Israel is marking 78 years of independence against the backdrop of a complex security and social reality, making the importance of mutual responsibility and shared social action even clearer.
In northern Israel, which remains under an ongoing threat, communities and individuals are coping with increasingly acute challenges and must show extraordinary resilience in facing the disruption of daily life and deep uncertainty. Our role as a social organization is to stand by them and ensure that the responses they need are delivered in the best way possible.
Since the outbreak of the war, the Rashi Foundation together with its network of NGOs, local authorities, philanthropic partners, and the business sector, has undertaken to provide immediate support to affected populations. At the same time, we continue to develop long-term solutions that will enable recovery, renewed growth, and stronger community resilience.
We act in the belief that joining forces is the key to driving sustainable change and laying the groundwork for a more stable and equitable future.
The recent events have left a deep mark on Israeli society, particularly on the residents of the South and North. Alongside the hardship and pain, a renewed commitment has also emerged: to strengthen the foundations of society, reduce disparities, and promote opportunities so that every child in Israel can fulfill their potential.
Even when disagreements exist, these times of trial reveal the true strength of Israeli society: solidarity, generosity, and determination. We would like to thank you, our partners, for your trust and dedication to the mission.
On Independence Day, we hope for a future of security, peace and growth for all Israelis. The Rashi Foundation commits to being there during wars and after the dust settles, to help rebuild the social fabric of the North, together with our wonderful partners.
The emergency situation since the start of Operation Epic Fury – Roaring Lion has heavily affected the residents of the North, who are still struggling to recover from the previous evacuation. In response, we have been working with partners to strengthen northern communities through strategic connections and targeted responses.
As part of this effort, a community network was established in Kiryat Shmona, where hundreds of volunteers distributed special holiday packages to 5,000 households in the city. On the holiday evening itself, festive Passover Seders were held in about 70 shelters, with more than 1,000 participants, conveying a message of solidarity and mutual responsibility. The initiative was led by the Kiryat Shmona Municipality and KKL-JNF in partnership with Rashi, Keren Yedidut (IFCJ), the Northern Recovery Administration (Tnufa LaTzafon), MAX, and the Network of Community Centers.
The social logistic center established by Rashi, the Social Delivery NGO, and the Coastal Plain Cluster of Local Authorities, has operated in emergency mode since the start of the war to answer needs raised by municipalities. It has delivered essential equipment worth millions of shekels to 30 localities across the country, from Kiryat Shmona in the north to Dimona in the south.
The equipment is provided according to requests from the municipalities, which are in direct contact with residents and are closely familiar with the needs. It is intended for public shelters as well as for initial assistance to those whose homes were damaged by missile fire. Items supplied included mattresses, bed linens, blankets and pillows, chairs, hygiene kits, diapers, clothing, and toys and games for children.
In view of the difficulties facing families and children during the days of fighting, we partnered with the Train Theater in Jerusalem in an initiative that brings uplifting cultural activity to children. Theater performances are being held in frontline communities in the north and in hotels where evacuated families are staying. The shows combine emotional and experiential content that offers relief, creating a secure space of imagination.
In addition, organizations in the Rashi network – Ma’ase Center, Ofek, and Beit Yatziv – have mobilized to engage children in shelters and evacuation hotels by volunteers who organized games, arts and crafts, and informal educational activities for them.
The Galilee Business Hub, established in order to sustain a growing local economy, is in contact with about 1,300 businesses, including 520 that receive personalized business guidance. During the recent hostilities, the Hub’s staff has proactively reached out to most of them in order to map the challenges, among them: a halt in economic activity, lack of protected facilities, bureaucratic chaos, and uncertainty regarding compensation. The effort focuses on designing a tailored solution for each business based on its economic situation – whether pausing the guidance program or continuing it with the necessary adaptations. The Business Hub also held online workshops on practical professional topics with the participation of hundreds of business owners.
