As Israel continues to face sustained attacks, donor support is making an impact beyond immediate relief—strengthening the long-term resilience of communities living under constant threat.

Through UJA’s partnership with Kedma, this impact is being realized on the ground in some of Israel’s most vulnerable regions. Kedma, an organization focused on cultivating leadership and service among young adults, places participants in rural and frontline communities where they contribute to education, social services, and local resilience efforts.

With sustained support from UJA, these programs have been active for years in regions like Eilot and the Western Negev. Today, that long-term investment is proving critical. In northern communities now beginning to return after prolonged evacuation and the devastation of October 7th, Kedma participants are helping rebuild infrastructure, support schools, and restore a sense of stability and continuity.

This is the power of strategic, sustained partnership: not only responding in times of crisis, but ensuring communities have the capacity to recover and move forward stronger..

The Current Reality on the Ground

• 5,700+ injured
• 5,000+ displaced across 40+ municipalities
• Hospitals operating in full emergency mode, including underground facilities
• Rising levels of anxiety, trauma, and stress, especially among children and families
• Increasing need for housing, financial assistance, and essential services

As the war continues, the importance of sustained, forward-looking support becomes increasingly clear. Partnerships like Kedma demonstrate that impact is not only measured in immediate response, but in the ability to build leadership, strengthen communities, and create the conditions for long-term recovery.