The Fund for Victims of Terror
Annual Report 2024
Chair of the Fund
Ayelet Nahmias Verbin
Dear Beneficiaries, partners and friends in this journey, There is no Israeli or Jew in the world who does not remember exactly where he or she was on the morning of October 7th. As Chair of the Jewish Agency׳s Fund for Victims of Terror I hastened to write a WhatsApp to those who were part of our small team at the time, led by Yael Raz - Hila Gaier, Nofar Osmo and Shirahan Alwakily, that there was a significant rocket attack and that we would have to update each other regarding injuries to bodies, souls and homes later in the morning. The moment my heart first broke was at 10 am when I learned that Ofir Libstein, head of the Shaar Hanegev Council and a close friend, was murdered after going out to defend his home, family and friends in Kfar Aza. A few days later we learned how great the loss was in the Libstein Epstein families and many other families in the area who paid an unimaginable price in the attacks. With broken hearts we started our work. We realized that, as in the Fund has done in it’s twenty years of existence, since the Second Intifada, we had to be there and offer our assistance and support to all those who needed it on their long and complex path to rehabilitation. We could not have done what we have been tasked to do without the tremendous and moving mobilization of the Fund’s partners since its founding - the North American Federations, the Keren Hayesod donors in Australia, Canada, Europe and Latin America, and other donors around the world and in Israel. The first zoom call on October 9th with 2,000 community members in Australia will always remain in my heart - with the mingling of my tears and theirs. This was followed by my first visit that afternoon with the heads of the North American Federations, under missile attacks, to the intensive care unit at Barzilai Hospital. The painful journey continued and on October 10th we met the members of Kfar Aza, in their place of residence in Shefayim. We were joined on the visit by Michal Herzog, the wife of the President, and all of us were struck by the sight of people we have known for years, but immediately understood that they would never be the same again. We continued to visit the evacuees from the southern settlements at their evacuation sites every few days. Each meeting helped us build the picture of the extraordinary assistance required. It was clear that we would have to rethink the concept of the Fund’s operation - Yael and I, together with the leadership of the Jewish Agency, wanted to maintain the special connection that had been created with our beneficiaries and their rehabilitation, despite the huge number of victims. With the support of my friends Doron Almog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Amira Aharonovich, former CEO of the Agency, and Yehuda Setton, current CEO, we set out to build a strong plan. In addition to distributing thousands of emergency grants and launching rehabilitation assistance starting in January 2024, we created a new organizational structure, recruited wonderful women who could bear the pain of the beneficiaries and continually amaze me, and created new information systems and interfaces that reduced bureaucracy. Besides Yael, a partner and a rare professional in the world of emergencies, I owe a special debt of gratitude to Rona Amram Nativ, who joined us as Yael׳s deputy and was a pillar in building the Fund’s activities. The multiplying of the number of victims needing our assistance, compared to the past 20 years of the Fund’s activities forced us to rethink the original motive for establishing the Fund - ״rehabilitation.״ This is a very obligatory word, and we quickly realized that a group-community assistance channel would be required, in addition to individual assistance to victims, and therefore moved to the creation of a ״program system.״ The programs are group meetings structured according to the needs of the each of the localities and communities. The power of these various meetings generates a strength that we could not have imagined, with the entire community receiving an injection of resilience. Another great privilege we have had over the years is that we have worked hand in hand with the National Insurance Institute, resilience centers, organizations that treat post-trauma victims, local authorities and hospitals. In the midst of the tremendous chaos, it is important to remember these significant anchors. We have increased our partners over the course of the year, adding organizations such as the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Forum of Families of the Hostages, the National Insurance Funds, the Orphan Funds and Healing Spaces, new organizations and treatment centers established in the spirit of Israeli entrepreneurship, and more - all with the aim of creating a significant impact to give support to the victims. The Intersectional roundtable initiated by the Fund, has been meeting for a year and addressing the gaps and challenges on the winding road to rehabilitation. Together we can do more and do it better. I am excited to present you the annual report of the Jewish Agency׳s Fund for Victims of Terror. I have been honored to serve as Chairman for the past 4 years, with the most complex event until October 7th being Operation ״Guardian of the Walls”. From the first moment, it was clear to me that this was a life-changing event on a personal level. Throughout my years as a member of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, the Israeli enclave became a second home for me, and its people have always held a