How can life go on after the catastrophe?
Reconstruction of the kibbutz communities in the south of Israel
Kibbutz Be’eri, Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Kibbutz Nir Oz, Kibbutz Nir’im, these are all names we associate with the massacre of October 7 and the hostages abducted into the Gaza Strip. The destruction of the kibbutzim and their communities is a tragedy, and the affected communities will need many years to process what has happened and to rebuild their communal life.
One year after the terrorist attacks, some residents have already returned to their kibbutzim, while others are expected to return only in three to four years. They all face the challenge of how life can continue after the catastrophe of October 7, 2023. The kibbutzim need not only material support, but also assistance in coping with the trauma and rebuilding their communal life.
Yossi Zamir, Shatil Stock 2023.
Mourning together, rebuilding together for a holistic recovery
Hechalutz – HaMidrasha at Oranim is an organization inspired by the spirit of the Zionist pioneering movement and humanistic Judaism, committed to building a democratic, free, equal, and peaceful society. To this end, the organization offers educational and volunteer programs as well as leadership training for young adults in Israel.
In cooperation with the Kibbutz Movement, the largest umbrella organization of the kibbutzim in Israel, Hechalutz specifically supports young people in returning to the kibbutzim affected by October 7, 2023, providing them with counseling and further training opportunities.
Are people from the kibbutz returning to their homes, or are they settling permanently elsewhere? What does it mean for a community to live together after so many members have been murdered, abducted, or traumatized? How should and can these events be remembered? How can a community succeed in making collective decisions and in bringing together both long-time residents and new members of the kibbutz? Addressing these and other important questions requires moderation, mentoring, and extensive expertise.
Based on the needs in the affected kibbutzim, Hechalutz will establish support groups, particularly for young people within the kibbutzim, train them as leaders in their communities, and strengthen the networks between the different kibbutzim. The goal is to reinforce the kibbutz communities and to promote democratic communal life over the coming years.
EUR
Donations so far
EUR
Donations needed
How Your Support for Network Israel Makes an Impact
Marianna Belenkaya, Shatil Stock, 2023,
All Rights Reserved
Strengthening the Democratic
Civil Society
In the extraordinary emergency since October 7, 2023, we support actors who are committed to providing for people and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Ruthe Zuntz, 2022,
All Rights Reserved
Help That Reaches Its Destination
100% of your donations go directly to projects in Israel.
New Israel Fund, 2023,
All Rights Reserved
Needs-Based
Support
We are in close contact with our partner organizations and continuously identify where urgent help is needed.
Help Now!
YOUR Donation Counts!
Dr. Tamara Or
Managing Director, German-Israeli Future Forum Foundation, Credit: Ruthe Zuntz
Since October 7, Israeli civil society has been doing incredible work to support those directly affected, alleviate collective pain, and strengthen social cohesion. For us at the German-Israeli Future Forum, it is very important to support the democratic civil society in these challenges. That’s why we are grateful to be part of Network Israel.
Dr. Felix Klein
Federal Government Commissioner for Jewish Life in Germany and the Fight against Antisemitism
Since the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, support for the Israeli population and their resilience has faded into the background. The people in Israel, the only Jewish and democratic state worldwide, need and deserve our support. In this current, perhaps most severe crisis since the country’s founding, it is only logical that Network Israel, an initiative of German organizations, directly supports Holocaust survivors, internally displaced persons, and others directly affected by the terror.
Dr. Amir Theilhaber
Chairman of New Israel Fund (NIF) Germany e.V., Credit: Tom Hauzenberger
Israel and its people are close to our hearts. The war since the Hamas massacres on October 7, 2023, has shaken Israel and highlighted the cracks and flaws in the Israeli social contract. A wide spectrum of civil society actors in Israel needs support – including from Germany. Network Israel makes it possible to contribute to this. Help with your donation for a just Israel for all its inhabitants, at peace with its neighbors.
Dr. Juliane Solf
Managing Director of AMCHA Germany e.V.
At least since October 7, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has once again come to the attention of the world public. Little is said about the consequences of the terror for the Israeli civilian population. Yet the psychosocial emergency in Israel has since become greater than ever before. I am pleased that with Network Israel we can contribute to the work of AMCHA Israel, which supports Holocaust survivors in coping with old and new traumas.