Archives: Projects

The Jerusalem Foundation, Inc. has appointed Rabbi Joy Levitt as its new Chief Executive Officer in the United States. Rabbi Levitt helped to build one of the largest and most successful Jewish Community Centers in North America. Under her leadership, she created deep partnerships with cultural, political, educational, and social service organizations throughout Israel.

 

“It is an honor to work with the extraordinary staff in Jerusalem to help strengthen the daily life of all of Jerusalem’s residents.  I was inspired to come to the Foundation by Shai Doron, z’l, whose dedication to Jerusalem was unparalleled. There has never been a more important time to bring critical resources to the city that so many people around the world call a spiritual home. We can do this work because members of the board and supporters all over the country understand that, in this most challenging time for Israel, we must both do what we can to help right now and plan for better days ahead.”  Joy Levitt

 

Steven G. Scheinfeld is the new Chairman of The Jerusalem Foundation in the United States. Mr. Scheinfeld takes the helm as Alan G. Hassenfeld becomes Chair Emeritus following a long and distinguished tenure.  Mr. Hassenfeld will continue to provide guidance and wisdom as a member of the board.

 

“It has been an honor and inspiration to work for the city of Jerusalem since the days of the legendary Mayor Teddy Kollek.  I know that Steve will now lead us forward and I will continue to be part of this work.”  Alan Hassenfeld

 

Mr. Scheinfeld has been a long-time member of the Board of Directors, was the recipient of a Builders of Jerusalem Award in 2016 and brings many years of experience working with and advising private, public and not-for-profit boards.

 

“I have worked closely with Alan Hassenfeld and other Board members for over 20 years and look forward to continuing to work with them and our many other friends and partners in Jerusalem to advance our important mission, which is even more critical now than it’s ever been.” Steve Scheinfeld

 

“I want to express my deep gratitude and thanks to Alan Hassenfeld for his passion for Jerusalem that I know will endure.  We are excited to work with both Steve and Joy and to further our partnership to strengthen the city of Jerusalem and all its residents.” Zvi Agmon, Chairman of the Jerusalem Foundation

 

The Jerusalem Foundation Inc. works closely with the Jerusalem Foundation in Israel.

A Q&A with Daniella Seltzer, Co-Founder of Jerusalem Food Rescuers

 

 

The Jerusalem Foundation elevates young leaders like Daniella Seltzer, who co-founded and now co-directs Jerusalem Food Rescuers (JLM Food Rescuers). The Foundation’s commitment to nurturing civil society has strengthened since October 7, as a new generation of leaders drives the city toward its potential as a shining example of communal strength and shared society.

 

Since the war began, JLM Food Rescuers has received around 3,500 new requests for food support, including from those who previously received aid but were cut off due to the conflict, individuals unable to work in the initial months, and evacuees who arrived in Jerusalem to stay in hotels or temporary apartments. Additionally, food prices have spiked significantly.

 

Food insecurity in Jerusalem is a multifaceted issue, deeply intertwined with the city’s economic and social challenges. Approximately 40% of Jerusalem’s population lives below the poverty line, with significant disparities affecting large families, the elderly, and minority groups, including Arabs and the ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) community.

 

Ahead of Daniella’s upcoming visit to Canada on behalf of the Jerusalem Foundation of Canada (Shaar Shalom in Halifax, Sept 6 and Beth Tzedec in Toronto, Sept 9), we asked her about the current food security landscape in Jerusalem. See why she believes this period of upheaval presents a unique opportunity to galvanize municipal support for strengthening food resilience and addressing systemic vulnerabilities.

 

 

 

Q: Food Rescuers states that “current food systems are being holistically challenged to provide permanent and reliable access to local, diversified, just, and healthy food for all.” For those unfamiliar, what does food insecurity look like in Jerusalem? And, how does food insecurity manifest in Jerusalem, and what are the primary challenges in addressing it?

 

A: Jerusalem’s food insecurity stems from economic barriers. Despite having markets and food vendors within reach, many residents struggle to afford healthy food due to financial constraints. This results in diets that are high in calories but deficient in essential nutrients. The problem is particularly severe in areas with dense populations of vulnerable groups, like the Haredi and Palestinian communities.

 

In Jerusalem, food insecurity is marked by the prevalence of cheap, less nutritious food options despite the physical availability of markets. The city’s economic strain compels many families to opt for these less healthy choices. Although government assistance programs such as income support and food vouchers exist, they often lack coherence and effectiveness, and also support a small minority of those that should be getting support, that is, there is a substantial gap between the number of families that receive food vouchers and the number living below the poverty line. These programs frequently suffer from limited reach, insufficient resources, and lack of coordination, making it challenging to meet the needs of all those living in poverty.

 

Geographic and social barriers further complicate access to these services, particularly in marginalized communities. Charitable food services also face inconsistency in supply and quality, as they often rely on donations, which makes stable support difficult to guarantee.

 

 

 

 

Q: How do the JLM Food Rescuers address these challenges, and what role do they play in the food security landscape?

 

A: The JLM Food Rescuers play a critical role in tackling food insecurity in a way that builds social resilience – our approach involves working closely with local communities to empower them and promote sustainable practices.

 

We recognize that food waste and food insecurity are distinct issues and need separate solutions. Our efforts include food rescue, creating a comprehensive food support network, and establishing community kitchens.

 

We have scaled up our food rescue activities and established a call center to create a database of food aid organizations, improving collaboration and resource allocation. Our community kitchen initiative supports evacuees by providing them with fresh produce and the means to cook their own meals, which is vital for maintaining cultural practices and personal autonomy.

 

 

 

 

Q: Can you elaborate on your community-based model and how it differs from traditional approaches?

 

A: Our community-based model emphasizes local empowerment and participation. We engage with communities to tailor solutions to their specific needs and foster long-term resilience. This is based on pop-up markets managed by residents and youth and run on a weekly basis. This approach builds neighborhood connections and encourages collaborative efforts.