special place in my heart. Helping them after October 7th, as for all Israelis and Jews in the Diaspora, was a certain comfort for me. The most important thing for me was to make sure that the bereaved families, the families of the hostages, the injured, and the evacuated, know that we are there for them. In our Fund’s terms, being there for them means being with them during their ups and their downs, truly seeing them, listening and embracing them. I am grateful every day for the team we built that made it possible for this great mission to get underway. I hope you will find the report interesting - it is an opportunity for us to share and be accountable to all our partners, especially the North American federations and Keren Hayesod communities, and an opportunity to say thank you for always having our back. ״By your side on the road to tomorrow״ is not just a sentence or slogan next to the Fund’s logo, but a way of life. That was the year that was, and these will be the years to come, until, together with the hostages who will return home, we will truly be able to feel tomorrow on our fingertips. Thank you for this privilege, Ayelet Nahmias Verbin
The Jewish Agency Executive
Mark Wilf, Chair of the Board of Governors
Doron Almog, Chair of the Executive
Yehuda Setton, CEO & Director General
Dear Friends and Partners, Since the Black Saturday of Simchat Torah, the State of Israel has been enduring the most difficult days since its founding. Pain and grief have touched countless homes across the country, leaving many families in need of prolonged assistance and support. In these challenging times of sorrow and deep uncertainty, the Jewish Agency׳s Fund for the Victims of Terror stands as a beacon of resilience and compassion. The attached report highlights the Fund׳s critical and essential actions, undertaken immediately amidst these harrowing events, to explore every possible avenue of support for the Victims of Terror families and ensure they receive the best possible care. The importance of the Fund for the Victims of Terror extends far beyond financial assistance. Its meaningful support and guidance provide a genuine embrace for countless families from all sectors, amidst the great crisis which they face. The Fund also offers many moments of respite, joy, and healing for countless children and their families. This year, the Summer Camps took on even greater significance, serving as anchors of stability amidst chaos. The laughter of children at these Camps and the heartfelt gratitude of their parents perfectly encapsulated the Camps׳ role as a vital source of comfort and renewal. None of this would have been possible without the unprecedented mobilization of Jewish communities around the world. Their solidarity and generosity, both before October 7th and in its aftermath, have been a cornerstone of our ability to respond swiftly and effectively. We wish to express our deep gratitude to Keren Hayesod, the Jewish Federations of North America, the Spirit of Israel and the many additional donors whose unwavering support empowered us to make a substantial difference in the lives of so many. The growth of the Fund over the past year has been extraordinary. This growth is a testament to the commitment and inspiring work of the Fund, led by Ayelet Nahmias Verbin, Yael Raz, the Fund׳s CEO, and the dedicated professional staff who extended a helping hand to the most painful places within us, offering love and comfort. We view the Fund for the Victims of Terror as a profound expression of Arvut Hadadit – mutual responsibility – and the strong partnership between Israel and the Jewish people around the world. Together, we strengthen our shared values and ensure support for those in need. The wounds within the Israeli society remain fresh, and the path to recovery is long. Yet, looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to stand by our brothers and sisters, ensuring that they are never alone. We will continue to provide strength as we rebuild and fortify the future of Israeli society and of the Jewish people. We take immense pride in this vital work and are profoundly grateful to all of you for your unwavering partnership and support. Sincerely, Mark Wilf , Chair of the Board of Governors Doron Almog, Chair of the Executive Yehuda Setton CEO & Director General
Director of the Fund
Yael Raz
Dear Partners and Associates, The year 2024 was the most dramatic period in the history of the State of Israel and thus also in the 22 years of existence of the Fund for Victims of Terror. The attack of October 7, 2023 and the ׳Iron Swords׳ war brought us together as we experienced extremely complex trauma. The new structure of the Fund, designed in the early days of the war, sought to give space and to recognize the uniqueness of the different communities and the need to create responses tailored to each of them. Under the leadership of our Chairperson at the last 4 years Ayelet Nahmias Verbin, the fund has expanded significantly, and now operates across four main areas: the southern urban area, the southern rural area that includes the kibbutzim and moshavim of the western Negev, the area of special populations responsible for caring for the families of the hostages and the returnees, the families of those murdered, the survivors and their families, and the Bedouin society. And the fourth area is responsible for assisting the northern confrontation line and the center of the country. Alongside this, we continue our work supporting all sectors of Israeli society and foreign citizens and their families who have been victims of terror attacks. Understanding these huge