Partners: Kiryat Shmona Municipality, Eastern and Western Galilee Municipal Clusters, Beyachad Foundation, Russell Berrie Foundation, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the Home Front Command, Bank Hapoalim, EY, Bloomberg Regional Initiative \ civix, ARAVA (technology support center)
The emergency situation has disrupted school studies for all Israeli children, but its adverse effect was felt even more by students in northern communities, who suffered a long period of displacement, once again. Accordingly, the local education departments together with other partners are launching an accelerated academic reinforcement initiative for school students, along with seminars for children and youth and respite days.
The first phase of the initiative focuses on helping students prepare for the matriculation exams, while reinforcing their social and emotional resilience. The goal is to build a comprehensive response for all children and youth that will help reduce gaps, strengthen skills, and foster a sense of belonging. We hope to recruit additional philanthropic partners in order to enable the area’s 3,500 students to take part.
The traumatic events experienced by children and youth in the North in recent years are reflected in high rates of stress-related problems such as anxiety, disengagement, attention difficulties, and risk-taking behaviors. Several interventions we developed, both short-term and long-term, aim to strengthen their coping skills and emotional resilience.
Respite Days – taking children to safe sites outside the northern region for a day of structured recreational activity with therapeutic and emotional processing elements.
“Pathways to Healing” – three-day group retreats in nature for youth, led by therapists specializing in work with youth and trauma. The program is operated by Rashi’s affiliate Northern Goals association with support from National Insurance funds and the Yeladenu Initiative. So far, about 560 youngsters have participated, and the goal is to reach another 800, including training educators who will continue the process at school.
“Growing Forward” – a nature-based center offering a variety of group therapeutic activities for youth alongside individual and family support. The site will be run by a multidisciplinary team, in a unique model that creates calm and encourages social connection and personal growth.
“The Russell Berrie Foundation has been deeply committed to the development of Israel’s North for nearly two decades, working to strengthen the region’s economy and address critical health challenges like diabetes. At the core of our work is a belief in the power of local leadership and the essential role that municipalities play in shaping their communities. Our partnership with Rashi over the past year has helped equip leaders and businesses in the Eastern Galilee and Nahariya to drive meaningful, on-the-ground change. This Independence Day, their resilience and determination leave me hopeful for better days ahead.”
Dr. Idana Goldberg, CEO
Members of Rashi’s business forum talk about their social involvement and what motivates them.
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During the conflict, as residents of the north – particularly in Kiryat Shmona – were facing a complex situation, I felt we had a responsibility to act. Together with our staff, we mobilized to support homebound residents in the city. We made sure they received personal supplies, medications, and additional essential assistance. Ahead of Passover, it was especially important for us to visit them in person, and of course to provide the items they needed.
When the challenges in the north are so big, cross-sector partnership is essential for delivering timely, flexible, and effective responses. Collaborating with the Municipality of Kiryat Shmona and with Rashi enabled us to turn this commitment into meaningful action on the ground.”
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During the conflict, as residents of the north – particularly in K... Read More
“For us at MAX, community involvement is an integral part of our organizational identity. Especially in these times, it is our moral obligation to stand alongside the residents of the north. Understanding of the complex challenges facing the residents of Kiryat Shmona and its surroundings, it was important for us to take part in an initiative that brings some light, warmth, and a holiday spirit into the shelters.
The ability to create a dignified community holiday meal under conditions of uncertainty is the result of true partnership. We are proud of the collaboration that allowed us to ensure that despite the challenges, no resident would be alone on the Seder night. We will continue working to strengthen Israeli society and the communities that need us most.”
“For us at MAX, community involvement is an integral part of our organizational i... Read More
“In the aftermath of October 7, the business community mobilized in a significant way to support social initiatives across many diverse areas. This has also led to an expansion of Rashi’s Business Forum, which connects pressing needs in the social arena with professionals from various fields in the business sector.
It is a great privilege to be part of this outstanding community, to contribute professional expertise, and to take part in a partnership that drives meaningful, long-term change. Especially at this time, such connections are essential for enlarging the circle of impact and reaching additional audiences.”
“In the aftermath of October 7, the business community mobilized in a significant... Read More
