Straight from Israel
October 7 forever changed the lives of the residents of the Israel Envelope in a myriad of ways. Every experience is unique. Here are two examples of how the Israeli people were impacted and how they are bravely rebuilding their lives.
Sha’ar Ha Negev
Over 10,000 people lived in the beautiful Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council before October 7. After October 7th, 11 of their 12 communities were evacuated and residents were relocated throughout Israel. As of August, approximately 70% of the population has returned home!
Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council is bounded on the west by the Gaza Strip and is located in the north-western Negev midway between Be’er Sheva and Ashkelon. The city of Sderot forms an enclave within Sha'ar HaNegev. It is one of four Regional Councils in the Southern Region of Israel.
Maia Ifrah, Director of International Relations and Partnerships for the Sha’ar Ha Negev Regional Council, says “Jewish National Fund-USA has been by our side from the very beginning. Initially, they supported us by providing protective equipment for emergency teams and helped with the evacuation of one of our communities. Later, they assisted in establishing education centers within the evacuation centers, including programs for children and youth.”
To support the 3,800 children who were initially evacuated, JNF-USA helped create a framework to provide structure to the children’s days until 4 pm and 200 educational networks were established. Almost 1000 new teachers were recruited. Animal therapy, art, sports, horseback riding, surfing, camping, outdoor activities, theater, robotics, and crafting were just some of the programs supporting the displaced children. Comprehensive youth programs in the hotels where the evacuees were and are being temporarily housed addressed and continue to address the needs of over 500 teens. Initiatives for at-risk youth have been created, including mentoring and art studios. Over 100 new therapists have been hired to staff the Resilience Centers, which are more essential than ever.
Members of the communities Nahal Oz and Kfar Aza will not be returning home for one to two years as those kibbutzim need to be rebuilt, but some of the K’far Aza families will be moving to Ruchama, another community in Sha’ar HaNegev in October. The return of communities back to Sha’ar HaNegev is being facilitated with “Place-based Education,” which connects people to the community, place, and land. The mental healing that children, adults, and the elderly need upon return is supported with weekend retreats, healing circles, yoga, martial arts, painting, singing and more.
“Together with JNF-USA, we continue to work on projects initiated even before October 7th. In the aftermath of that dark Sabbath, we've been working tirelessly with our friends at JNF-USA on seven projects, including rebuilding our communities, fostering volunteerism, and bringing the late Mayor Ofir Libstein's dream of a regional athletic field at the Sha'ar HaNegev Education Campus to life. Additionally, we're embarking on new projects such as renovating the Hydrotherapy Center, completing the Operation Center in the council, and setting up Emergency Response Centers in the communities,” states Maia Ifrah.
“Furthermore, we've been immensely fortunate to receive support from solidarity delegations and volunteers who have been tirelessly working in the communities to make them welcoming for the returning residents. The support from JNF-USA has been invaluable to us, and we consider them courageous partners on our journey toward rehabilitation.”
Arad
Miraculously, Arad escaped the horrors of October 7th and provided a haven for approximately 400 people from the Israel Envelope. Some of these families decided to make Arad their permanent home. "Accepting and welcoming the people who came from [near] the Gaza Strip contributed to the strengthening and unity in Arad during these difficult times of ongoing war,” said Kfir Levy, personal assistant and consultant to the Arad Mayor’s Office.
Arad was originally settled in 1962 as the first Israeli planned city by young ex-kibbutzniks and moshavniks seeking an environment free of overcrowding, traffic and noise pollution. Today Arad is a growing, diverse city whose 32,000 residents are Jewish, Bedouin, Christian and Druze. Located just 30 minutes from Be’ersheva, it is on the border of the Judean and Negev Deserts, close to Masada and the Dead Sea. The desert serenity and the seemingly endless blue sky made this town a tourist attraction. Arad is affectionately named “The Gateway to the Desert.” Arad is an integral part of Jewish National Fund-USA's Blueprint Negev plan intended to provide 500,000 people with necessary infrastructure, employment, health care, housing, education, and amenities so they can thrive in the Negev.
Raya Relui-Kletman, age 38 and her family have settled in Arad, but the move took a few twists and turns. She and her family had made the decision 2 years ago to leave their Be’ersheva life and move to Kibbutz Urim in the Israel Envelope. They were excited to raise their 3 children safely in its open spaces. The October 7 massacre drastically changed their lives. Fortunately, the family was abroad on October 7. They returned on October 11 directly to the home of friends in Rehovot, suitcases in hand. Terrified to travel south, they remained in Rehovot for 2 months.
Having lived in Arad throughout her high school years, the decision to go to Arad rather than return to Urim seemed the logical place for Raya and her family to find safety and peace. Arad was familiar and Raya had a base of friends in the community.
Raya and her family feel good about their new life, its culture and its opportunities for growth. Raya’s husband works as an engineer from home and Raya continues her social worker job. “Arad is a warm, welcoming city. Life feels almost normal. I feel I can manage and do everything to make sure my kids are protected and safe."
Likewise, the people of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council want the supporters of JNF-USA to know that “With your support, light will triumph over darkness.”
Please support JNF-USA’s important work to help these people move beyond the horrors of October 7th so that they can rebuild their lives and move forward. CLICK HERE for more information on JNF-USA’s Rebuild Campaign.
Written by Miriam Seiden, Arad Task Force Member, and Lynette Feit Buzen, Vice Chair - Women for Israel Newsletter, Chair Long Island Board of Directors