challenges, and as part of Ayelet's vision, we established the group treatment programs system and expanded summer camps and respite activities for children and youth. This system, which has been expanded through new partnerships with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the National Insurance Funds, enables the second and third circles of the victims whose needs are often overlooked (siblings, grandparents, uncles and cousins) to receive the therapeutic help that they so desperately need. Despite the dramatic increase in the Fund’s work, I am proud to inform you that we have continued and will continue to provide personal, professional and respectful treatment to every beneficiary who contacts the Fund and to be an address for them. This has been the path of the Fund since its establishment and this uniqueness continues to be maintained even today. This heavy burden and complex journey are shared by many. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Ayelet Nahmias Verbin, the Chairperson of the Fund, for her leadership, drive for excellence, and constant support, even during the most difficult and tearful moments. I would like to thank the Jewish Agency׳s management, Chairman Maj. Gen. (ret.) Doron Almog, outgoing CEO Amira Aharonovich, and incoming CEO Yehuda Setton for their backing, support, and trust in this crucial mission that no one would wish for. Thank you to each of the wonderful women on the team for their hard, professional, and dedicated work and for the prices that you all pay for this important endeavour. Thank you to Rona Amram Nativ, Deputy CEO of the Foundation, for your complete partnership in action and growth and your ability to continually hold on to hope. The challenges we face are still countless. Above all, the mission of returning the hostages to Israel, which confronts each and every one of us every day We have been privileged to be the messengers of the Jewish communities and our partners around the world: The Jewish Federation of North America, Keren Hayesod The Spirit of Israel and so many more. I believe with all my heart that this connection has healing power. Thank you very much for your trust and for being with us. Yael Raz Director – Fund of Victims of Terror
* The data in this report refers to the Fund’s activities from October 7th, 2023
8425
Emergency grants
3369
Rehabilitation grants
1976
Children and youth in summer camps
4497
Participants in programs
85,528,480 ₪
Amount of Fund support in 2024
Emergency grants
The emergency grant will be provided in the following cases:
-05.png)
Families of hostages and returned hostages
parents, spouse, and returned hostages
-06.png)
Direct damage to residence
A house that has incurred a direct hit and is no longer habitable
.png)
Physical injury
Those who were hospitalized for at least 24 hours due to physical injury
-07.png)
Bereavement
Loss of a first-immediate family member
By the end of 2024 - 8,425 emergency grants were distributed
Breakdown of emergency grants by region in Israel
Breakdown of emergency grants by type of injury
Emergency grants breakdown by region in Israel
Emergency grants breakdown by type of injury
The assistance provided by the Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror enables the hospital’s social work team to provide patients with important information about grants and possible assistance, thereby ensuring that they receive the support they need at the right time. Agency representatives come to the hospital, when necessary, get to know the patients personally and provide them with the specific assistance they need. We thank the Jewish Agency for its important cooperation and commitment to supporting patients and the patient community.״
Keren Schwartz, Director of Social Work Service, Rabin Medical Center
In the countless years since Sderot has been under fire, particularly since October 7th, the Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror has been there, by our side, for our residents.The guidance, support and immense attention we have received from the team allows the beneficiaries, the city's residents and us to look ahead at resilience and rehabilitation - for our heroic children and adults. The individual grants, rehabilitation grants and resilience programs provide important tools on the complex path to rehabilitation.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the Jewish communities around the world for their generosity during this difficult time we have gone through. May the growth of Sderot be a healing for all of us."
Alon Davidi ,Mayor of Sderot
We, the Shlomi Council and residents, have been evacuated and have witnessed hundreds of homes damaged and dozens sealed off. The Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror stood by the Council and its residents throughout the war and provided emergency grants of 4,000 shekels per household. This support was very important to the local authority, to the residents in their time of need, and above all to the sense of unity that is so important at this time. With friendship and appreciation.״
Gabi Naaman, Head of the Shlomi Council
Rehabilitation grants
The rehabilitation grant supplements the assistance o state institutions provided to citizens who are victims of terror. The grant is given in coordination with the family's rehabilitation workers at the National Insurance Institute and subject to recognition and determination of the percentage of the individual’s disability. The grant is a one-time amount of up to NIS 25,000 per household, which is available to beneficiaries for three years from the date of their recognition for rehabilitation needs.
