The iconic Dizengoff Center in Tel Aviv, one of the first commercial malls in Israel, is participating in the efforts to support the country in times of war."We engage with our community even on regular days. In times of war, this engagement becomes even more pronounced," said Dan Pilz, CEO and co-owner of Dizengoff Center.Since Sunday, the center has become a hub for community initiatives, with numerous volunteers contributing in various ways.
Dizengoff Center is a symbol of Tel Aviv: a shopping center established over 40 years ago, at a time when Israelis were still used to shopping at local grocery stores. It has witnessed the country's ups and downs, wild parties in its parking lot, and a tragic terror attack. To this day, it remains an iconic representation of life in the heart of Tel Aviv.
Today, only a third of the stores are open and instead of shoppers, volunteers are now running around, offering their assistance by packing packages for soldiers, engaging with children, and providing vital emotional support to those in need.
"As of Sunday, only a few stores were open, and on Monday, just essential services such as Super-Pharm, Be, and the city's supermarket Mega, a bank, and a home center were operating," Pilz said. "By Tuesday, a few food stores, bookshops, and some chains joined in. Currently, about 90 out of 320 businesses are open. People are reluctant to leave their homes. Many business owners are taking care of their families and loved ones."
Starting from Sunday however, the Dizengoff Center opened its doors to the community, hosting MDA's blood donation operations, as well as a hub for collecting and sending packages to soldiers. The mall also started offering activities for children, including a cinema complex screening Disney Plus content, inflatables, and creative areas for arts and crafts, all free of charge and located in secure spaces or nearby areas.
The mall has also helped establish a delivery system run by volunteers.
A place for emotional support
In addition, the Dizengoff Center is about to launch a designated space for therapeutic conversations, complete with a coffee corner, with the aim to provide a safe environment for discussions where people can express their feelings. This initiative will include one-on-one sessions and group discussions, with dozens of volunteer therapists already on board.
Pilz emphasized the need for blood donations and the collection of essential supplies for soldiers, such as toiletries, toothpaste, deodorants, underwear, socks, blankets, batteries, and portable chargers. They are also gathering dry food and are prepared to collect equipment, toys, games, and activities for families and children evacuated from the communities on the border with Gaza.
"The activities at Dizengoff Center serve a dual purpose: assisting the soldiers and providing an opportunity for people to leave their homes, be active, and help others," he said. "This not only helps the soldiers but also encourages children and teenagers to engage in meaningful activities rather than spending time on screens or social media. This is what we believe is most needed at this time."
When the Hamas attack began, Filz decided not to remain idle.
"I don't want to get into politics, but there are things that should be happening and aren't," he said. "I'm involved in a transportation system for soldiers. Many people I know have been helping transport soldiers to their units when no one else could."
Pilz's wife has been preparing food for wounded soldiers' families, reflecting the dedication of individuals who step up when government systems falter.
"Civil society and the business community are providing the answer," he said. "Countless volunteers from the heart of Tel Aviv have joined us in recent days, taking on various roles, from coordinating drivers to managing children's activities and transportation. These selfless individuals offer their time, energy, money, and belongings to help those in need, driven by their conscience and sense of responsibility. Volunteers arrive, define their responsibilities, and get to work. They are doers, not just talkers."
Pilz plans to continue these activities throughout the duration of the war.
"Naturally, we'll keep assisting to the best of our abilities and resources," he said.The Dizengoff Center's commitment to the community is not limited to wartime; it is an integral part of Tel Aviv's everyday life.
"Our ongoing community-oriented initiatives include collaborations with dozens of associations, ranging from programs for seniors, the LGBT community, individuals with special needs, environmental causes, animal adoption and regular blood drives," Pilz concluded. "What we're witnessing now is an extension of our consistent dedication to being a community-focused place, not just during wartime."