The simultaneous phenomenon of lockdown, full homes to feed every day and a major economic crisis have suddenly disrupted the lives of millions. For those most vulnerable, unemployment, closed schools and outside risks of contamination significantly restricted access to the most basic need: food. How did the third sector provide a rapid response while the State was slow to react?

For many elderly and holocaust survivors, day to day activities are already a fragile balance of ensuring access to basic needs, health services and a social support system used to prevent loneliness. Small changes to that balance can destabilize and threaten their lives. With lockdowns in place, how can organizations cope with minimizing the impact of new restrictions while continuing to provide essential services?

With a public health crisis of this magnitude, a collective response is the only way to effectively manage the pandemic. However, the response must be tailored to the specific needs of every community, including ones with unique needs like the Ultra-Orthodox community.