 

This involves:

1. Empowering Local Communities: We involve residents in decision-making to ensure solutions are relevant and sustainable.
2. Fostering Community Leadership: We support local leaders in advocating for systemic changes and addressing broader socio-economic issues.
3. Providing Education and Skill Development: Our programs offer knowledge on nutrition, cooking, and sustainable practices to help individuals make informed choices and improve their food literacy.

 

Q: Since its inception in 2019, how has your mission evolved, especially in light of the ongoing demands that Jerusalem faces since the start of the war (i.e. increased tension, evacuees needing homes, disruption to work, education)?

 

A: Since 2019, our mission has expanded from focusing solely on community-based food rescue to addressing systemic issues in urban food security. October 7 has intensified our focus. We rapidly scaled up our food rescue operations, created a comprehensive database for food aid coordination, and supported evacuees through community kitchens.

 

The war has underscored the need for systemic change and highlighted the gaps in current food security efforts. We’re now working on a Food Forum to bring together various stakeholders, including municipal officials, chefs, businesses, and NGOs, to  develop a comprehensive urban food system plan for Jerusalem.

 

Q: How is cultural competency important in your work, and what do you do to address the diverse needs of the communities you serve?

 

A: Jerusalem is home to a highly diverse population, and understanding and addressing these diverse needs ensures that our programs are effective and equitable. We tailor our food assistance to accommodate different cultural and religious dietary needs, which enhances the relevance and impact of our support. We work with Holocaust survivors and other elderly folks, Palestinians, the Haredi community, Domari (Romani) people, recent immigrants, asylum seekers, single mothers, and low-income families. Moreover, through these connections, we are able to strengthen relationships through the medium of food, which naturally brings people together and fosters mutual respect. By sharing meals and honoring each other’s culinary traditions, we create a shared experience that connects communities that might not otherwise interact. This is done via feedback sessions with all our partners on the food rescue system and pop-up markets, cross community workshops on fermentation and cooking, and other activities.

 

Q: For those new to these concepts, can you explain the differences between food security, food justice, and food circularity, and how JLM Food Rescuers relate to each?

 

A: Certainly:

 

 

– Food Security: This involves ensuring reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for all. Our community-based approaches help build local resilience and capacity rather than just ensuring people have enough food.

 

– Food Justice: This focuses on addressing systemic inequalities in food systems and ensuring equity and cultural respect. We promote food justice by advocating for fair policies and integrating diverse community needs into our food security strategies.

 

– Food Circularity: This aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency through closed-loop systems. Our food rescue operations and composting initiatives support food circularity by reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.

 

Q: Is there anything about JLM Food Rescuers that you wish more people knew?

 

A: We hope that more people can recognize the vital contributions of everyone involved in the food system, from market cleaners to truck drivers. Our new space features portraits of these unsung heroes, highlighting their essential roles and fostering a deeper appreciation for their work. By acknowledging their contributions, we hope to encourage a more thoughtful engagement with the food on our table, our food systems and the people who make it work.

 

 

 

Q: Are there any models or organizations from Canada that you admire and wish to learn from?

 

A: We greatly admire FoodShare’s Good Food Market program in Toronto. Although their model doesn’t focus on surplus food, we’ve learned a lot from their approach to increasing access to affordable, nutritious food through community-driven markets. Their ability to blend affordability with community engagement has inspired us as we work on similar initiatives in Jerusalem. Additionally, we are keen to integrate the Community Food Centres Canada (CFC) model into our community centers. The CFC’s comprehensive approach to food access, community building, and holistic support aligns closely with our goals, and we believe it could significantly enhance our efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive food system in Jerusalem. We also draw inspiration from The Stop in Toronto. We admire their innovative approach to working with volunteers, their commitment to food justice, and their robust community kitchen programs.

 

If you are interested in attending Daniella’s Halifax or Toronto events, please contact Tania at thaas@jerusalemfoundation.ca.

With heavy hearts and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Jerusalem Foundation President, Shai Doron

 

The Jerusalem Foundation family, Members of the Board of Directors and General Assembly, Donors and Friends from all over the world are devastated and shocked by the sudden passing of Jerusalem Foundation President, Shai Doron. He was a Jerusalemite, a man who loved people and was beloved by all those he met. He dedicated his life to Jerusalem and all of its residents. He is gone too soon and will be greatly missed.

 

Shai was a devoted servant of his beloved city.  He believed in a shared city in which diversity is strength and all communities have the opportunity to thrive.  He believed in leadership and building the next generation of young leaders.  And he led by example, always the first to carry the message of hope that Jerusalem represents to people around the world and in his beloved hometown.

 

Shai has spent his life working for Jerusalem.  First in Neveh Yaakov leading the local community center, then with legendary Mayor Teddy Kollek leading his office. In 1993 he took on the newly founded Tisch Zoological Gardens and turned it into the most visited site in all of Israel.  He became President of the Jerusalem Foundation in 2018 and felt he had come full circle since his early days with Teddy.

 

He led the Jerusalem Foundation to great achievements and launched his vision for “Jerusalem 2030” which fostered communal strength, creative culture and future leadership. Under his leadership, the Jerusalem Foundation led numerous philanthropic projects in Jerusalem.  He worked to advance shared society and to bridge the gaps between Jerusalem’s diverse communities and to provide equal opportunities for all.

 

Zvi Agmon, Chairman of the Jerusalem Foundation Board of Directors shared, “Shai Doron was the guiding pillar of the Jerusalem Foundation and the entire city.  We will remember him as someone who devoted his life to seeing Jerusalem develop and flourish.  His loss will be felt in all corners of the city.”

 

Imry Ben Ami, General Director of the Jerusalem Foundation added, “Shai Doron was an exceptional leader, with vision and love for the city and its people.  His passing is a great loss for all of us.  We will continue his mission and ensure his legacy.”

