OlamAid, together with the Central Welfare Board of Jews in Germany (ZWST), responded to the devastating flood disaster in West Germany in July 2021 by initiating an emergency aid project. The project was structured into two phases: 1) emergency aid and 2) rehabilitation.

During phase 1, the project addressed the immediate needs of the victims by providing rapid emergency aid, including rebuilding housing and restoring infrastructure. Volunteers, including those with a refugee background from OlamAid leadership groups across Germany, traveled to the affected areas to provide relief efforts. Working alongside local volunteers from various communities—refugees, Jewish community members, and mainstream society—the project supported cleanup efforts and distributed essential goods.

Additionally, the project offered psychological first aid (PFA) and psychosocial support (PSS) through art therapy programs to alleviate stress and assist individuals in coping with their traumatic experiences. The project team also provided guidance on enhancing community resilience, thereby bolstering the operational capacity of local service providers and volunteers.

Phase 2 focused on rehabilitation efforts, supporting long-term relief campaigns and sustainable reconstruction of housing and infrastructure primarily through local volunteer efforts. The focus here was on strengthening the local community by establishing structures for regional volunteers and fostering community empowerment.

Throughout the rehabilitation process, PSS specialists continued to provide psychosocial support services, offering training for helpers and aiding in managing their post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) brought on by their experiences. Art therapy sessions for children and adults were also conducted to further reduce stress and support recovery.