In response to the outbreak of conflict with Hamas, a crypto donation drive was initiated on October 9th to raise vital humanitarian aid for Israeli citizens facing dire circumstances.
This initiative, known as the "Crypto Aid Israel Relief Fund," aims to leverage the efficiency and swiftness of cryptocurrencies to provide assistance to those in need.
The organisation has opted to employ a multi-signature wallet to collect donations in various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins such as Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC).
To facilitate the smooth flow of crypto assets for donations, several Israeli banks have extended their support to this charitable endeavor.
To ensure the utmost security and accountability in handling these crypto assets, Fireblocks, a reputable institutional-grade cold storage and crypto custody firm, has been entrusted with their storage and management.
In light of potential security risks, the organisation has issued warnings regarding phishing attacks and fraudulent links.
“A strict policy has been implemented that requires at least of four out of seven signatories to move funds out of the wallet,” Crypto Aid Israel said.
Donors are urged to exercise caution, double-check wallet addresses, and exclusively use addresses provided on the official website to safeguard their contributions.
Collaborating partners in this noble cause include 42Studio, MarketAcross, Collider Ventures, CryptoJungle, Nilos, Blockchain B7, Efficient Frontier, Ironblocks, and the Israel Blockchain Association.
Their collective goal is to raise the necessary funds to provide essential provisions, such as food and shelter, for families who have tragically lost their homes during this crisis.
CryptoJungle CEO Ben Samocha said in a press release,
"We hope to raise the necessary funds to provide food and shelter for families who lost their homes, we are also hoping to provide hygiene and medical products for the bombarded Israeli civilian populace and to raise awareness for the horrors the Israeli people are facing right now."
According to AICoin, a cryptocurrency news outlet, Crypto Aid Israel had successfully raised $41,000 by Tuesday morning.
The conflict has taken a devastating toll, with reports of armed assailants attacking a music festival in southern Israel, resulting in an estimated 260 fatalities over the weekend.
Crypto Aid Israel has reported that the attacks have claimed the lives of at least 600 Israelis and left more than 2,000 others injured.
The crypto industry has witnessed the commitment of institutions to charitable causes.
On 10 October, the leadership of venture capital firm Insight Partners pledged a generous $1 million donation to support humanitarian work in Israel.
Cryptocurrencies have previously been instrumental in charity donation drives, extending their support to causes like the war in Ukraine, earthquake relief, and responses to natural disasters.
Cryptocurrency community’s ability to swiftly mobilise resources and facilitate donations has proven invaluable in supporting those affected by conflicts and natural disasters.
The speed, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency of crypto transactions enable aid organisations to respond promptly to urgent needs, ensuring that essential provisions, such as food, shelter, and medical assistance, reach those in distress.
This growing involvement of cryptocurrencies in humanitarian efforts underscores their potential to drive positive change and provide immediate relief when it matters most.