Investing with Insight: How Federation Is Meeting Israel’s Current Needs

In Israel, needs are evolving rapidly—and responding effectively requires trusted partnerships, real-time insight, and the ability to act decisively. Thanks to our donors, Global Committee members, and longstanding relationships throughout Israel and in our Partnership Region, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta is able to invest where it matters most, at moments when the impact is greatest. 

All of these investments are made only after listening carefully to needs on the ground and assessing the broader response in Israel—ensuring that Federation’s support amplifies existing efforts rather than replaces them, and fills critical gaps where it can make the greatest difference. 

Through our Israel & Jews Worldwide impact area, Federation has recently made targeted investments in organizations addressing the most urgent realities facing Israeli communities today—particularly those still navigating displacement, trauma, and prolonged uncertainty following October 7 and the ongoing war. 

“While we continue to celebrate the return of the hostages and ceasefire agreements, we are keenly aware that the work needed to rebuild and recover is immense and far from over. One of Judaism’s most important values is the concept that all Jews are responsible for one another. As such, through the generosity of our community, Federation, through an expanding network of Israel-based partners, is putting this value into action daily and ensuring that our Israeli brothers and sisters are not forgotten,” said Rich Walter, Federation’s Chief Impact Officer. 

One example is the Sha’ar HaNegev Resilience Village, the first regional resilience village of its kind, created to support children, families, and professionals coping with sustained trauma. Communities in this region—including Kibbutz Nahal Oz and other Gaza envelope communities directly impacted by the October 7 attacks—have experienced repeated evacuations, loss, and instability. Demand for trauma-informed services has far exceeded existing capacity, making this investment critical to ensuring emotional recovery is treated as a core part of rebuilding. 

In the north, Federation is supporting a Children’s Play Center in Shlomi, a town deeply affected by long-term evacuation. As families begin returning after extended displacement, there is a critical shortage of safe, supportive spaces for young children to play, process emotions, and regain a sense of normalcy. This project recognizes that rebuilding communities must start with caring for their youngest members. Federation’s support has also helped spark renewed activity in the surrounding neighborhood, including the reopening of a local pizza shop.

Federation has also invested in temporary assistance for families from Nahal Oz who remain unable to return home. While the immediate crisis may no longer dominate headlines, these families continue to live in limbo—displaced, financially strained, and uncertain about the future. 

“Each family that has not yet returned home carries its own reason, its own story. For many of us, it is our children who are still struggling with trauma and anxiety, and simply are not ready. The support we receive is not only financial. It is deeply moving to feel that someone truly sees us, understands our reality, and cares. This connection, this sense that we are not facing this alone, gives us strength and hope during an incredibly difficult time,” said Naomi Petel, a Nahal Oz resident impacted by this support. 

“Being on the ground in Israel allows us to see, in real time, where the needs truly are and how quickly they evolve. What communities are facing today goes far beyond immediate emergency response. Federation’s strength is its ability to listen, adapt, and respond through trusted local partnerships, ensuring support reaches people exactly when and where it is needed most. 

I only wish Atlanta donors could hear the feedback we receive from every organization we support. Again and again, they speak not only of gratitude for the funding, but of the deep reassurance that they are not alone. It truly feels like one family caring for one another, especially in moments of uncertainty and recovery,” said Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan, Director of Israel Impact and Federation Representative in Israel. 

Economic recovery is another urgent priority. Through Jewish Agency for Israel programs supporting small business owners, Federation is helping entrepreneurs whose livelihoods were disrupted or destroyed begin rebuilding—strengthening both individual families and the communities they sustain. 

Federation is also responding to the immense strain on families of reservists through support for the Wives of Reservists network, which serves tens of thousands of spouses managing households, children, and emotional stress alone—often far longer than initially expected. Earlier this year, leaders from this network addressed Federation’s annual Lion/Progenerate luncheon, underscoring the importance of this work. 

What unites these investments is precision and trust. Because of our deep partnerships in Israel, Federation doesn’t have to guess where help is needed. We listen, learn, and respond with intention—ensuring donor dollars are deployed effectively and responsibly. 

For our Atlanta community, this means confidence that your generosity is making a real difference—strengthening lives, restoring stability, and reinforcing the bonds of the global Jewish family when it matters most.