Jerusalem, May 23, 2024 – The Jewish Agency for Israel is launching Communities2Gether, a new initiative that connects Israeli communities impacted by the Swords of Iron War with Jewish communities around the world to foster solidarity and support for rebuilding. Leveraging over 30 years of experience with the Partnership2Gether program, The Jewish Agency created the program to meet the pressing needs of Gaza border communities as they rebuild.

Each impacted Israeli town or kibbutz is paired with a Jewish community abroad that is committed to offering sustained support for at least three years. Through funding, resources and personal connections, these partnerships will help rebuild infrastructure, mend social bonds and foster lasting connections. Communities2Gether is supported by the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod, with The Jewish Agency’s shared goal of leaving no community behind.

“We initiated Communities2Gether only days following October 7th—a response empowered by the relationships and infrastructure we’ve developed over the past 30 years,” said Lori Klinghoffer, chair of Partnerships on The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors.  “Having been part of that evolution since the very early days and realizing that today, I am proud to say we are uniquely positioned to meet the unprecedented needs of our beloved communities in the Western Negev who suffered extensive damage during the war.”

There are currently 25 Israeli communities being paired with Jewish communities around the world, who are committed to providing $250,000 per each of the three years. Some of these are existing Partnerships, but most are an additional or new Partnership – where global communities who are already in Partnership with an Israeli community are moved to double the staff and funding resources so they can add a Partnership with a community impacted by the war.

Each pairing will have a team comprised of two representatives of the Israeli community, the global community and The Jewish Agency to help determine each community’s needs. The idea of these joint teams, beyond solidarity, is to encourage the Israeli communities who are deep in survival mode to plan ahead. While their immediate needs are understandably urgent – mattresses, kitchen utensils, etc. – it is harder to focus on the longer term. This three-year partnership will then help these communities devise a road map to recovery, so that the support will address their long term needs as well. It is assumed the Israeli communities’ needs will grow once they are able to return home.

Jewish Agency CEO Amira Ahronoviz: “We will work to strengthen Gaza border communities and ensure that no town, kibbutz or moshav will be left alone. Communities2Gether is the tangible expression of the fact that today the Jewish people stand behind the State of Israel and its citizens, while Israel is committed to the well-being of the Jewish people, wherever they may be.”

The Jewish Agency is providing the infrastructure for Communities2Gether and is working with the Israeli government’s Tekuma Authority as well as local municipalities to ensure there are no duplicate efforts and to coordinate rebuilding efforts.

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About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.