The Haifa Association for Immigrants Absorption and the Public Safety Administration, led by City Council member Kirill Karetnik, provide assistance to new immigrants and city residents.
From the very first hours after the start of Operation “Nation as a Lion” against Iran, the Haifa Association for Immigrants Absorption switched to emergency mode. Within a short time, the association received dozens of inquiries from concerned new immigrants, many of whom have been in Israel for only a few months. People were seeking information, support, and assistance in their native language.
In response, a set of measures was quickly implemented to support new immigrants and city residents:
- Direct phone calls: Association staff personally contacted hundreds of new immigrants from the past two years to provide up-to-date information, offer support, and guide them when needed.
- Educational online meetings: Zoom lectures were held on important topics such as how to support children during alarms, how to behave properly in shelters, and more.
- Online learning in ulpans: To maintain the learning process even during difficult days, Hebrew lessons were moved to a remote format.
- Online activities for elderly immigrants: Light exercise, lectures, conversation clubs — all aimed at maintaining connection and morale during isolation.
Opening public shelters in the city center – protection for those who lack it.
In parallel with the activities of the Association for Immigrants Absorption, the Public Safety Administration, led by Kirill Karetnik, opened a 24/7 public shelter in the underground parking lot of the City Center shopping mall in the German Colony (level -3). This space was approved by the IDF Home Front Command and serves as a safe shelter for residents of Haifa and the surrounding areas who do not have access to private bomb shelters or protected rooms.
The shelter operates 24/7, with staff on duty to register visitors, assist with organization, provide support, and create a calm and confident atmosphere. For the comfort of visitors, the shelter is equipped with Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, a kettle, children’s games, tables, and chairs — everything to ensure the best possible conditions for both daytime stays and overnight stays. Residents planning temporary stays in the shelter are advised to bring water, light food, sleeping gear, and personal belongings.
Commentary from Kirill Karetnik, Chairman of the Haifa Association for Immigrants Absorption and the Public Safety Administration in Haifa:
“New immigrants and residents of Haifa — you are not alone. From the very first moment, it became clear that people need support, accessible information, and someone to simply be there. We work tirelessly — day and night, with full dedication. Because this is not just a service, it is our duty. We are here — both in peaceful times and in moments of alarm.”
For up-to-date information and instructions — follow updates on the Home Front Command website, the Haifa Municipality website, the Association for Immigrants Absorption portal, and social media. Additionally, the city hotline is available at 106 in Russian.
