Representatives of Jewish communities from around the world traveled to northern Israel this week as part of The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Board of Governors meeting, to advance initiatives aimed at rebuilding and strengthening regions affected by the recent war.
During a special visit, board members met with residents of the North — including terror survivors, IDF reservists, new immigrants, and local business owners — and heard firsthand about the challenges of life along the confrontation line, as well as The Jewish Agency’s ongoing efforts to bolster northern communities with the support of world Jewry.
The visiting delegates came to express solidarity and to promote projects that will help rebuild communities and towns impacted by the war in both northern and southern Israel.
In Safed, the leaders toured an absorption center and met with Mayor Yossi Kakun. They also visited Youth Futures, a Jewish Agency subsidiary that provides educational and emotional support for children and families at risk.
In Hurfeish, the group met with Col. (res.) Mofid Mara’i and spiritual leaders of the Druze community to discuss the unique partnership between Druze and Jews and joint empowerment initiatives.
In Kiryat Shmona, participants viewed the Lebanese border and were briefed on the security and social challenges facing northern communities.
“The North embodies the new hope of Israel,” said Jewish Agency CEO Yehuda Setton. “Here, between the frontline and the horizon, you see the power of the Israeli spirit and the resilience of the people who continue to build this remarkable region. The gathering of Jewish leaders from around the world here, and at this moment, is living proof that the Jewish people are one family—bound by shared destiny and mutual responsibility.”
The Jewish Agency’s Board of Governors convened this week in Jerusalem with hundreds of Jewish community leaders in attendance, led by Jewish Agency Chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, Board Chair Mark Wilf, and CEO Yehuda Setton.
This marks the first international gathering of the Board since the ceasefire. Discussions focused on plans for rebuilding war-affected communities, encouraging aliyah, strengthening Jewish community resilience worldwide, and raising global awareness for the return of all hostages to Israel.
Written in collaboration with The Jewish Agency