 

At our 2024 Seminar – Future Leadership in Jerusalem, we were so pleased to bring more than 20 of our friends from Canada to Jerusalem during this difficult and uncertain time, showing them through the neighborhoods of Jerusalem and the efforts responding to the many needs of residents of Jerusalem today and in the future.

 

We were especially pleased to offer our Canadian contingent an extra day to experience Jerusalem, discovering some of the projects the Canadian community has been vital in supporting and creating.

 

We started the week, opposite the Knesset building, on an exclusive tour in the new 495,000 square foot building with six floors above ground and five below. From the outside, the National Library of Israel resembles a trapezoid with the corners raised like a canopy; from the inside, there are graceful curves and natural light abound. The stunning new facility opened October 29, 2023, and houses over four million books, including fragile collections, which require careful preservation, and digital collections – all offering a fascinating portal into the rich tapestry of Jewish, Israeli and Middle Eastern cultures.

 

 

Starting the next morning, the Canadian delegation, donors and friends attended the dedication of Julia’s Lane, honouring the life and service of Julia Koschitzky z’l. Afterwards, we walked along the Canada Pathway where support for the Canada Community and Culture Fund is recognized. From Shivtei Yisrael Street to Ein Chet below to the Naggar Musrara School of Art and Society on the new Ronnen Harary Campus. A local resident made an impromptu speech expressing his appreciation for the Foundation’s positive contributions to his neighborhood.

 

 

Our tour ended at Canada House, a social and cultural gathering place for elderly and youth on the IFCJ of Canada Community Floor. We visited the Koschitzky Young Adult Center and also viewed the exhibition of work from Naggar School of Art and Society Students.

 

 

At the end of the tours focused on the Canadian projects, the delegation joined the official opening of the Jerusalem Foundation Seminar at the Jerusalem Music Center in Mishkenot Sha’ananim. You can read all about the full Seminar here.

Our 2024 Seminar- Future Leadership of Jerusalem – was a success as we brought more than 70 of our friends from around the world through the neighborhoods of Jerusalem, meeting the wide variety of leaders who bring Jerusalem together and make it a better place during this uncertain and difficult time.

 

The Jerusalem Foundation Seminar opened on May 20^th at the Jerusalem Music Center in Mishkenot Shana’anim, a guesthouse for artists and academics which since October 7^th has hosted special retreats and art therapy events for evacuees. Serenaded by guitar, cello and voice, the evening was led by Dr. Mishy Harman, the host of Israel Story, an award-winning podcast that tells the extraordinary stories of ordinary Israelis. Spellbound, the audience was captivated by the musical storytelling of curated, nonfiction. Israel Story has found a home at the Jerusalem Foundation offices, with an advanced recording studio built for them.

 

 

To hear a version of what we experienced that night, listen here: https://www.israelstory.org/episode/mixtape-part-ii-iron-and-gold/

 

On day two of the conference, in a packed room at the newly renovated Secular Yeshiva, the opening session featured a greeting from Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion. Keynote speaker Major General (ret.) Amos Yadlin pulled no punches as he shared his insights on the strategic dilemmas facing the Israeli government in the context of the ongoing war.

 

 

Following a short break, we heard from the Jerusalem Emergency Fund Impact Panel, five leaders who acted immediately after Oct. 7^th to support and respond to emergency needs. The panel included: Dr. Sinai Oren, Resilience Center for Post-Trauma Treatment; Rabbi Keren Apfelbaum, Principal of Evacuee Elementary School; Dassi Gordon, General Director of Neveh Ya’akov Community Center; Ariel Levinson, PhD, Co-Founder of the Secular Yeshiva; and Neta Meisels, Director of HaMiffal Arts Center.

 

 

From there, we went deeper into the Ein Kerem neighborhood, taking in the relaxing and therapeutic environment. Here we found Beit HaShanti, the newly renovated safe home for at-risk and homeless youth. Seminar attendees indulged in a vibrant and nutritious meal overlooking the valley and learned about the Shanti loving kindness approach to give their youth confidence to become independent citizens and contributors to Israeli society.

 

 

Next, it was across the city to the Wadi Al-Joz neighborhood to visit the Hassenfeld Family Youth Center and heard from leaders of civil society as they discussed the challenges facing shared living in Jerusalem, especially after October 7^th.

 

 

After a packed day, we walked to our reception at The Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium, we saw displays of fish and sea creatures from all four bodies of water connected to Israel (the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea).  Once seated, we took in an enchanting oceanic backdrop including the occasional appearance of two elegant and powerful sharks, as our host Alice Gottesman spoke about her father’s dream to build an aquarium for all to enjoy in the Holy City. Our guest speaker, Israeli journalist and Middle East Commentator Avi Issacharoff, discussed the significant impact and global influence of his hit TV-series, Fauda.

 

 

Early risers on day two visited the Gazelle Valley Urban Wildlife Park and were able to spot the gazelles roaming free within the park contained between neighborhoods in Jerusalem and to hear more about young leaders in arts and culture in Jerusalem.

 

 

In the afternoon we visited Talpiot Mizrach and the new climbing wall at the community center there, enjoying the chance to experience the challenge presented by the wall, while having an excellent lunch.

 

 

We concluded the formal sessions of the seminar meeting with members of our future leadership programs and in a dialogue among the participants about what is next for the Jerusalem Foundation.

 

 

In the evening, we had a festive dinner at a local grill restaurant and then ventured to the cutting edge of contemporary art and young artists on display at HaMiffal Art Center just off King David Street in the center of Jerusalem.

 

 

For the last day of the seminar, the Jerusalem Foundation traveled to the Gaza Envelope to stand in solidarity with the people of the south and hear from the residents about their experiences of October 7^th and the war since.

 

 

We are so glad we had the chance to show so many of our friends from around the world just a small portion of the amazing work that we do for all the residents of Jerusalem. We want to thank all the many people who made it possible to have this wonderful event.

