NEW YORK, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. Jewish groups, including New York's United Jewish Communities federation, have raised millions of dollars for Israel since fighting with Hezbollah started.
The UJC, which launched the Israel Emergency Campaign Aug. 7, has raised $173 million in funds meant for first aid, bomb shelters, and food and shelter for Israelis forced to leave their homes by Hezbollah rocket attacks, The Jerusalem Post reported Thursday.
The Israel Emergency Campaign was "established with a long-term view," UJC spokesman Glenn Rosenkrantz told the Post. "So many needs exist, including economic revival, infrastructure and facility rebuilding, support for victims of terror and post-traumatic stress counseling for Israelis being among them."
The UJC had originally announced a goal of $300 million but has since raised its target to $500 million.
A separate Israel Emergency Fund, founded by the Orthodox Union, has raised $350,000. Israel Bonds has raised $30 million, and the American Friends of Magen David Adom has raised $5 million, the Post said.
