An Israeli humanitarian aid organization, SmartAID, is playing a significant role in helping Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by supplying thousands of tents for those who’ve been displaced amidst the ongoing Hamas/Israel war. SmartAID’s founding director, Shachar Zahavi, emphasized the moral obligation felt by Jews to extend help even to people who can be considered adversaries. Working in collaboration with an American relief group since January, SmartAID has contributed to the establishment of three refugee camps.
Zahavi discusses the organization’s efforts to be discreet when providing aid for two reasons. One is to prevent the aid from falling into the hands of Hamas. The other is protect organizations and people from criticism, politics or even threats from Hamas for accepting Israeli help.
Zahavi stressed the organization’s meticulous approach in coordination with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to ensure aid reaches intended recipients, which has been an consistent issue with Hamas.
Beyond providing immediate relief, SmartAID’s involvement reflects broader considerations of Jewish identity and humanitarian principles. Zahavi attributes his desire to help everyone to his Jewish education and values. The organization’s global outreach spans across 40 countries, and the necessity of addressing crises in their immediate vicinity.
Plans are underway to extend aid to Israeli survivors of the conflict and farmers affected by the violence along the border. SmartAID’s approach underscores the complexity of humanitarian responses amid ongoing conflict dynamics, navigating moral imperatives, logistical challenges, and geopolitical sensitivities.