 

Here in Jerusalem, the new year was welcomed with mixed feelings. While we hope for better times ahead, we are still in the midst of war and carry the trauma of recent events. Jerusalem is still hosting tens of thousands of evacuees, unable to return home three months since the war began. Thousands of men and women are still serving as reservists, leaving their families and businesses behind. Our new normal includes terrible losses and disrupted routines, with no clear end on the horizon.

 

 

Our ability to partner with civil society organizations and institutions in Jerusalem is a beacon of hope amidst this turbulence. Viewing the sincere and inventive efforts of culture and community organizations, networks and individuals is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for the support of our friends in Israel and around the world which enables us to continue backing these ventures and making a difference for so many people in the city. While we continue to respond to emerging needs, especially those of the most vulnerable amongst us, we are also thinking about the day after and taking care of a long list of arts and culture institutions that are facing huge challenges.

 

 

As the situation continues to change and develop, we have continued to adjust our programming with it. Many of the programs which the emergency fund has supported have continued, these are some that we have not previously been able to highlight.

 

 

Biotechnology studies for evacuee youth at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem Youth-Division Belmonte Science Laboratories Center. High School pupils from Israel’s southern town of Sderot were unable to complete the practical component of their biotechnology studies, specifically because not all schools offer this course, and not all the pupils are currently living together. The Jerusalem Foundation partnered with the Belmonte Labs to host and tutor the pupils, enabling them to carry out their individual lab project which is a matriculation requirement. Over 4 days, the pupils stayed in the Belmonte Center, experimented and studied with Hebrew U student tutors. While the Israeli Ministry of Education funded part of the program, it could not cover the full costs; thus, JF support was invaluable in helping these teens achieve academic success.

 

 

“Mind-Body” Skills Group for Evacuees by CMBM Israel at Mishkenot Sha’ananim: The horrific events of October 7 and the ensuing war have left difficult memories and caused mental and emotional harm to many. Suppression of these memories and neglecting treatment of these harms can only lead to serious symptoms and potentially long-term disorders. CMBM Israel is an experiences nonprofit that supports trauma victims using an evidence-based model of stress and trauma relief.  We supported Mishkenot Sha’ananim in hosting a Mind-Body Skills Group for practicing self-care and building resilience for survivors of October 7 attacks, including full boards at the Maurice M. Dwek Guesthouse. Participants experienced 6 workshop sessions over 2 days, practicing mindfulness, meditation, movement and more as therapeutic means, as well as enjoying cultural respite music concerts.

 

 

Open Space for evacuee youth: The prolonged stay in hotels is a challenge for many families and especially youth; they were torn from their homes, routines and frameworks, many after viewing or experiencing devastating events. Parents are wary of allowing their teen children to travel alone in a new city, yet the crowded feeling in the hotels and the lack of schedule increase tensions, leading to engagement in negative behaviors such as vagrancy and alcohol consumption. The Municipality in collaboration with community centers welcome evacuee youth to supervised open spaces where they can engage with friends, participate in structured activities and enjoy free time playing games such as foosball and table tennis. JF joined this meaningful initiative by adding a creative layer – workshops to restore equipment and furniture that are donated to the spaces by Jerusalem residents. The donations are collected by the municipality and upgrade jointly by evacuee youth and local at-risk youth, supervised by artists from Hamiffal Art Collective.

 

 

Kiryat HaYovel Volunteer Headquarters: the outbreak of war, unprecedented evacuation and mass military call-up disrupted the routine of many families, creating new struggles and needs. On the other hand, an inspiring amount of people sought to lend a helping hand wherever possible. To balance the needs and support, Rashut Harabim launched a local headquarters in Kiryat HaYovel. The headquarters provides support on four fronts: food and equipment drive for two weeks, in coordination with the city-wide headquarters, staffed by volunteers and managed by Rashut Harabim staff; coordinating cadres of volunteers to support vulnerable populations – single mothers, elderly and families of reservists; community activities for boosting morale, including craft workshops, dance and music sessions, plays and more; and coordinating donations for lone soldiers living in the neighborhood.

 

 

Double Impact

 

 

The Double Impact program continues to be one of the most important and essential programs for the coming months. The evacuee hotels are very crowded and naturally create feelings of tension and it is proving difficult to hold formal or informal educational activities on site. Long hours spent in small hotel rooms lead to difficult behavioral problems and stress within families, with friends and with other people. There is a great challenge in conducting school in a building that is not set up for learning spaces and there is difficulty in releasing pent up energy and tension, especially these days, and so ‘getting fresh air’ mental and physically is even more vital. Excursions and outdoor activities will be one of the greatest needs of the refugees, especially for children and youth at risk, and they will also serve the needs of the education system and other vulnerable populations in Jerusalem.

 

 

The Double Impact program is taking place in some 35 art and culture institutions across the city, including the Tisch Family Zoo, the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens, the Ein Yael Archaeological Garden, the Bloomfield Science Museum, the Yellow Submarine, the Tower of David Museum, the Cinematheque and the Train Theater. So far, some 71,000 evacuees and Jerusalem residents have participated in the program.

 

Jerusalem Emergency Response January 2024 update1

As the War Continues, government agencies are slowly catching up, but it is still civil society that leads the way in responding to imminent needs, thanks to its inherent ability to be flexible and adapt programming and protocol in accordance with changing needs. With the help of friends in Israel and around the world, the Jerusalem Foundation continues to expand its emergency fund, created at the outbreak of the widespread tragedy, supporting the network of community organizations and agencies across Jerusalem, with a focus on those most affected by the disastrous events: Jerusalem’s most vulnerable residents who are even more at risk in this difficult time, Jerusalem families of the bereaved and the injured, essential workers in the city, and of course, evacuees and war refugees currently residing here.

