Published in collaboration with UJA-Federation of New York
The return of residents to their homes in the North presents significant challenges. In cities and communities that were evacuated by government order—and even in those that were not—problems continue to mount. And the state, as described by northern residents, is failing to provide an adequate response. Just as on October 7, North American Jewish philanthropy has stepped into the void, joining forces with local municipal leadership.
Though the war is not yet over, recovery efforts—designed with a long-term vision—are in full swing, ranging from the establishment of emergency command centers and the training of professional teams to the development of educational programs for youth and the broader community, as well as initiatives to strengthen resilience.
"The current reality includes a complete lack of security and uncertainty about what will happen on the enemy’s side," says Benny Ben-Muvhar, head of the Mevo'ot HaHermon Regional Council. "Among the consequences we’re seeing are young children who have resumed bedwetting, kids who refuse to leave their parents’ bed because they got used to sleeping together in hotels over the past year, as well as issues like lack of motivation, violence, and avoidance behaviors."
Ben-Muvhar stresses that "this isn’t about fixing a community center or repairing a traffic circle damaged by a tank. This is an ongoing mission that requires top-tier professionals—who must also be willing to relocate to the North. We are building return-home plans that look five years ahead in order to begin addressing the emotional and psychological needs of our people."
"The state isn’t doing enough to bring residents back to the region," says Ben-Muvhar. "For example, some homes weren’t just damaged by rockets—they were also affected by mold and rodents. People have to throw out all their clothing and replace their kitchen cabinets. If a comprehensive plan isn’t put in place to deal with these issues, some residents simply won’t return. We’re also closely watching what’s happening on the other side of the border: the Lebanese army hasn’t deployed, and this situation is creating a lot of pressure."
Despite suffering numerous rocket attacks, the city of Nahariya was never evacuated. "For months of war, the people of Nahariya have shown resilience and strength, and there were some incredibly difficult days," says Mayor Ronen Marelly.
"Here in Nahariya, we have just 15 seconds to take cover. If you’re driving with two children, you have mere seconds to find a place to stop, get the kids out, and lie down on the ground. If you live on the third floor and need to run downstairs to a shelter—the pressure is immense. It’s a distressing reality."
From the very start of the war, UJA-Federation of New York made a firm commitment to stand with the residents of the North and assist them in any way necessary. "In the early days of October, we made a strategic decision to focus on the North and support the immense needs of its communities," says Itzik Shmuli, CEO of UJA Federation office in Israel.
"UJA-Federation of New York has been the largest supporter of the North since the war began. So far, we have invested hundreds of millions of shekels in emergency aid for more than 100 frontline communities—whose fate has proven to be critical as the war has dragged on. In fact, there isn’t a single kibbutz, village, or moshav from Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights to the Haifa and Nahariya coastline where we are not present.
At the same time, we are backing the enormous efforts of emergency organizations and hospitals, providing urgent educational programs for children, and addressing trauma and the economic collapse affecting so many residents. The communities of the North are facing immense threats and an extremely difficult reality: trauma, loss of livelihood, financial ruin for countless families, and communities that have been scattered in all directions."
According to Shmuli, UJA Federation continues to invest significant resources in urgent emergency needs related to healing communities, rebuilding towns and villages, and bringing evacuees back home. However, its commitment extends far beyond that. The organization has already announced its intention to continue supporting recovery and long-term growth efforts in the coming years.
“They have invested a significant amount in the city—building reinforced security rooms, purchasing life-saving equipment, training the local civil guard, reinforcing emergency courses, assisting the education system, and funding various public initiatives aimed at strengthening community resilience,” explains Marelly. “At the end of the day, they’ve given us a real boost. It has made us feel the strength of our people and the deep bond between Israel and the Jewish diaspora.”
5 View gallery
Itzik Shmuli with Benny Ben-Muvhar, Head of the Mevo'ot HaHermon Regional Council
(Photo: Yarden Cohen)
Ben-Muvhar adds, “Since the beginning of the war, there is no area where the Federation’s aid hasn’t made an impact. From projects addressing mental health and resilience to recreational activities for relief—these are just a few examples.”
Estimates indicate that nearly 100,000 northern residents were evacuated. Marelly argues that, in his view, "Evacuation is a grave mistake. If we all evacuate, the next war will reach the Krayot. In this war, rockets have already hit everywhere. Evacuation also weakens resilience and disrupts community life. The solution is strong defense—and if necessary, strong offense."
The government provided evacuees with hotel accommodations and financial assistance, but significant gaps remain, including education frameworks, emotional support for trauma victims, and more. “The main burden falls on civil society and philanthropy,” Shmuli emphasizes. “We have supported and continue to support local municipalities and communities, helping them grow stronger and ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place so they can support their residents. Strengthening the communities is one of the critical keys to overcoming this crisis and emerging stronger.”
Ben-Muvhar agrees, stating, “Without the philanthropic foundations that supported us during the war, we wouldn’t have survived. We would have lost even more people along the way. As a council of 9,000 residents, we lost 33 evacuees who passed away due to sorrow, insecurity, uncertainty, and loneliness—the list goes on. Now, the government must focus on rehabilitation, healing, and long-term planning that looks 20 years ahead.”
Shmuli outlines UJA’s vision: “Our goal is to revitalize and rebuild the regions that were devastated, both in the North and the South—together with the communities and residents. Right now, a large portion of the population is unsure whether they will return to their homes. In my view, this represents a significant challenge: to restore trust and rebuild the Negev, the Golan, and the Galilee—not only for ideological and national reasons but also to ensure these regions offer better opportunities in education, employment, and every other aspect of life. We are committed to this and are here to stay.”
He concludes, “The Jewish world understands that this war is a battle for the national home of the entire Jewish people, which is why we are seeing an extraordinary mobilization to support Israel. UJA-Federation of New York is at the forefront of this effort. We face a significant task—to rebuild, and to do it better. This is an opportunity to make progress—and to see it through.”
Published in collaboration with UJA-Federation of New York