By the end of 2024 - 3,369 rehabilitation grants had been distributed
Rehabilitation grant breakdown By type of support
Rehabilitation grant breakdown by population
We would like to express our deep gratitude for the help and support you have given us after the trauma and heavy loss we have experienced.
We deal with many aid organizations, but most of the time the process is cumbersome, difficult and very bureaucratic, while from you we received a quick and effective response. Your efforts have brought a light in our lives.
Ravid Tavor, survivor of the Black Sabbath in Be’eri. Received a rehabilitation grant from the foundation
As part of our work in the special populations area, we work with victims from the parties, the families of the hostages and returnees, and the Arab society. Working with these populations requires high sensitivity, a deep understanding of the personal and psychological needs of each victim, both individually and as a component within this unique group in general. Through personal contact with each of the victims, collaboration with professional entities and striving to understand the individuals related to each population - we have been able to provide many victims with assistance within the framework of rehabilitation grants while strengthening their sense of capability and responsibility for their lives.
Nofar Osmo, Director of the Special Populations Area, Fund of Victims of Terror
The joint work over the years between the Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror and the National Insurance Institute has deepened since the 'Iron Swords' War.
The Fund's assistance complements the assistance provided by the National Insurance Institute and allows us to provide broader assistance to victims and their families. The fact that the Fund's grants come from donations from the Jewish world strengthens the sense of solidarity of the victims and their understanding that they are not alone in their long process of rehabilitation.
Mashi Sandrovitz, Director of the Rehabilitation Division at the National Insurance Institute
Families of Hostages and Returned Hostages
Work with the families is done with infinite sensitivity, understanding their complex situation and in full coordination with the Hostages Families Forum and the National Directorate established to assist them. Immediately after the October 7th massacre, the parents of the hostages and their spouses received emergency grants, and later an additional emergency grant was raised.
With the return of the hostages in the first transaction, the Fund's Public Committee made a decision to provide supplementary rehabilitation assistance to each returned hostage, not just within the framework of their parental home. The returned hostage and their families continue to receive assistance from the Fund through the rehabilitation grant, which helps them with a variety of personal and family challenges.
In addition to the grants, the Fund operates group treatment programs for various groups and integrates families into summer camps and respite days. The Fund will continue to accompanythe hostages, the returned hostages and their families, until everyone returns and help in the complex rehabilitation process of each family.
The Nova Community and the Festivals Survivors
On October 7, the Nova, Psyduck and Midburn communities in the western Negev were brutally attacked. The Nova Festival alone was attended by approximately 4,000 women and men, hundreds of whom were murdered, kidnapped, and injured. In the first weeks after the attack, the Fund’s staff visited the various places that were set up for the survivors and bereaved families.
We work in collaboration with the Yated Program of the Ministry of Social Affairs, which was selected to provide comprehensive assistance for the survivors and with other civil society organizations that are partners in providing guidance and support, including the Nova tribe, the Bereaved Parents Association, and others. As part of its program, the Fund also provides assistance to bereaved families, the survivors themselves, as well as to the second and third circles of the victims, in coordination with the various organizations operating on the scene.
The Druze Community
The covenant between the Druze community and the State of Israel was also strengthened after October 7th. After the horrendous catastrophe in Majdal Shams in July 2024, in which 12 children were murdered and 34 others were injured, a broader mobilization was required to provide aid to the victims and the community. The Jewish Agency and the Fund for Victims of Terror accompanied the families from Majdal Shams and Ein Kinya immediately after the attack by providing emergency grants and visiting the bereaved and injured families in hospitals.
Since then, the Fund has accompanied the families in their rehabilitation process enabling them with rehabilitation grants. In addition, a designated fund was established to support the community in Majdal Shams in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America and Keren Hayesod, managed by the Fund’s professional team. Currently, multidimensional rehabilitation programs have begun to operate for the community that suffered complex and severe injury. The program was built and is being operated in full partnership with the local council and with the blessing of the head of the council.
