, while the Purple Emergency Center continues to operate nationwide for people with disabilities during the current fighting. Mifal HaPais said both systems are part of a broader civilian response meant to support residents in routine disruptions and in emergency situations.