Within hours of the devastating and brutal attacks by Hamas on civilians in southern Israel, Jewish National Fund-USA immediately mobilized an emergency situation room to assess and address needs on the ground. Having worked closely with municipalities and regional councils in the north and south of Israel over the past two decades, the organization was able to swiftly address emergency needs in both areas, including housing and food for evacuated residents, preparing and improving bomb shelters and fortified areas in at-risk locales, providing protective and emergency equipment for first responders and civil defense, and offering high-quality psychological treatments to Israelis.
In gratitude, nearly a dozen mayors from cities of all types have expressed their thanks for the support and solidarity, as in the below examples. Speaking of the many letters from mayors in Israel he has received, Jewish National Fund-USA president Dr. Sol Lizerbram, said: “Our connection to the land and people of Israel remains steadfast as always. We stand by our partners with whom we work every day and we stand together with our Jewish homeland.”
Shimon Lankri, Mayor of the mixed Arab-Jewish city of Akko: “(Akko is) a diverse city with its own set of challenges. … Today, above all, we are one city with one purpose. We are all preparing for war and we cannot afford to take risks. Thanks to Jewish National Fund-USA and your commitment … the city of Akko and its residents, both in peacetime and during war, we feel safer and wholeheartedly believe that it will be well here.”
Ben-Muvchar, Head of the Mevoot HaHermon Regional Council: “Once again, you have proven that you are a reliable supporter, whom we can count on in challenging times. Jewish National Fund–USA is developing the north as usual and safeguarding us in times of emergency.”
Mayor Radi Nijim of the Druze Village of Beit Jann: “Your kind gesture is greatly appreciated and your support indicates the good in humanity. Due to the war, we are considered an at-risk area. … Your generosity and willingness to help cities near the Lebanese border has touched us deeply.”
Mayor Arkady Pomeranets of the mixed Arab-Jewish city of Ma’alot-Tarshiha: “Once again, you, Jewish National Fund-USA, have proven that you are with us through fire and water. … This partnership warms our hearts again and again, and we will never take it for granted. We appreciate your support for us, even in these difficult times, for we have no other land.”
Avihai Stern, Mayor of Kiryat Shmona: “You have been with us every step of the way, in routine and in emergencies. … Personally, I want to thank you for … enabling me to protect the residents of Kiryat Shmona and the entire Galilee to the best of my ability.”
Dr. Hanan Ginat, Mayor of the Eilot Region: “Over the past two weeks, since the outbreak of the conflict, we have faced an unprecedented influx of evacuees in search of safety. Since the beginning of the war, Jewish National Fund-USA has spoken to us on a daily basis and your financial assistance has played a pivotal role in our ability to offer shelter, childcare, emotional support and meals to all those who have turned to us.”
Ronen Marelly, Mayor of Nahariya: “Over the years, Nahariya has suffered continuous attacks by thousands of rockets from Lebanon and attacks that penetrated the seashore. … On behalf of the people of Nahariya and myself, I want to thank Jewish National Fund-USA for your kind donation and support.”
Eran Doron, Mayor of Ramat HaNegev: “I want to emphasize the profound source of hope and support we’ve found in your care and the dedicated Jewish National Fund-USA team. From the very beginning, your approach has been, “Just tell us what you need,” and indeed, every request we’ve made has been promptly addressed. This responsiveness provides us with a tremendous sense of security and comfort as we strive to assist the thousands of evacuees who are currently residing with us in Ramat HaNegev.”
Yoram Karin, Mayor of Emek HaMayanot (“The Valley of Springs”): “You have been good and loyal friends to us throughout the years, real friends who can be counted on when needed to be at our side. This is unfortunately one of those times and we want to express our gratitude for your immediate response.”