Bedouin Society
Since its establishment, the Fund has worked with victims of terror from the Bedouin society. The significant extent of the harm inflicted on Bedouin society in the October 7 massacre required a unique response for the victims and their families, both linguistically and culturally. One of the first steps was to recruit a coordinator, Shirahan Alwakily, who would focus on the Bedouin community, both in terms of eligibility for grants and in developing programs and integrating children and youth into the respite camps. The Fund’s work with the Bedouin society brought us together with the families of the hostages, the bereaved families, and those physically and emotionally hurt. The leadership of the Jewish Agency and the Fund visited the wounded in hospitals, met with the bereaved families in their homes, and even celebrated the Iftar meal with the families. The deep connection created between the Fund’s staff and the beneficiaries allowed for the continued expansion of activities in unique treatment programs for widowed women and bereaved mothers, in collaboration with the Resilience Center in Rahat.
Special Populations
Since October 7th, the Fund has been providing unique programs to a number of distinct populations and communities:
Overseas Grants
In its 22 years of existence, the Fund has upheld its banner of equality and mutual guarantee, and as such, it assists all foreign citizens who were directly affected by the hostilities and were legally present in the country. The Fund also assists Israeli citizens who were affected by terror attacks incidents abroad.
By the end of 2024 - 353 overseas grants had been awarded in the following countries.
I would like to express my deep gratitude for the generous support I received from you following the anti-Semitic attack I experienced in Amsterdam. Your help means a lot to me during this challenging time, and I am truly grateful.
The work you do for Jews around the world is extraordinary. Knowing that there are organizations like yours, which are always ready to help, brings hope and strength to many people, including myself.
Thank you again for your kindness and for standing by me. Your efforts make a real difference to people and for the entire Jewish community around the world."
Naor Malka, injured in an incident in Amsterdam in November 2024
In the photo: Israelis after the events in Amsterdam. (Photo: Social networks, under Article 27a of the Copyright Act)
.jpeg)
Unfortunately, during the “Iron Sword” War, Thai citizens who were working in Israel were kidnapped and murdered. The ambassador, consul, and representatives are in constant contact with the families, including conducting condolence visits to the remote provinces of Thailand, and sharing their grief over the difficult events and loss of life. During the year, we assisted in transferring the grants of the Fund for Victims of Terror to the Thai citizens who returned from Hamas captivity and to the families of those murdered. We were honored to assist in transferring the grants to 43 families and to work in cooperation with the staff of the Fund for Victims of Terrorism of the Jewish Agency."
Liora Peleg, Administrative Officer - Israeli Consulate in Thailand
In the photo: A meeting of the Fund's staff with the Thai Labor Attaché.
.jpeg)
Today we held a candlelight vigil at my home with the participation of Nepal's Ambassador to Israel, Mr. Dhan Prasad Pandit and his wife, along with four Nepalese students, survivors of the Alumim massacre,
Prabin Dangi, Bidhan Sejwal, Himenchal Kattal, Birendra Chaudhary.
The four arrived in Israel a few days before October 7, as part of a training program for agricultural students. 6 of their friends were murdered that day and they themselves were seriously injured. Despite their serious injuries, they chose to remain in Israel."
Hanan Godar, former Ambassador to Nepal
In the photo: A ceremony in which the kidnapped Nepalese citizen Bipin Joshin was remembered.
The Jewish Agency has helped us so much. Since we live in a different country from where our son was murdered on October 7th, we felt very disconnected. The fact that we don’t speak Hebrew didn’t help either. But the staff and people we were in contact with were exceptional and full of advice (in English so we could understand) and above all, they were caring and understanding of our needs and desires.”
Lisa Marlow, Jake’s mother
In the photo: Michael and Lisa Marlow with their son Jake of blessed memory, who was murdered at the Nova party, where he worked as a security guard. The couple, who live in London, are beneficiaries of the Fund and received a rehabilitation grant.
Camps and Respite Days
The Fund for Victims of Terror camps are held during all school holidays: Sukkot, Hanukkah, Passover and summer vacations. Between the holidays respite days take place in order to maintain contact and strengthen the connection.
The camps offer an opportunity for respite, experience and enjoyment while developing personal strength and ability with the aid of animal therapy workshops, performances combined with psychotherapy and emotional processing, workshops for developing personal resilience and more.
