A secret Israeli initiative has gathered thousands of sleeping bags, blankets, boots, gloves, and other winter supplies to give to Syrian refugees. Hebrew logos and other identifying tags have been removed to protect the donors and the recipients.
The charity operation, dubbed “Operation Human Warmth, was jointly organized by Dror Israel, the Combat Genocide Association, and the Zionist youth movement HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed.
“The sensitive nature of the mission means the exact date and method of delivery have not been revealed,” reports Breitbart.
Gilad Perry of Dror Israel says he is surprised by the number of Israelis who participated in the operation knowing they would receive no recognition.
“I thought people would be reluctant to support an effort they would not get credit for,” says Perry. “The generosity of people just caring for those who suffer from the cold winter on the other side of the border, in an ‘enemy country,’ overwhelmed me.”
Thousands of Israelis from a variety of religions participated in the operation – a fact that emphasizes “the similarities in the core values of all of us who simply try to make good on this planet, no matter what our backgrounds may be,” says Perry.
“Operation Human Warmth” is the most recent in a series of efforts by Israel to help Syrian refugees.
According to Breitbart Jerusalem, Israel also plans to absorb over 100 child refugees who have been orphaned by the Syrian Civil War. These children will find new homes with Arab Israeli families and will be eligible to receive “permanent resident” status in four years.
“If next of kin of the first degree are still alive, Israel will positively consider letting them also find refuge in Israel with their young relatives,” reports Breitbart.
This policy has yet to be implemented, but the decision has been signed by Interior Minister Aryeh Deri.
Israel has also supported the refugees with medical care and crowdfunding efforts.