South Florida organization helps Israeli families affected by Hamas

South Florida man launches organization to help victims of Hamas 02:28

MIAMI – A South Florida man has launched an organization to aid Israeli families impacted by the Hamas attacks and taking of hostages, offering hope and assistance.

The attacks sparked a war and inspired the South Florida Jewish community to aid Israeli families torn apart.

“Israel is; it’s an apocalypse state right now,” said Joseph Waks. “You feel it in the air.”

Waks just returned home to South Florida from one of his many trips to Israel.

CBS News Miami asked Waks, “What inspired you to get involved in helping families that were directly torn apart?”

“I went straight to Israel to the front lines, went to the families, and realized we need to take care of the children,” responded Waks.

Days after Hamas killed and kidnapped Israelis, he felt compelled to act, launching a non-profit called Our Children, aiding families of hostages and those killed.

“I was walking down the marketplace one day, and I had one of the children, a five-year-old child, and his father got killed, saving lives down on the south on October 7th,” recalled Waks. “And somebody walks past and says, ‘Oh, how beautiful a father walking with his son and his son’s on the shoulder,’ and he turns around. Little Hall turns around, and he says, ‘I don’t have a father. My father was killed.’ Some of these moments take me.”

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