Following up on the emergency update, we are now several weeks past the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Life in the country and in Jerusalem is slowly returning to its pre-Iran war routine. However, the impact of those intense weeks continues to be deeply felt across the city.
Jerusalem is Israel’s largest and most diverse city, home to a wide range of communities—Jews and Arabs, secular and religious, and people of all faiths. Each community has its own unique needs, yet all are affected by times of emergency.
The Jerusalem Foundation sees it as its responsibility to remain closely engaged with local organizations and communities, monitoring evolving needs and stepping in where support is most needed.
The Jerusalem Foundation continues to respond and adapt to urgent and emerging needs. Among the most pressing:
Jerusalem Community Centers – Community centers across the city have become vital hubs of support, providing access to public shelters, emotional and physical care, food deliveries, and enrichment activities—both online and in person—for vulnerable residents and children. Looking ahead, these centers are working to establish comprehensive, long-term support systems that address both immediate and ongoing needs. This includes emotional support and emergency assistance for families of reserve soldiers; preserving and strengthening volunteer and community leadership teams, incorporating lessons learned for improved future response; providing professional training in areas such as resilience, first aid, mediation, and conflict resolution (particularly for managing tensions around shelter access); and offering appreciation, recovery, and wellbeing activities for staff and volunteers who have carried the burden throughout the crisis. Increased funding is essential to sustain and expand these critical efforts.
Welfare, Health & Community Support – In partnership with the Municipality, local organizations are delivering food, mental health care, and shelter services, while also supporting single mothers, people with disabilities, refugees, and others without family support. These programs offer both immediate relief and a sense of stability, but continued operation depends on sustained funding.
Support for East Jerusalem – Following recent events, it is clear that emergency teams in East Jerusalem—and the training they receive—must be strengthened well in advance to ensure they are fully prepared to respond swiftly when crises arise. At the same time, community initiatives continue to address urgent needs, including the cleaning and preparation of long-neglected bomb shelters to prevent future unpreparedness. Culturally adapted mental health programs and resilience workshops in Arabic are also underway, helping communities build strength, stability, and readiness for the challenges ahead.
We continue to hope for the well-being of all Jerusalem’s residents, the safe return of the hostages, and a future of lasting peace for Israel. Your support during this time is both meaningful and deeply appreciated.
For details regarding specific programs in need of support click here