Preparing for all scenarios - even in local authorities in the north: Preparations have been completed by authorities on the frontline in the north, for the establishment of an emergency system whose main purpose is to transport food rations to civilians.
The system will operate at this stage in the cities and localities of Safed, Nahariya, Hatzor HaGlilit, Acre, Tiberias, Karmiel and Ma'alot.
Ensuring food security in times of emergency faces significant challenges, including a shortage of manpower, due to the following reasons: widespread recruitment into reserves, closure of educational institutions - which may confine workers to their homes, citizens who may be afraid to come to their workplace, evacuation of residents from their homes, and the declaration of war zones as 'closed military areas'.
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In addition, in a state of war, a shortage of food products is expected, which may be expressed in the inability to supply products, especially fresh food products, for a variety of reasons, including: limited emergency stocks intended for the fighting forces, a decrease in production capacity and damage to food factories, transportation problems caused by roadblocks and inconvenience on the roads due to the needs of the fighting forces, and a decrease in independent agricultural production capacity.
In emergencies, communication is critical, but even here there are obstacles. The difficulties in reaching local authority offices hinder citizens' ability to seek help and receive a response to their basic needs. This is a situation where existing means must be renewed and upgraded to ensure that help reaches each and every one.
The system will be operated by the Chabad-Israeli National Organization, in collaboration with the Friendship Foundation, which routinely operates the Ministry of Social Affairs' national food security initiative - and will include emergency food security measures in the north, led by local authorities.
The broad and comprehensive response will enable local authorities to deal with these challenges. It will include purchasing food products, preparing them for shipment, transporting them, and delivering them directly to local authorities.
Eshel Chabad, with its extensive experience, particularly in the Second Lebanon War and the Iron Sword War, will manage the activity, using a dedicated platform that will improve communication with citizens.
While the project is intended for families who need it and in accordance with the various scenarios, such as the evacuation of families to centers, emergency scenarios, transportation difficulties, and more - emphasis will be given to assisting the elderly and disabled, who will receive daily chilled meals and food packages. In addition, the possibility of receiving baby food will be provided, to ensure that even the youngest will not be left destitute.
Within the framework of the emergency system, the National Food Security Initiative will provide a broad and comprehensive response to needs during emergencies and make it easier for local authorities that require assistance, in full coordination and relying on local authority resources.
Already at the beginning of the week, tens of thousands of baskets of dry food were transferred to authorities in the north, to emergency warehouses, which will be used if war breaks out. Tens of thousands of additional baskets will be transferred if necessary and depending on the situation.
And how will the criteria for those receiving assistance be selected?
In each authority, depending on the changing situation and circumstances, and together with the local authority, the eligibility criteria will be determined and the various benefits will be provided (dry food baskets, cooked meals and baby food).
""In an era of uncertainty, the National Food Security Initiative symbolizes hope and our commitment to caring for everyone, even in the most difficult times," said Mandy Blau of the Chabad Israelite Community. "We all pray that we will never need to activate the emergency system and will only know peace and a healthy lifestyle.".
Packing food baskets at the Eshel Chabad logistics center in Be'er Tuvia. From here, the packages will be transported to the emergency warehouses of the authorities in the north | Photo: Shneur Schiff
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