Jewish National Fund-USA Supports the People of Be’er Sheva With $1 Million Emergency Package

Be'er Sheva, Israel: June 25, 2025— Jewish National Fund-USA, a philanthropy trusted by Americans nationwide, is supporting the people of Be’er Sheva in southern Israel through a $1 million emergency response package. The support is in addition to the millions of philanthropic dollars the organization invests annually in the city.

As part of its response, Jewish National Fund-USA has mobilized its Alexander Muss High School in Israel campus in Be’er Sheva, which is assisting over 1,400 local residents directly impacted by the destruction caused by Iranian ballistic missiles. The campus was transformed into a large-scale logistics hub distributing clothing and providing medical and mental health support, food and meals, activities for children, and more. Residents were also able to bring their cherished pets with them.

“Our entire team shares the pain and anguish felt by the people of Be’er Sheva, whose beautiful community was callously attacked by Iran,” said Jewish National Fund-USA President, Deb Lust Zaluda. “Why do we feel this way? Because they are our family. We have worked with them for decades, investing millions to make their city one of the fastest growing – and most stunning – in the country. No one knows them like us.”

As part of the $1 million in additional funding to the people of Be’er Sheva, Jewish National Fund-USA is:

• Reaccommodating patients from the damaged Saroka hospital at our Jewish National Fund-USA-supported rehabilitation village
• Providing a vital mobile command and logistics center
• Organizing food for displaced residents
• Delivering emergency kits to families and older adults
• Operating a Russian-language hotline for isolated seniors
• Providing daycare for the children of hospital staff and leading art therapy sessions for evacuees throughout the city.
• Facilitating training to equip residents and municipal staff with the tools to manage building-level emergencies. Six facilitators have been trained, and the first online session for house committees—with 30 participants—has already been held.

Jewish National Fund-USA also helped:

• Operate a child-friendly playroom for families confined indoors
• Facilitate educational activities in bomb shelters
• Establish a safe space for toddlers in Writers Park, daily community gatherings in Baruch Garden, and training for emergency preparedness in apartment buildings in partnership with the Beer Sheva Municipality.

“Be’er Sheva is more than just a city—it’s a shining example of Israel’s strength, resilience, and pioneering spirit,” said Jewish National Fund-USA Chairman, Dr. Sol Lizerbram. “From the very first hours of this emergency, as missiles fell, we were there, ready to support the urgent needs of the people. Those on the frontlines and the families affected by terror must know they are not alone.”

Jewish National Fund-USA has worked with the city of Be'er Sheva for decades as part of its Circles of Impact strategy,  creating a River Park, 12,000 seat ampitheater, playgrounds, and small business association, along with large-scale employment iniatives. Most recently, the organization announced plans to build a 16-acre $350 million World Zionist Village in the heart of the city to spark the greatest conversation ever had about the future of Zionism. 

The organization has already delivered hundreds of bomb shelters, provided trauma support, and funded emergency fire and rescue equipment throughout Israel’s North and South as part of its broader commitment to securing – both physically and communally – the future of Israel’s frontier regions.

Jewish National Fund-USA to Showcase Impact in Florida this October.

Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel, taking place in Hollywood, Florida, this October 23-26, will highlight the organization’s ongoing impact. Attendees will meet and hear from those making a difference in the lives of the people of Israel and discover how they, too, can make a difference. To register, visit jnf.org/global. 

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About Jewish National Fund-USA

Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist engagement. The organization’s circle of impact extends beyond individual projects, generating a ripple effect that drives population growth and economic development in Israel’s north and south. From developing new communities in the Negev and Galilee to advancing environmental sustainability, supporting people with disabilities, preserving heritage sites, and connecting the next generation to Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic approach ensures every initiative strengthens the fabric of Israeli society. The organization also operates the fully accredited Alexander Muss High School in Israel, offering an immersive study-abroad experience driven by academic excellence. Learn more at jnf.org.