Following the October 7th massacre, the Fund for Victims of Terror camps expanded significantly, from 200 children and teenagers to a record number of 1,358 participants during the past summer vacation. In addition, the camps expanded to additional populations, including Bedouin society, the second and third circle of children from families of hostages and returnees as well as children from kibbutzim who were evacuated from their homes and other urban communities in the south.
By the end of 2024 - 1976 children and teenagers had participated in 276 days of summer camp.
Segmentation of Camp Participants
My beloved children waited impatiently every morning to board the bus where they were always greeted with a smile. Especially these days when fear often reigns supreme, we found an island of peace with you. We would have been happy not to have the title "victims of terror," but if it had to have arrived, then we thank God we were blessed with you. Words cannot describe the light you have shed on us in all this darkness and how you have become a beacon for us and our children. Loving and appreciative and praying for the return of all the hostages and peace in our tiny country, Amen."
Moran Madmoni, Sderot - Mother of children participating in the Fund'ss camp
I would like to thank you on behalf of the entire Nir Oz community for the all-important and meaningful response you gave us during the holidays and in general. The activities you organized, which was both full of great fun and with the added value of thinking outside the box, of understanding the process of children's rehabilitation in the reality of their complex and ongoing trauma, was critical in these difficult times that the community is going through. In a situation where the community is still in the same situation as the October 7th incident with 29 hostages, you were a beacon of light and I don't know what I would have done without your activities and the all-important response you gave. The warm and personal attitude you gave us made us believe that there could be a normal routine beyond the mountains of darkness, and this is not something that is taken for granted at all! So, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart
Ziv Rosenberg, Director of Education Nir Oz
Intervention Programs
Since the October 7th massacre, in light of the enormous numbers of beneficiaries in need of assistance, the Fund has been supporting rehabilitative group treatment programs designed for populations from various vulnerable groups. All of this, with the understanding that the individual is also rehabilitated through belonging to a group.
The Fund operates through several key channels:
1. Support for rehabilitative group processes in cities, regional councils and localities.
2. Support for unique populations such as Nova survivors, Bedouin society, families of hostages and returnees, etc.
3. Support for targeted programs and initiatives that promote rehabilitative treatment processes such as healing spaces, rehabilitation farms, surfing programs, etc.
By the end of 2024 - 4497 participants took part in 142 different programs
Young Adults
470 participants
Party survivors
970 participants
Bedouin and Druze society
1015 participants
Rural areas
1331 participants
Urban areas
711 participants
You don't understand the magnitude of what you have done for us. We arrived as a large group of people exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and then we met in the desert. We were detached from all the noise, in this magnificent landscape, and we began to breathe together.
This space freed us and made us understand that we are one big family and a community that needs to be taken care of and that will take care of the rest. I have no more words to express my immense gratitude. We are a significant part of all this trauma and must assure that there is awareness of this throughout the world. We also need these activities to restore us, build us up and help us to overcome our trauma. So may God bless you
May all the families of the hostages enter the circle of our liberated ones, and we will be able to build our lives and return to living truly together."
A sister of a young survivor of captivity who participated in a retreat
A big thank you to you, on behalf of everyone who was privileged to be a part of this special retreat. The words written by one of the participants illustrate how important and essential the space you have created is – a place where you can stop, breathe, let go and understand that no matter how hurt or scared we are, we are still part of a large community that cares for each other.
The descriptions of the moments of laughter, crying and unity between people only emphasize the greatness of the mitzvah you have provided. This connection, the opportunity to be together, to dance, to feel, is an anchor of hope for everyone going through this difficult time. Your activity is much more than help – it is salvation. I hope we get to see all the families enter the circle of the liberated and together we will rebuild life, full of hope, love and a genuine smile. Congratulations on the amazing work you do and for holding the light for so many people."
Sana Britevski, deputy CEO of the Genesis Prize
During 2024, the Fund for Victims of Terror won the 'Genesis' Prize, which was awarded this year to organizations that support the families of the hostages and the returned hostages.
The Fund used the prize money to organize three unique retreats intended for young family members aged 18-25 from the circle of the families of the hostages, for family members of the survivors of captivity from the second and third circle, as well as for a group of women survivors of captivity.
The Fund Survey
The Fund conducted an online needs survey among 301 participants of the evacuee population from the North and South, aged 18-70, through the Rushink Institute.
The main findings from the survey:
The main assistance required from the Fund for victims of Terror
Emotional treatments, participation in rent, assistance in financing sports activities and educational activities.
