Jewish Federations Invest $283 Million in Israel's Post-War Recovery

The Jewish Federations of North America have committed $283 million to Israel's recovery efforts over the past year through their "Rebuild Israel" program. This initiative follows the closure of the emergency fund, which had raised $908 million, and aims to address the economic, social, and educational challenges faced by communities impacted by recent events.

The current program focuses on strengthening national resilience infrastructure, providing direct aid to businesses, reservists and their families, and expanding mental health services. Becky Caspi, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America Israel office, stated that their commitment extends beyond immediate emergency relief, emphasizing that "rebuilding means much more than restoring the status quo. It means helping families regain stability, strengthening local economies, and ensuring communities have the resources they need to thrive."

Financial support includes a loan fund for small businesses, which has provided $242 million in credit to 4,132 businesses, preserving approximately 28,000 jobs and supporting the livelihoods of about 25,000 families. Additionally, in partnership with the Schusterman Family Foundation, the Jewish Agency, and Bank Leumi, $176 million in loans has been extended to 13,773 reservists. A national headquarters, established with the Ministry of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience, has placed family coordinators in 105 local authorities to assist reservists and their families.

To address the significant mental health needs arising since the war's outbreak, the Federations partnered with the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Ministry of Health. This collaboration has reached about 203,400 individuals in 215 localities, establishing 18 new treatment centers serving approximately 7,500 patients. In education and community rehabilitation, the "HaBaita" initiative supports 40,000 students in 14 frontline communities, recognizing that quality education is a key factor, second only to security, for residents of the Gaza envelope and the north in their decision to return home.

Beyond financial investments, the Federations organized a volunteer initiative with "Taglit" (Volunteer in Israel), engaging over 30,000 volunteers who contributed more than 150,000 workdays in border communities. Individual federations also provided nearly $100 million in direct aid to partner communities in Israel. Gary Torgow, Chair of the Board of Trustees, stressed the intergenerational responsibility to support those with deep ties to Israel throughout the long recovery process. The Jewish Federations affirmed their continued collaboration with partners like the Jewish Agency and JDC to adapt their support to evolving needs on the ground.