People often ask, “Why doesn’t Telfed advertise the many welfare cases that cost the organisation over NIS 2.5 million annually?”
The answer is that confidentiality is our priority. Everyone must feel completely safe when asking for support or assistance.
With a small, close-knit Olim community, discretion and privacy are paramount. We will only share a story after receiving explicit permission. Using a pseudonym or changing a location is not enough.
With hundreds of counselling sessions, rescue projects, and more, welfare is one of the three key pillars of our organisation – together with Klita and Community.
Over the past year, Telfed has provided financial assistance to over 660 individuals. Approximately 28% of aid recipients are seniors, 27% are dealing with mental health issues (including schizophrenia and depression), 25% are dealing with debilitating medical conditions, and 20% are single mothers struggling to make ends meet.
Additionally, the current war displaced 130 South African veteran and new Olim families from their homes in the North and South. Our social workers and volunteers regularly contact these “refugees in their own country”, providing financial assistance, advice and care.
Financial tribulations are not our only focus. Telfed’s two English-speaking Social Workers simultaneously guide Olim in dealing with emotional distress, domestic abuse and attempted suicide.
Members of our community in need of support (emotional or financial) must reach out directly to Ariela Siegel, Telfed’s Social Worker. Ariela explains, ‘Well-meaning friends or relatives often ask me to call someone they know is in distress. As a social worker, I must respect the privacy and choices of the person struggling. If someone requires support, they must take the first step and acknowledge they need help. When they reach out, we can explore what support is needed and how best to help them.’
Telfed two social workers cooperate closely with Israel’s social services, such as Bituach Leumi, municipalities, and the Ministry of Aliyah and Integration. They guide Olim on the rights and benefits they’re entitled to, empowering them to apply for support independently.
If you would like to reach out to Ariela, you can contact her by email at [email protected] or call 09 790 7821.