 

As of the end of November, we have raised millions of dollars for the emergency fund, thanks to the generous and meaningful support of our friends around the world. By partnering with some 100 community and culture institutions, we have reached tens of thousands of people across the city, including many of the 30,000 refugees residing in 37 hotels in Jerusalem, and we continue our work to reach more and more people facing serious challenges. We are assessing the continually evolving needs and adapting our responses to provide for the most urgent and relevant issues, while also thinking about the day after and taking care of a long list of arts and culture institutions that are facing huge challenges.

 

A major portion of our emergency response has been through the neighborhood community centers across Jerusalem. The Foundation partnered with 17 community centers in every corner of the city. With our help, community centers have been able to provide a range of services, focusing on the most vulnerable populations within the communities: the elderly, people with special needs, people with mental illnesses, new immigrants without family support and families of those in military reserve duty.

 

With the continuing, and initial trauma of October 7 and the war that has followed, many young people are facing new and continuing mental health struggles. In partnership with the Ein Yael Nature Therapy Center, we have continued to provide nature therapy for survivors of the Nova Music Festival attack and youth at risk.

 

While on the one hand, food security for many Jerusalem families is not guaranteed, especially due to the ongoing emergency situation, 15 tons of fresh produce are wasted at the Jerusalem Wholesale Market weekly. The Jerusalem Food Rescuers already save 3 tons a week, yet in the face of the crisis are seeking to triple their work in order to reach the growing circle of local Jerusalem families in need as well as providing for evacuees.

 

Our largest project in the emergency response continues to be the Double Impact project.

 

The main idea of Double Impact is to create a new system of formal and informal education at many institutions and sites in Jerusalem that have large spaces. These spaces serve as locations for innovative education and for much needed recreation and play. Jerusalem is blessed with an abundance of Israel’s most important sites and institutions, yet many of them are facing serious financial crisis due to the war as they had to close their doors. At the same time, evacuees staying in hotels and local children need some time outside and respite from stress. You can read more about the already huge successes of the Double Impact program here.

 

These and so many other projects have been made possible by our generous friends from around the world who have been so concerned for the people of Jerusalem and all of Israel. We thank you for your ongoing support and hope that as we go into the new year, we will see many changes, including an end to this crisis period and a beginning of the work to rebuild and repair as we look towards the day after.

 

We are happy to report that 300 people joined us for the Pathway to the Future Event in Solidarity with Jerusalem.

 

We are proud to have raised millions of dollars for the Canada Community and Culture Fund which will be allocated for the emergency response in Jerusalem due to the war for the day after. We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for Jerusalem and for honouring the life of Julia Koschitzky z”l.

 

 

Among the many guests were the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion; former President of Israel, Reuven Rivlin, Jerusalem Foundation President Shai Doron, Jerusalem Foundation International Chairman Zvi Agmon and Israeli Ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed. We were also happy to host shinshinim spending a year in Toronto. These young people have had their military service delayed in order to spend a year in Jewish communities around the world. They shared their support for their home in Israel, as well as their new-found love for Canada by singing both the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah, as well as the Canadian anthem, O Canada.

 

The Jerusalem Foundation established an emergency fund during the first days of the war and has been supporting the residents of Jerusalem who are most at risk while also providing shelter to more than 30,000 residents of the south and north who are currently staying in the city. The Jerusalem Foundation is providing mental health support, respite and care for families of the bereaved and injured and support of isolated elderly and women and children in shelters and much more. The funds raised for the Canada Community and Culture Fund will support some of these emergency programs and respond to the immediate needs created by the war but will also serve their original purpose of supporting the people of Jerusalem, those most vulnerable and the community surrounding Julia’s Lane – the Canada Pathway.

 

 

For more information on the programs supported through the Jerusalem Foundation Emergency Fund – watch this video:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFGtkNso1Wk

 

We are deeply grateful to all of the sponsors, especially the Koschitzky Family, of this event. Your contributions are vital for us to continue this important work.

 

There is no question that in the last weeks, the most important activity of our emergency fund has been the Double Impact program, and it is clear it will be the most essential program in the coming months.

 

The refugee hotels are very crowded and naturally create feelings of tension and it is proving difficult to hold formal or informal education activities on site. Long hours spent in small hotel rooms lead to difficult behavioral problems and stress within families, with friends and with other people. There is difficulty in releasing pent up energy and tension, especially these days, and so ‘getting fresh air’ mentally and physically is even more vital. There is also a great challenge to conducting school in a building that is not set up for learning spaces as described above, and getting out into the open air will dramatically improve this situation. Excursions and outdoor activities will be one of the greatest needs of the refugees, especially for children and youth at risk, and they will also serve the needs of the education system in Jerusalem.   Many Jerusalem families have faced special challenges, with parents who are mobilized in the army, bereaved families, those with special needs, and isolated elderly are also in need of Double Impact and it is providing important and meaningful help to all of them.

 

The main idea of Double Impact is to create a new system of formal and informal education at many institutions and sites in Jerusalem that have large spaces. These spaces serve as locations for innovative education and for much-needed recreation and play. Jerusalem is blessed with an abundance of Israel’s most important sites and institutions, yet many of these are facing serious financial crisis as they had to close their doors due to the war. Double Impact provides relief for refugees and Jerusalem’s vulnerable populations and also supports Jerusalem’s leading cultural institutions.

 

The program is taking place in the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens, the Gottesman Family Israel Aquarium, the Botanical Gardens, the Ein Yael Living Museum, the Bloomfield Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Yellow Submarine, the Tower of David Museum, Mishkenot Sha’ananim, the Cinematheque, the Train Theater, the Jerusalem Theater, and more. A further important component of Double Impact is sporting activities in open spaces and sports centers. The idea is to optimize all these locations particularly during the morning and times when they are under-used and less crowded. In sports, this includes activity of Beitar Nordia, HaPoel Jerusalem and the YMCA sport center that offered free subscriptions to allow the refugees access to the swimming pool and fitness center, almost 1000 people have already signed up.   An efficient, sophisticated, safe transport system brings the children and youth from the various hotels to the Double Impact sites.  So far, we have raised millions for Double Impact and over the last five weeks 30,000 people have already benefited.

