Jewish National Fund-USA Highlights Northern Israel's Urgent Needs
By Mia Sutton
Almost a year has passed since the devastating terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, shook Israel to its core. While much attention has focused on the immediate aftermath and recovery efforts, a silent crisis continues to unfold. Thousands of Israelis remain displaced, their lives upended and futures uncertain.
Russell Robinson, CEO of Jewish National Fund-USA, recently highlighted this overlooked humanitarian issue. "The story that is not being told is the inhumanity to the displaced people," Robinson explained. "These individuals left their homes with 24 hours' notice, not knowing if it would be for 24 hours, 24 days, or what has now become almost 11 months."
The scale of the displacement is staggering. Thousands of families live in cramped hotel rooms from Eilat in the south to Tiberias in the north. It's not uncommon to find three to five people sharing a single room, initially viewed as temporary, but that has lasted nearly a year.
While the Israeli government covers the cost of these accommodations for now, the challenges facing these displaced families go far beyond housing. Robinson points to many social issues that have emerged, including increases in alcohol and drug abuse, and domestic violence. The economic toll has been severe, with many losing their jobs and receiving only 60% of their previous salary from the government.
Parents face agonizing decisions about their children's education and future, adding to overwhelming stress. The uncertainty of when or if they can return home weighs heavily on the mental health of these displaced Israelis.
"The stress people are under is immense," Robinson said. "There are stories about fathers who have walked out... Nobody is talking about those people."
Many of those affected were already from low-income backgrounds, making their path to recovery even more challenging. Despite these obstacles, organizations like the Jewish National Fund-USA work tirelessly to support these communities. They provide therapy sessions, organize after-school activities, and facilitate community gatherings to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Looking to the future, Robinson remains optimistic. "You've got to believe. You've got to give them belief in tomorrow," he stated. Jewish National Fund-USA is committed to a reimagination plan for the affected areas, aiming to rebuild and create even stronger, more vibrant communities.
Jewish National Fund-USA’s leaders have created a plan for Israel’s north that enhances the organization's existing, far-reaching strategy that it has been implementing for years. Referred to as its “Reimagine” plan for northern Israel, a raft of initiatives will strengthen existing communities and bring people back home, while advancing population growth through
"We sell the unimaginable," Robinson exclaimed, highlighting Jewish National Fund-USA's dedication to transforming these areas and writing a new chapter for Israel's peripheral regions. As the country continues to heal and rebuild, the plight of these displaced Israelis serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impacts of conflict and the ongoing need for support and reimagination.
To support Jewish National Fund-USA’s on the ground efforts following the catastrophic events of October 7, visit jnf.org/supportisrael
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Russell Robinson, CEO of Jewish National Fund-USA, recently highlighted this overlooked humanitarian issue. "The story that is not being told is the inhumanity to the displaced people," Robinson explained. "These individuals left their homes with 24 hours' notice, not knowing if it would be for 24 hours, 24 days, or what has now become almost 11 months."
The scale of the displacement is staggering. Thousands of families live in cramped hotel rooms from Eilat in the south to Tiberias in the north. It's not uncommon to find three to five people sharing a single room, initially viewed as temporary, but that has lasted nearly a year.
While the Israeli government covers the cost of these accommodations for now, the challenges facing these displaced families go far beyond housing. Robinson points to many social issues that have emerged, including increases in alcohol and drug abuse, and domestic violence. The economic toll has been severe, with many losing their jobs and receiving only 60% of their previous salary from the government.
Parents face agonizing decisions about their children's education and future, adding to overwhelming stress. The uncertainty of when or if they can return home weighs heavily on the mental health of these displaced Israelis.
"The stress people are under is immense," Robinson said. "There are stories about fathers who have walked out... Nobody is talking about those people."
Many of those affected were already from low-income backgrounds, making their path to recovery even more challenging. Despite these obstacles, organizations like the Jewish National Fund-USA work tirelessly to support these communities. They provide therapy sessions, organize after-school activities, and facilitate community gatherings to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Looking to the future, Robinson remains optimistic. "You've got to believe. You've got to give them belief in tomorrow," he stated. Jewish National Fund-USA is committed to a reimagination plan for the affected areas, aiming to rebuild and create even stronger, more vibrant communities.
Jewish National Fund-USA’s leaders have created a plan for Israel’s north that enhances the organization's existing, far-reaching strategy that it has been implementing for years. Referred to as its “Reimagine” plan for northern Israel, a raft of initiatives will strengthen existing communities and bring people back home, while advancing population growth through
- Development of groundbreaking agricultural research centers
- Establishment of a world-class culinary institute (Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF)
- Expansion of startup hubs
- Increasing medical services
- Assisting with marketing for tourism destinations
- Building housing sites
- Creating Emergency Response Centers
- Supporting food technology development
- Investing in small businesses
- Increasing employment opportunities, and
- Continued development of youth and young leadership programs.
The Reimagine plan will include communities north of road 79, generally excluding Haifa, and including the Golan.
While some estimates suggest that 20-30% of the displaced people may not return to their original homes, this crisis also presents an opportunity for positive change. Robinson sees a chance to address long-standing issues in these often underserved and under-resourced regions."We sell the unimaginable," Robinson exclaimed, highlighting Jewish National Fund-USA's dedication to transforming these areas and writing a new chapter for Israel's peripheral regions. As the country continues to heal and rebuild, the plight of these displaced Israelis serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impacts of conflict and the ongoing need for support and reimagination.
To support Jewish National Fund-USA’s on the ground efforts following the catastrophic events of October 7, visit jnf.org/supportisrael