From War to Recovery: Post-War Activity Report

Amid the chaos of war, the Jewish Agency's activities and vision remained clear: to support residents of Israel's southern frontline communities in every way possible. From the emotional to the financial, we were there, on the ground, helping individuals and communities - in the present, as in the past, and looking to the future. Now, as the cease-fire takes hold, we are helping to rebuild and restore, working with local partners to identify needs and bolster the region.

We have compiled a report on our activities during Operation Cast Lead in order to take stock as we move forward. Through the eyes of the individuals and their stories below, we invite you to understand the breadth and impact of our activities as the shadow of the war lifts and a new day begins. Click here for full report.

SOS Emergency Funds for Victims of Terror

Moshe Ben Hamo receives support from the Jewish Agency's SOS Emergency Fund for Victims of Terror; Photograph: Jordan Polevoy

Moshe Ben Hamo was visiting his elderly parents in Sderot when a Kassam rocket fell nearby - injuring Moshe and damaging his parent's home. Within 24 hours, the entire Ben Hamo family received financial assistance from the Jewish Agency's SOS Emergency Fund to cover expenses for medical treatment and physical repairs.

Since December 24, 2008 emergency assistance was provided immediately to more than 110 victims, totaling in excess of $100,000. This assistance was provided by the Jewish Agency's SOS Emergency Fund which, founded in 2007 as part of the Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror, provides immediate financial assistance to help with urgent initial arrangements. Following the ceasefire, the Fund for Victims of Terror, created by United Jewish Communities and Keren Hayesod, continues to work to help victims receive the longer term solutions to their ongoing needs.  Read more

Respite Programs for Southern Youth

Rivka Boim and her children enjoy a Jewish Agency Respite Day at the Ramat Gan Safari, away from their home on the southern border; Photograph: Azri Samin

On January 13th 2009, Rivka Boim and her five children got off the bus at the Safari in Ramat Gan like any other Israeli family - but unlike other Israeli families, the Boims had spent the previous few weeks living on the frontlines, their children unable to play outdoors for weeks on end.

Responding to the need for children and their families to escape from the terror and trauma and restore their spirits, the Jewish Agency mobilized to operate daily and multiple-day respite activities for more than 35,000 children and youth from southern Israel. Activities included overnight trips, nature hikes, tours of historical sites and cultural events. Participants, from communities across the south, were divided by age - each group went to different attractions in the center of the country including the Ramat Gan Safari and sites in Jerusalem - and many were joined by their parents. Overall, the Respite Activities were an incredible success, expressing our solidarity with those most directly impacted by the war: Israel's children.Read more

Creative Therapy for New Immigrants
at Absorption Centers

New immigrant children at Kalisher Absorption Center in Beer Sheva benefitting from a creative therapy session

Marag, age 11, lives at Kalisher Absorption Center. When the war first broke out, the sirens scared him tremendously. "I used to cry a lot when they'd first go off," Marag recalls. "I thought something was wrong with me because I couldn't stop crying, I was so scared."

Mobilizing to ensure the safety and wellbeing of more than 3,000 new immigrants living in Jewish Agency Absorption Centers in southern Israel, the Jewish Agency's absorption center professionals worked tirelessly, giving them the life skills and tools they needed to persevere through the crisis. Workshops and respite outings were implemented and hotlines were set up for both absorption center residents and staff. For the young immigrant children, alternative forms of therapy were used to help them address through their emotions and anxieties, including bibliotherapy, drama therapy, and small group counseling. Programs were also held in Hebrew for children, to ensure that despite the crisis they would not fall behind in their language attainment, and thus be able to resume their transition to Israeli life just as soon as the crisis was over. Read more

For more personal stories and information about the Jewish Agency's efforts during Operation Cast Lead - including our full-length report - please visit our Resources page. Read more