 

“Everyone benefits from this initiative,” says Shai Doron, president of the Jerusalem Foundation. ” Jerusalem is a city abounding in culture, therefore it makes sense to connect between the evacuees now staying in the city who need outlets and respite and the cultural institutions that have seen greatly reduced visitor numbers since the beginning of the war. The Double Impact project is a double benefit for everyone.”

 

To read more about the Double Impact project, please read this lovely article by the Jerusalem Post.

 

 

For many years, we have stood together with many community organizations and agencies across Jerusalem to build a strong civil society network in the city. In immediate response to this widespread tragedy, with the help of friends in Israel and around the world, we have created an emergency fund to support this network’s efforts to respond to the needs of those affected by the disastrous events: Jerusalem’s most vulnerable residents who are even more at risk in this difficult time, Jerusalem families of the bereaved and the injured, essential workers in the city, and evacuees and war refugees currently residing here.

 

Emergency responses through Jerusalem Community Centers: Programing and emergency needs in ten community centers.

The Jerusalem Foundation continues its close partnership with community centers as existing innovative community resources with the infrastructure and ability to support local communities and identify vulnerable populations. With detailed plans to reach additional centers already in coming days, we have so far enabled emergency responses in the follow 14 Jerusalem community centers: Ganim, Pisgat Ze’ev, East Talpiot, Gonenim, Ramot Alon, Homat Shmu’el, Gilo, French Hill, Neve Ya’akov, Eshkolot, Beit Hakerem, Romema, Morasha and Yuvalim. These centers represent a mix of vulnerable and affluent communities, including ultra-Orthodox, new immigrants and other minority populations.

Jerusalem Foundation aid went towards programming and support for the most vulnerable populations within the communities: elderly, people with special needs, people with mental illness and new immigrants without family support.

Furthermore, various art, culture and respite activities were conducted in safe spaces, for children, youth, adults and the elderly, to help with rising stress levels. Each community center has committed to designate 30% of Jerusalem Foundation support for art and culture activities provided by local Jerusalem art groups and culture institutions. Thus, the Jerusalem Foundation has also worked towards the continued livelihood of the city’s art and culture ecosystem, which has already taken a big hit during this terrible disaster.

 

Overall, the support has reached tens of thousands of Jerusalem residents and helped them through the struggles, uncertainties and anxiety of the first few weeks of the war.

 

Welfare, Health & Community Responses to Jerusalem Residents

Daycare & Respite Activities including art, for children of medical personnel and other essential workers.

 

In the first weeks of the operation, the school system was closed around the country, and even now when it is gradually re-opening, many of the regular after school frameworks and programs remain unavailable. In order to enable medical personnel and other essential workers to continue their vital work, the Jerusalem Foundation partnered with the Tarbut Movement and the Jerusalem Municipality to open daycare programming for young children, using art as a means to ease the stress and anxiety that are only natural in this situation and providing them with opportunities to engage with other children their age. Programming was conducted in schools and other centers across the city which have adequate safe rooms and shelters in case of missile attacks. Over the past few weeks of Operation ‘Iron Swords’, some 800 children of doctors, nurses, psychologists, essential municipality workers and the Israeli national Insurance Institute participated in these activities, enjoying games, crafts, art workshops and performances by local Jerusalem artists.

 

Culture Responses for City Residents and Evacuees.

 

The Train Theater: Cultural Respite in Neighborhoods with the ZAZA Municipal Art Truck

 

The ZAZA Municipal Art Truck is a mobile unit that travels across Jerusalem and provides the city’s diverse residents with a rich array of art and culture events and activities. In these trying times, the truck was mobilized to provide leisure and respite to Jerusalem residents and guest evacuees. So far the truck has visited 5 neighborhoods; Gilo, Kiryat HaYovel, East Talpiot, Baka and Pisgat Ze’ev.

Food prep and distribution to Soldiers, Evacuees and Families in need

The Kulna organization and Keshet School in Jerusalem regularly operate a soup kitchen in the school’s carpark, from which warm meals are distributed weekly to families in need and vulnerable elderly. Starting October 8, the school adapted its kitchen to respond to war-related needs: cooking warm, nutritious meals for soldiers called up for reserve duty, evacuee families now residing in Jerusalem, families of reserve duty soldiers and families in need whose hardships have exacerbated due to the war. Four days a week and especially before the weekend, the kitchen provides 400 meals per day, totaling approximately 5,000 meals since the war has started. It is operated by volunteering school pupils, including special education pupils and the school community, and by special groups of volunteers, such as a group of high school girls from Israel’s southern town of Sderot which have been evacuated to Jerusalem and sought, even in their distress, to help others.

 

Supporting Evacuees from the Western Negev Desert near the Gaza Strip

 

Housing Evacuees at the Zippori Center Guest House

 

The Jerusalem Foundation partnered with the Zippori Center to house 163 evacuees from three small towns in the western Negev Desert. The families moved in on October 9, two days after the deadly attack in the south. On top of caring for their physical needs – well furnished rooms and 3 meals a day, the Zippori Center has been providing its guests respite and cultural activities, adapted for all ages, including forest survival and environment awareness activities, tours of the surrounding area, art performances and workshops by Jerusalem artists.

 

“The Jerusalem Foundation provided an immediate response to the city, from the beginning of the war, out of a desire to respond to the crisis quickly and efficiently.” Says Shai Doron, president of the Jerusalem Foundation. “We are coordinating with the municipal systems and other entities in the city that are working during the emergency and the mobilization of resources continues all the time. What started small, with responding to initial needs, has been developing in recent weeks and we are changing our priorities so that they fit the burning needs of the city while constantly updating our donors. We wish for quiet and good days and in the meantime, we are doing everything we can to help.”

