In a joint initiative between the Rishon Letzion Municipality and the Jewish Agency for Israel, together with the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest New Jersey, some 200 Jewish teenage girls from the U.S. joined forces with city employees and Israeli volunteers for an extensive relief operation in a residential neighborhood that was directly hit by an Iranian missile during the recent war.
Alongside the girls, who were participating in an NCSY youth movement program, the operation included employees from the Israeli city’s Social Integration Administration and Community Services Administration, local social activist Roi Cohen and volunteers from Israel’s Target program.
The operation involved cleanup and removal of damaged items as well as debris, maintenance of public spaces, temporary sealing of damaged homes and packing for families temporarily relocating to alternative housing. Additionally, Jewish Agency volunteers went door-to-door in the affected homes to distribute care packages to residents and listen to families share their complex experiences during the past month.
Rishon Letzion suffered a direct hit from an Iranian missile on the morning of June 14. The missile, which struck the heart of a residential neighborhood in the western part of the city, claimed the lives of two residents—Israel Aloni and Yevgenia Blinder—and caused extensive damage to homes and nearby streets.
City teams arrived at the scene within minutes and have since been working to assist about 300 residents who were evacuated to hotels after their homes were damaged, as well as 1,000 residents in and around the neighborhood with a variety of needs. This includes dealing with property taxes, legal assistance, help with filing claims for national insurance grants, purchasing basic equipment, phone repairs, emotional and psychological support, recreational activities and more.
The operation reflects the Jewish Agency’s mission of cultivating the connection between Israel and world Jewry. Every year, tens of thousands of youths worldwide come to Israel for a life-changing volunteer experience through the Jewish Agency. Since the terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the Jewish Agency has mobilized thousands of young men and women to volunteer in the rehabilitation of the Gaza-border communities and the northern front lines. Following the destruction wrought by the war with Iran, volunteers from world Jewry have been mobilized in recent weeks to assist local authorities throughout the country, including volunteer groups operating in Rishon Letzion.
The city’s mayor, Raz Kinstlich, stated: “The volunteer operation conducted today is a moving example of the spirit of volunteerism and social resilience of our people. I am proud of the city employees and hundreds of volunteers who dedicated their time to support and assist us. We will continue to accompany the affected residents throughout the entire process, until every family returns home safely.”
Dalia Kushnir, director of educational experiences at the Jewish Agency, said: “The girls who came here today represent the real connection between world Jewry and the people of Israel. They brought with them energy, caring, deep commitment to Israel, mutual responsibility and, above all, a desire to take part in rehabilitation and renewal.
“This represents the pinnacle of an initiative that connects young people from the Jewish world with the reality of life here, giving them a deep sense of belonging. It also provides a warm embrace to the affected local residents and a sense that they are seen and that the Jewish people care about them.”