The main assistance that respondents received from Diaspora Jewry is:
Assistance from the Fund of victims of Terror, solidarity visits, a grant or loan for a business, personal and group treatment programs.
The main factors that provide emotional support:
The family, the community, the general public and the resilience centers.
The three issues in which a high level of impairment is reported:
Housing, sense of independence and level of education.
It's all about partnerships
Since its inception, the Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror has operated as a cross-sectoral partnership between the Jewish Agency, Jewish communities, rehabilitation organizations in Israel, and other civil society partners.
In response to growing needs, the Fund has significantly expanded its partnerships. In the government sector, collaborations have increased with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Welfare, including the Iron Swords Division and the Yated Program, which focuses on supporting survivors. For the first time, the Fund is operating programs with budgetary support from the Government of Israel, a partnership that is expected to strengthen and grow in 2025.
We have also deepened ties with the Ministry of Health and the Center for Local Government to assist beneficiaries in exercising their rights. Rehabilitation activities have expanded in cooperation with the National Insurance Institute and National Insurance Funds, with a joint work plan for 2025 now under development and co-funded for the first time.
In the civil sphere, the Fund has established an Intersectional Round Table, bringing together over 30 leading organizations to share knowledge and coordinate support efforts for victims and their communities.
Natal is proud to have been a partner of the Fund for Victims of Terror for many years. Since October 7, the partnership has deepened both on a human and organizational level. Establishing the Intersectional Round Table at the Fund’s initiative was a significant step towards professional connections in the field of resilience and trauma. We were also privileged to accompanying the Fund’s team in strengthening their personal and professional resilienc. In the hope of continued joint work and years of healing and growth from the great trauma that Israeli society has gone through and is still going throug."
Efrat Shafrut, CEO of Natal
During the summer vacation and holidays, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror jointly led a unique project designed to provide children from the families of the hostages and returned hostages, with various family respite activities. The project included camps, workshops, and customized respite days, with the aim of providing children and their parents moments of delight, stability, and support. The collaboration emphasized the importance of joint work between different organizations, combining professional capabilities and resources for the benefit of common goals. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Security sees this partnership as a basis for continued joint work, with the aim of expanding support and providing additional solutions for the families of the hostages and returned hostages in the future."
Or Tzubery, Director of the Iron Swords Division, Ministry of Social Welfare and Security
'Ashur for Children' works in close cooperation with the Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror accompanying the 40 young people who lost both their parents on October 7th. The willingness, understanding of the needs and availability of the Fund's staff, make it possible to provide an accurate and accessible response to children and young people who are left alone to face the challenges of orphanhood. In such challenging times, it is good to have a team that supports and assists wholeheartedly and out of sincere and genuine concern for children and foster families."
Naama Halevi, 'Ashur' for Children Association
Facing Forward
Following a year of consolidation and expansion after the October 7 attack, the Fund advances into 2025 by strengthening infrastructure and expanding operations across various areas.
At the beginning of the year, the Fund moved to its new home at Kedma Youth Village, providing office space for daily work and meetings, as well as a venue to host partners from the south. Digital system upgrades continue to streamline beneficiary services, including a new referral form and the launch of a new website.
To address growing needs, the Fund is will soon recruit new team members for a joint initiative with the National Insurance Funds and the Ministry of Social Affairs. This project will focus on supporting secondary and tertiary circles of victim families who do not receive assistance elsewhere, enhancing resilience and therapeutic care for these groups.
The Fund will maintain its commitment to resilience-building efforts by convening the Intersectional Round Table, organizing site visits to communities and beneficiaries, and optimizing processes to provide timely, professional support to each person in need.
Recognizing the challenges faced by our employees who closely engage with victims of the October 7 massacre, we are prioritizing efforts to support their professional and personal resilience.
In 2025, the Fund will continue working toward the rehabilitation of civilian victims of terror. Our efforts will focus on delivering humane service, advocating for victims’ rights, forming new partnerships with support organizations, and maintaining full transparency with donors in Israel and around the world.
We wish to thank our partners around the world:
The Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod,
UIA Canada, The Spirit of Israel and hundreds of foundations
and private donors around the world.
Photographer: Avishag Shaar-Yashuv, from the Yad Achot (Sisterhood) exhibition
_edited.jpg)
