The funding will support Masira’s Emergency Response Project, strengthening the capacity of local authorities, professionals, and community ambassadors to ensure inclusive emergency response for people with disabilities and their families.
We are honored to be awarded a grant through the Genesis Prize Foundation-Jewish Funders Network matching grants process in honor of 2026 Genesis Prize Laureate Gal Gadot. Funding from this initiative will allow us contribute to the development of Masira’s Emergency Response Project, designed to strengthen the preparedness of local authorities, professionals, and communities to respond to the needs of people with disabilities and their families during emergencies, with particular attention to frontline workers and caregivers.
The $1 million Genesis Prize awarded to Gal Gadot was transformed into a $3 million funding initiative, following a matching campaign led by JFN that raised an additional $2 million. Out of 150 applications submitted over a two-month period, 54 organizations advanced to the next stage, and 24 organizations were selected to receive support, including Masira.
Statement from Masira’s Executive Director
Zuhria Azab, Executive Director of Masira, said:
“We believe that emergency preparedness begins long before a crisis occurs. People with disabilities and their families must be an integral part of emergency planning and response—not an afterthought. Through Masira’s Emergency Response Project, we are working to strengthen the capacities of local authorities, professionals, and communities, and to build a more informed, resilient, and responsive system that can address the needs of people with disabilities in times of crisis.”
She added:
“This support is an important recognition of Masira’s work and enables us to expand our investment in preparedness, psychological support, and capacity building. We are grateful to our partners and to everyone who believes in the right of people with disabilities and their families to protection and support, especially during times of crisis.”
Masira’s Emergency Response Project
Masira developed the project in response to the need for a more prepared and capable emergency-response system that integrates the needs of people with disabilities and their families into local planning, professional services, and community-based response.
The project focuses on three key areas:
- Local Authorities
Strengthening the capacity of local authorities to prepare for and respond to emergencies, while integrating the needs of people with disabilities into local emergency plans and response systems.
- Professionals and Frontline Workers
Training professionals, support-group facilitators, and other frontline workers who support people with disabilities and their families, providing them with practical tools to address psychological stress and emotional burden during emergencies.
- Community Leaders and Ambassadors
Building a leadership network of professionals, families, and staff from local councils and authorities to increase awareness and improve outreach to people with disabilities and their families during emergencies.
Responding to the Impact of War and Crisis
During emergencies, people with disabilities and their families may face significant challenges in accessing information and services, maintaining continuity of support, and receiving appropriate psychological and social assistance.
Masira’s approach combines immediate crisis response with long-term preparedness by strengthening professional capacities, enhancing the role of local authorities, and developing community support networks capable of operating during and after emergencies.
This is supported by Teva’s “מטפלים בנפש” (“Care for the Mind”) program, and complements Masira’s broader emergency response work supported by the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, as part of ongoing efforts to develop sustainable support for people with disabilities and their families.
Masira Selected Among 24 Supported Organizations
The initiative supports programs addressing mental health, trauma-related care, caregiver training, and social work. The selected organizations serve mental health professionals, frontline workers, social workers, family caregivers, children and young people, survivors of war-related trauma, and diverse communities across Israel.
Masira was selected as an organization specializing in advancing the rights, inclusion, and professional and community support of people with disabilities in Arab society in Israel.
In announcing the initiative, Gal Gadot highlighted the importance of supporting people who care for others, recognizing that strengthening caregivers contributes to supporting families and communities and rebuilding a sense of connection and resilience.
Full list of supported organizations:
Genesis Prize – Helping the Helpers Initiative
About Masira
Masira Fund and Center for the Advancement of People with Disabilities in Arab Society in Israel works to advance the rights, empowerment, and social participation of people with disabilities, while supporting their families and developing programs and partnerships that respond to evolving community needs.
Masira’s areas of work include rights access, higher education, empowerment, emergency preparedness, psychological and social support, and capacity building for organizations, local authorities, and communities
