“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.

הפוסט New Leadership at the Jerusalem Foundation in the United States הופיע לראשונה ב-.

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.

הפוסט Restoring Hope: How Food Security and Equity Efforts Are Evolving in Jerusalem After Oct 7 הופיע לראשונה ב-.

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.”

הפוסט With Heavy Hearts and Deep Sadness, We Announce the Passing of Jerusalem Foundation President, Shai Doron הופיע לראשונה ב-.

JICC is an independent non-profit organization with a vision for an inclusive, tolerant, and vibrant Jerusalem for all. It advances communal strength and future leadership by empowering city residents (Christian and Muslim Arabs, ultra-Orthodox, modern Orthodox and secular Jews) to be active and effective in shaping their shared future. Programs include the Mini-Active Organization – a grassroots empowerment network for Arab women; the Aa’ata Center & hotline for understanding and accessing legal rights related to national insurance and employment; and cultural competency workshops aimed at promoting tolerant discourse and relations between Jews and Arabs in shared workspaces, services, and education centers.

We caught up with Daniel to learn about his on-the-ground experience since his return to Jerusalem.

What was your impression of North American supporters following your April visit?

It was heartening being with so many concerned friends and supporters and knowing that North American communities are deeply invested in helping bring about the “day after.” It was and remains evident that so many people around the world are seeking what I work towards every day, a vibrant, more resilient Jerusalem.

How has the work of JICC been affected since October 7?

Someone living near the Gaza envelope recently said to me, “Despair doesn’t lead us to action,” and it struck a chord. These words have been guiding JICC since October 7th as we both continue our everyday work of building urban resilience in Jerusalem and reduce friction related to the war’s aftermath.

Our work has focused in three spheres – supporting women volunteers, providing cultural competency training and communicating a real-time understanding of the war’s impact in East Jerusalem.

In the first weeks of the war JICC identified Palestinian women and ultra-Orthodox women, who were volunteering in myriad ways, as key agents of change. JICC found ways to support their emotional wellbeing and morale through mental health workshops.

Cultural competency has always been a core part of JICC’s mission – can you tell us more about what that is exactly?

The State of Israel prides itself on the diversity of its workforce but when a stressor comes along there is a great need to reduce tension in the workplace. JICC held workshops and trainings in hospitals, hi-tech companies and municipal offices addressing the diversity in the workplace. The trainings were all designed to acknowledge tensions while at the same time find ways to reduce discord.

The JICC has a track record of reducing social tensions in previous heightened times like during the COVID-19 pandemic, the violence in May 2021, and the Judicial Overhaul. How is the JICC’s model of non-political approach to impart practical skills helping the Jerusalem community today?

JICC believes if people can carry out their lives as independently and as uninterrupted as possible then the chances for friction can be reduced.

JICC increased its cooperation with the municipality and the IDF Home Command in order to share in real time the needs of residents who were struggling. By ensuring East Jerusalemite residents were able to conduct their lives as independently and peacefully as possible, and that key municipal services will continue, this communication is essential.

Mini-Active, JICC’s women’s empowerment network, tracked the need for food, medication, shelter and communicated it to the necessary army and government officials. They also consulted with the army about the position of roadblocks ensuring that women and children were able to pass safely to school and home.

To learn more about the Jerusalem Foundation supported JICC, go here: https://jicc.org.il/

Read more about Director Daniel Hasson and the team at JICC: https://jicc.org.il/jicc-staff/

הפוסט JICC Works To Ease Tensions In Tense Times הופיע לראשונה ב-.

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.

הפוסט Our Canadian Delegation at the Future Leadership Seminar הופיע לראשונה ב-.

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.

הפוסט Jerusalem Future Leadership Seminar 2024 הופיע לראשונה ב-.

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

הפוסט Emergency Response Update Since the New Year הופיע לראשונה ב-.

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.

הפוסט Emergency Response Since October 7 War as of the New Year הופיע לראשונה ב-.

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.

הפוסט The Jerusalem Foundation of Canada Event in Solidarity with Jerusalem הופיע לראשונה ב-.

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.

הפוסט Double Impact – Connecting Cultural Institutions and Those In Need in Jerusalem הופיע לראשונה ב-.