Be Inspired: Jewish National Fund-USA is bringing young people back to the North and South

From Evacuation to Action: Young Leaders Revive Kiryat Shmona

Months after being evacuated, young adults from a Jewish National Fund-USA-supported College Student community in Kiryat Shmona (next to the Lebanese border) returned—not just to visit but to rebuild. Determined to make a difference, they spent two days cleaning up, weeding, planting, and bringing life back to a city that had been left empty for too long. Their efforts weren’t just about beautification—they were about resilience, renewal, and taking ownership of their home.

It was powerful, it was meaningful, and it’s just the beginning! Recently, communities across Israel came together to celebrate Tu Bishvat. Jewish National Fund-USA's MAKOM Communities marked the occasion by planting new trees in hundreds of communities, deepening their connection to the land and to each other.

In Ma’alot, also in Israel's north, a Jewish National Fund-USA-supported community invited residents to the community garden for a particularly meaningful event—planting trees in memory of local fallen soldiers. Their families were honored as part of the ceremony, creating a powerful moment of remembrance and resilience. It was a tribute not only to their sacrifice but also to the enduring strength of the community.

Rebuilding Together in Difficult Times

In these difficult times for Israel, as we mourn the return of the Bibas babies' bodies, and their mother's, our spirit will not break—we remain committed to rebuilding and strengthening our communities.

This week, young adult leaders supported by Jewish National Fund-USA introduced bold new initiatives for attracting young adults to the North and South. The energy in the room was inspiring—driven individuals with a spark in their eyes, choosing life, community, unity, and partnership. They are eager to take part in this national mission, not just as an act of service, but as a choice to build thriving communities and a stronger future. We’re planning more of these gatherings in the near future, excited to bring more people into these new communities and reignite hope for a brighter tomorrow.

We Packed Our Bags and Moved Here Because This Is Where We’re Needed Most

As part of Jewish National Fund-USA's dynamic network of community-building organizations, dozens of young educators have moved to Israel’s north and south, choosing to make these border communities their home. They’re not just filling houses—they’re bringing life back into them. By supporting families and rebuilding daily life, they’re ensuring these communities don’t just recover but thrive. Their presence is about more than rebuilding; it’s about reviving a way of life rooted in community and resilience that has shaped Israel for generations.

The impact has been immediate. One educator shared, “I saw the joy on people’s faces when they realized we had actually moved here.” The arrival of these young families and leaders has been a game-changer—restoring hope, strengthening connections, and proving that the spirit of these communities is stronger than the hardships they have endured.

Meanwhile in Sderot, educators have expanded their community from 60 to 100 members, offering year-round programs and after-school activities for hundreds of children. In a city that has faced immense challenges, they’re providing stability, hope, and a brighter future.

Through resilience, unity, and action, Jewish National Fund-USA communities across Israel continue to be a beacon of hope, rebuilding lives and strengthening the nation from within. The journey is far from over, but together, we are making an undeniable impact.

Support the future of Israel's north and south at jnf.org/supportisrael

By motivating scores of Israelis in overcrowded cities to move to these regions, Jewish National Fund-USA is dramatically changing Israel’s landscape. Crucial to moving hundreds of thousands of people to the North and South is working with affiliate MAKOM, a network of communities focused on empowering and revitalizing towns and villages in the Negev and Galilee. MAKOM members are volunteers who help to connect people and improve the quality of life through innovative programs in the fields of employment, culture, education, and welfare.