 

 

Photographer: Dana Bar Siman-Tov

Dear Friends,

 

The State of Israel is facing difficult days, one of the most difficult it has faced since it was established.

 

The tragedy is vast and overwhelming. The numbers of murdered, hostages taken and those missing and injured – these are incomprehensible numbers. So many families have had their world destroyed and almost every home in Israel is part of this pain and heartbreaking loss – family members, relatives, close friends and colleagues – we all personally know victims of these last days. The national and personal trauma is unbearable and made worse by the horrific images that have been shared so widely.

 

Israel is in a state of war, an emergency situation, and hundreds of thousands of people have been mobilized to the army for an unknown period of time.

 

Very difficult questions will be addressed after the war, but now the people of Israel are united and stand before the greatest challenge we have known in many years. In spite of the great difficulties ahead, with the support from our friends around the world and the spirit of the Israeli people, we have no doubt we will win this war.

 

The first days of the war revealed failures in the public civil support systems and a lack of ability to quickly respond to the vast dimensions of this disaster. Here is where we found some light within the darkest moments. Civil society across Israel, individual volunteers and civil society organizations, were the first to respond with initiatives to help those in harm’s way, and from all parts of Israeli society, people came together to do what was needed.

 

With all of the adversity around us, the volunteering and leadership of these people, has truly been something to witness. For many years, the Jerusalem Foundation has stood together with many community organizations and agencies across the city to build a strong civil society network. We have created an emergency fund to support the efforts of this network to respond to the immediate needs of the evacuees and refugees from the war, to support the most vulnerable residents of Jerusalem who are even more at risk in this difficult time, to all the Jerusalem families of the bereaved and the injured who need support.

 

We have already begun to fund programs across Jerusalem with the help of friends from around the world. Among these are community centers providing support for bereaved families, essential workers and soldiers, including by providing childcare, psychological support, and food deliveries; therapeutic art workshops from Studio of Her Own and theater performances  from Kum Kum Theater group, the Train Theater and Mashu Mashu theater group for children evacuated from the south or whose parents have been mobilized with the military; support for isolated elderly including the 600 Holocaust Survivors in Jerusalem  currently unable to leave their homes and are in need of care and special childcare centers for children of medical workers whose parents are working around the clock and may not have a parent able to care for them. These and other programs are supporting our most vulnerable and needy in Jerusalem as they face this disaster. With your help, these programs will be able to provide support to all of Jerusalem, and all the people of Israel.

 

Thank you for your support always and especially now.

 

With hope for better days,

 

Your friends at the Jerusalem Foundation

 

Below is a list of the current needs in Jerusalem which the Jerusalem Foundation is fundraising for, we will update the list as needed.

 

Jerusalem Emergency needs

Double Impact is a program to incentivize exceptional young people to live in Jerusalem following their army service and use their talents to develop excellence in the city while they study at university. Double Impact is a framework where young adults from across Israel can receive scholarship support for their academic studies and participate in leadership development training, in return for their leading social and community initiatives in Jerusalem’s underprivileged neighborhoods. The double impact consists of assistance to needy Jerusalem residents alongside training of highly motivated young leaders committed to living, volunteering and working in Jerusalem. Double Impact is a key element in the Jerusalem Foundation’s 2030 plan for Future Leadership, developing a network of activists and volunteers working for the betterment of the city for all its residents.

 

Each cohort is a small group of young adult activists from throughout Israel, alumni of Tene Yerushalmi programs (a pre-army mechina training program), recently released IDF soldiers and current university students. Once a cohort is established, they develop a workplan and infrastructure for their initiatives. They cooperate with the local community center in formulation of this workplan including mapping the needs of the community, assessing potential impact, considering the skill sets of the activists and reviewing suitable partners for activities.

 

 

 

The integration of these activists within the community center is what defines the unique character of its program and its success. On the one hand, the activists give to the communities by initiating, growing and improving activities at community centers while on the other hand receiving tools, support, and empowerment from the community centers’ professionals. Alongside their university studies, the activists launch several meaningful projects together with their community center counterparts.

 

Throughout the year, Double Impact participants take part in a number of in-depth study sessions and tours. Subjects include: postmodern educational challenges; the ultra-Orthodox world and higher education; community care for women undergoing divorce; place making in East Jerusalem; the Jewish-Arab mix in Israeli cities and more.

 

Thanks to the scholarships for academic studies in Jerusalem, engaged and motivated young adults are making long-term commitments to Jerusalem, its residents and their needs. Many of them stay in the city and will become its next civil leaders. The ripple effect of this Jerusalem Foundation Future Leadership program is increasing hope and access to opportunities in vulnerable communities throughout Jerusalem.

 

The Jerusalem Foundation seeks donations of USD $10,000-$50,000 to enable the continued support and expansion of the Double Impact program.

 The Maimonides Fund and The Jerusalem Foundation have announced a new prize to honor a young civil society leader.

 

The “Jerusalem Young Leadership Prize”, a new annual prize, has raised much interest among the community and cultural organizations in Jerusalem due to the high sum that it promises, 100,000 dollars.

 

The prize is offered to young people (up to age 50) living in Jerusalem who are already active in non-profit organizations for the purpose of benefitting the local community. The grant will be given to the organization in which the winner is active, to be used to advance and develop the organization.

 

The candidates for the prize must work to promote Jerusalem’s residents, leading programs that are already being implemented. The prize will be given to an organization that works towards one of the following: advancing the city’s cultural heritage; empowering women in any of the city’s sectors; developing science study programs; encouraging the ultra-Orthodox sector to integrate into civil society; and developing English study programs.

 

Dozens of inquiries have already been received by The Jerusalem Foundation and the Maimonides Foundation, which are granting the prize.

 

President of The Jerusalem Foundation, Shai Doron said “The Jerusalem Young Leadership Prize will recognize the achievements of Jerusalem’s young leaders from the city’s diverse populations and will serve as an inspiration for leadership and excellence. The Jerusalem Foundation acts on many fronts to promote the city’s future leadership, and this prize is the jewel in the crown.”

