The power of regional cooperation in crisis: Insights from experts on the ground

The ongoing crisis in Israel has highlighted the critical role that municipal leaders and regional cooperation play in managing emergencies. A recent podcast interview with Dr. Rivka Ravitz, the chief of staff of Beit Shemesh, Yoav Bakshi Yeivin, director of the Makom network, and Moshiko Erez, founder of NexusCities.org, sheds light on their experiences and the concept of regionalism during times of crisis.

Dr. Ravitz shared a deeply personal experience, recounting the tragedy Beit Shemesh faced during Operation Roaring Lion when a missile strike killed nine civilians, including children. She was among the first responders to the scene, witnessing the aftermath of the attack on a synagogue that had served as a public shelter. Despite the overwhelming grief, Dr. Ravitz and her team had to return to work the following day, ensuring the city’s operations continued while navigating the emotional and logistical aftermath of the attack.

“It was a world-stopping moment, but we had no choice but to continue the work and manage the city the next day,” Dr. Ravitz reflected. She explained how the municipality had to balance immediate crisis management with long-term recovery efforts, a process made possible through regional support and collaboration.

Yoav Bakshi Yeivin emphasized the growing trend of municipalities stepping in to help each other during emergencies. “Municipalities have started to take responsibility for their neighbors, even when geographically distant,” he said. This collaboration became evident after October 7, when cities like Eilat absorbed large numbers of evacuees. The regional model is proving more effective in times of emergency than the traditional top-down approach that often stifles cooperation.

Bakshi Yeivin explained that regional cooperation should not be limited to emergency situations. He called for a broader, long-term strategy where municipalities work together on various issues, from transportation to environmental concerns, to strengthen the entire region. “Regionalism isn’t just a theory—it’s a practice, and it must be built from the ground up,” he emphasized.

Moshiko Erez, who has been involved in numerous crisis management efforts, spoke about the importance of experience and preparation in emergency situations. He recounted his work in Beit Shemesh, where he helped guide the local authorities through the aftermath of the missile strike. His experience, gained through his work with local authorities and as a former director general of Rehovot Municipality, allowed him to offer invaluable guidance to the team managing the crisis.

Erez stressed the importance of humility and collaboration. He pointed out that his role was not to take over but to support local leaders, ensuring they had the tools and confidence to handle the emergency. “It’s not about replacing the leadership—it’s about empowering them to manage the situation with the best resources available,” he explained.

As the discussion concluded, the panelists shared their hopes for the future of regional cooperation in Israel. They agreed that while the crisis has brought out the best in municipal leaders, there is a pressing need to formalize this cooperation. Bakshi Yeivin suggested that the government should incentivize collaboration between municipalities, ensuring that the goodwill and proactive efforts seen during emergencies continue long after the crisis ends.

In a time when regionalism is more than just a buzzword, the leaders of Beit Shemesh, Makom Network, and NexusCities.org are showing how communities can thrive by helping each other during their most vulnerable moments. Their experiences not only highlight the strength of local leadership but also provide a model for how municipalities can work together to overcome challenges, both during and between crises.