After two years of war, Israeli society continues to grapple with deep loss, recurring trauma, and ongoing uncertainty. And while all hostages have been released, the nation now waits for the return of the bodies of those who were killed in captivity. In our partner region, Etzba HaGalil, the ‘day after’ has arrived: a ceasefire and fragile peace with Hezbollah came into effect in November 2024. Since then, the gradual return of evacuated communities and the recovery of those who lived in a war zone for a year have been marked by serious challenges, such as strained welfare systems, mental health needs, and a pressing demand for hope to guide the journey home.
Today, around 80% of residents across the region have returned, though recovery varies widely between towns and villages. Over 90% report being affected by the war—financially, mentally, or physically. The reopening of schools on September 1st, 2025, after a two-year hiatus, saw 95% of students and 97% of teachers return, signalling a step toward renewal.
As the entire region works to rebuild trust and resilience and to chart a new path forward, simply returning to life as it was before October 7th is unrealistic, undesirable and not enough. After two years of war, displacement, loss, and destruction, hope for a better future is the most critical need in this fragile time: safety and security for all ages, better educational systems for children and youth, new opportunities for young adults, and a region-wide landscape of promise and prosperity.
The work ahead to rebuild infrastructure, support vulnerable populations, reinvigorate the business sector, strengthen education, and nurture community resilience — is immense, but so too is the determination of those returning home.
Beit Vancouver
As residents return to Kiryat Shmona, local leadership and volunteers are working tirelessly to rebuild resilience and restore motivation across all age groups. Beit Vancouver, the city’s central hub for youth activities and services, plays a crucial role in this effort, offering children and families a sense of stability, belonging, and support as they navigate the challenges of post-war recovery. Renovating Beit Vancouver is a critical milestone in the effort to Build Back Better, laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Kiryat Shmona and ensuring a brighter, more hopeful future for the city’s youth and the entire region.
After more than a decade since its last renovation—and following two years of war and displacement—the facility is in urgent need of renewal. Plans include expanding the main activity hall with a new 70-square-meter activity area, featuring dedicated spaces for youth with special needs and diverse educational programming. The “Build Beit Vancouver Back Better” campaign, launched with a lead gift from the Silber Family Foundation, is now seeking additional support to complete this vital transformation.
The Equalizer
The Equalizer (Shaar Shivion) is a non-profit organization transforming lives across Israel by using the power of sports to promote education, equality, and social cohesion — one child and one community at a time. Through after-school programs that combine team sports with social and educational development, The Equalizer helps bridge social and educational gaps for youth in underserved areas, ethnic minorities, and marginalized communities.
In partnership with Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, The Equalizer is active in our partner region of Etzba HaGalil, operating eight teams in the Galilee Panhandle—six in Kiryat Shmona, one in Raghar, and one in Mevo'ot Hermon Regional Council—engaging over 140 children aged 9–16 in weekly sports and educational programming. The Equalizer has grown into a nationwide movement, reaching more than 10,000 participants across 136 municipalities.
Your support will ensure The Equalizer can sustain and expand its vital programs for years to come.
Shoresh BaGalil
Dror Israel is a leading force for social change in Israel, with 1,300 educators working across diverse communities to build resilience and support local needs. Since October 7th, hundreds of educators have been deployed across the country, helping children, youth, families, and entire communities begin to heal — offering support and addressing the immediate needs of evacuees, survivors and communities impacted by the war.
In partnership with Jewish Federation, the initiative is bringing 20 welfare professionals to Kiryat Shmona to strengthen local services and support vulnerable families. These professionals, social workers, therapists, and care providers are filling essential roles in local welfare systems, helping thousands of vulnerable families rebuild their lives, and repopulating the region with mindful, caring individuals dedicated to creating lasting change.
Your support will help these professionals contribute to the long-term recovery and build back better.