SAHI-The Youth Hessed Patrol- has begun a program of a meaningful gap year for high school graduates. SAHI brings youth from Israel’s periphery together to be change makers in their communities. Now, after several years of work, and with the support and guidance of The Jerusalem Foundation these young people have the chance to take a gap year after high school devoted to giving back to their communities, and learning leadership and other life skills.

 

The participants in the program are agents of change, working in all the neighborhoods of Jerusalem to put on community and educational activities for all ages. These young people are full partners in every aspect of the program, they take much of the responsibilities of planning and organizing on themselves as they work with all the diverse populations of Jerusalem.

 

In a meeting with the mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, participants discussed their activities in the many special places across Jerusalem, as well as their welcome into neighborhoods all over the city.

 

President of The Jerusalem Foundation, Shai Doron: “We are very proud to support these young people, who have decided to delay their draft to the IDF one year in order to give back to the community and to live within the program and from it receive the tools to guide their way to leadership. This enterprise is a part of the vision of The Jerusalem Foundation and is building the future leadership of the city.”

 

Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion: “This gap year is a year in which they are both giving and receiving, it is the beginning of leadership, which we are not always privileged to receive, but if you believe in what you are doing, it will be your reward. Not everyone one is able to be a leader and to take charge of other people, but you will be able to be leaders. It will come with time, and it is very important to give that time to yourselves. I look forward to seeing this special and unique community. I wish you all much success”.

 

 

‘Oxygen for Culture’ is a new initiative with private individuals to invite singers and musicians to perform in private homes where there is an appropriate space such as a garden or balcony. The series of events allows for intimate performances by leading Israeli musicians and singers, and a simultaneous live-stream on Facebook.

 

The events provide exposure and income to artists who would usually be performing internationally, and provide a much-needed breath of cultural fresh air into a city that has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Mekudeshet/FeelBeit, Jerusalem’s newest “culture without borders” performing arts project has developed a series of meetings and encounters conforming with current Corona guidelines, in order to preserve opportunities for social, cultural, and personal artistic engagement among Israeli and Arab artists and audiences, even during these constrained times.

 

 

Most events are planned for outdoors at FeelBeit’s new headquarters on the Sherover Promenade, offering space and opportunities for artists and performers, even with limited audiences.  In FeelBeit’s own language:  “Because we have a stage, and it hurts us to see it empty, because there are artists who need a stage but cannot find one, because this is a chance to give artists a way to make a few shekels in these insane times, because we do not feel like waiting endlessly for the day after…”

 

HaMiffal, the ‘factory’, is a unique cultural and arts center, a platform for creativity where Jerusalem’s young artists can experiment in a variety of ways. The whole space in itself is a massive work of art, open to Jerusalem’s residents and visitors who can also enjoy the café and co-working spaces. HaMiffal is an opportunity for local art academy graduates to stay in Jerusalem and contribute to its diverse and busy art scene.

 

 

HaMiffal proposes its own Jerusalem version of the American New Deal’s WPA, employing artists to participate in the current renovation of HaMiffal’s historic landmark property in west Jerusalem with large-scale public works commissioned to enhance the site. Participating artists will become part of the arts community creating this new communal art site, and they will earn stipends to help support themselves during the economic crisis. The project includes video documentation of the renovation and the addition of public art as an integral part of the project.

 

A Studio of Her Own is a platform for promoting religious women artists. Opened in 2009, the Studio provides a physical and mental space for creation, as well as programs tailored to meet the needs of participating artists. It also presents exhibitions of contemporary women’s art – with special support for religious women who are not always able to find a community for artistic expression.

 

The Studio, housed in painter Pinhas Litwinowsky’s former home and atelier, was recently renovated to include a gallery for exhibitions, a library and research center and a coffee shop. With more space available, a tailored residency program for women artists has been launched and the Studio now hosts a variety of cultural events featuring performing arts, film, literature poetry and music.

 

 

Due to the coronavirus crisis, they have opened up their gallery space to host women artists who cannot work at home or find a place for their creativity under the unique pressures of the pandemic.  A Studio of Her Own has become a home for these women artists and provides support and encouragement during this difficult time. They have opened up this community to performance artists and musicians and expanded the world of art together. The women have found new collaborative partners and are creating special exhibitions of work that have grown out of this unique time and experience.

The ‘From Jaffa to Agripas’ Festival, which has become a tradition in Jerusalem, is presenting unique and innovative performances, characterized by an authentic connection created between the audience and the artists, between dance and food, inspired by the Machane Yehuda market and its proximity.

 

The festival is bringing the Mahane Yehuda market and contemporary dance together and will celebrate culture and food in a vibrant and authentic experience.

 

Some of the shows are open to the general public for free, and some for a fee, but all guests are required to pre-register due to the coronavirus restrictions.

 

Children and youth at risk and those with special needs who have been most deeply affected by this crisis, from group homes and women’s shelters, impoverished neighborhoods and some still in dangerous and unstable home situations have had to confront even more difficulties than usual.  Due to the economic crisis, these children and youth will continue to face serious challenges and will not have the same opportunities to flourish as others.  The Jerusalem Foundation wishes to provide these young people with the chance to breathe, grow, learn, develop and enjoy all that the city has to offer.

 

The city of Jerusalem contains a richness of cultural and educational institutions unparalleled in Israel and the rest of the world.  Many of these institutions have been shut down during the crisis and are now trying to find their way back to a new “normal”.

 

 

Triple Impact brings together children and youth at risk from shelters and therapeutic agencies to visit cultural/communal sites otherwise not available to them at this time and using transportation services subsidized by the Municipality.  This program can also help support Jerusalem institutions suffering from lack of tourism and from diminished local traffic.  The program is ongoing and currently active at Ein Yael Living Museum and the Bloomfield Science Museum.