News

Members of bereaved families create significant social projects out of their loss that strengthen Israeli society.

“I see myself as a ‘bereaved teacher.’ I lost students that I loved very much… and then such an inferno comes, and a student is murdered, a student is kidnapped, and you don’t have the legitimacy to grieve. As if it’s not your child, it’s just a workplace. You’re supposed to go back and continue teaching in preparation for the matriculation exams – and it’s just hard. Very hard.”

Holocaust Remembrance Day is not only a time to unite with the memory of those who perished – but also a call to continue to reach out to the Holocaust survivors living among us. For us, this is a daily mission that continues throughout the year. Through a variety of programs, we work to preserve the quality of life of survivors, strengthen the support networks around them, and encourage personal and social expression – both in old age and in considering the many challenges they face.

An innovative program from Hackaveret – Israel’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation, provides entrepreneurs with professional, emotional, and academic support – on the way to transforming personal pain into action that heals and strengthens Israeli society.

Many associations in Israel changed and adapted their activities to the new reality after October 7, to respond to the needs that emerged from the field. The “Shell” initiative of JDC- ELKA and the Ogen Association located these associations and offered them professional guidance and tools that will help them continue their important professional work. “House on the Sea” is one of them – this is its story, and the story of the “Shell”.

Over the years, we have developed and implemented mechanisms to make rights accessible, including municipal centers and an emergency assistance system. Now, with the launch of the Rights Realization Lab, we are taking knowledge from the field a step further: researching the barriers, developing new solutions, and promoting approaches that will enable broader and more accessible rights realization.

A year after its inauguration, the Ashkelon Grove of the Fallen continues to develop and serve as a focal point for remembrance and community strengthening. At an event held on Tu BiShvat, 99 additional trees were planted in memory of the fallen members of the defense forces and victims of actions of terrorism, residents of the city.

“Hibuki Play Therapy” – A Joint Initiative of JDC and the Ministry of Education
Helping tens of thousands of young children, families, educators, and therapists in Israel process experiences and prevent PTSD.

Shlomi Margulis’ story: How the “Foundations” program prepares young men from ultra-Orthodox society for work in the construction industry.

This year, Hanukkah was a unique opportunity to shine a light on the power of a community. In a series of exciting events across the country, together with the residents, we lit the Hanukkah candles in a variety of destinations. Every place and every community have its own story of dealing with the current war. From the south to the north, the events were a living example of how it is possible to grow back from trauma, and with hope for a safer future.