Supporting Displaced Communities in Israel

by IsraAID
Supporting Displaced Communities in Israel
Supporting Displaced Communities in Israel
Supporting Displaced Communities in Israel
Supporting Displaced Communities in Israel
Supporting Displaced Communities in Israel
Supporting Displaced Communities in Israel

Project Report | Feb 10, 2025
A Community-Led Therapeutic Center in Southern Israel

By IsraAID Israel Emergency Mission | IsraAID Israel Emergency Mission

IsraAID has stood side-by-side with dozens of displaced and grieving communities in Israel since October 7, 2023. One of these is Mishor Hagefen, a neighborhood in Ofakim where dozens of civilians lost their lives and survivors hid for more than 24 hours. Residents faced grief and trauma, and needed professional support to feel safe in their homes again. The sole resilience center serving Ofakim's 30,600 residents could not meet the rising need for psychosocial support.

In response, IsraAID partnered with Ofakim Municipality and the Israeli Center for Psychoanalysis to create Gfanim Therapeutic Center. Gfanim offers 60 hours of therapy each week to individuals, families, and small groups free of charge. Beyond treatment, Gfanim has become a vital space for the community to relax and connect. Its peaceful gardens and children's play zones welcome everyone, including those who seek comfort, connection, or a sense of stability without accessing formal therapy. Local businesses and experts play a key role in Gfanim’s success, fostering community connections and sustainability at every opportunity.

At our partners' request, IsraAID is now extending the project through 2025, and handing over the tools to sustain Gfanim long-term. With residents deeply involved from the start, Gfanim will remain a cornerstone of Mishor Hagefen’s ongoing resilience.

Meanwhile, displaced communities from northern Israel are returning to widespread destruction and ongoing insecurity amid a fragile ceasefire. IsraAID is developing programs to help them regain stability, enhancing local leadership capacities and building on our emergency response so far. We recently trained 400 Community Emergency Response Team volunteers, who are assisting communities in navigating challenging transitions in this crisis. We are now working closely with community leaders, local authorities, NGOs, and other key actors to further strengthen local support services and foster long-term recovery. As we monitor the situation closely, we remain committed to ensuring that our resources and expertise are ready for any scenario that may arise.

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By IsraAID Israel Emergency Mission | IsraAID Israel Emergency Mission

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Organization Information

IsraAID

Location: Tel Aviv, Merkaz - Israel
Website:
Facebook: Facebook Page
Twitter: @IsraAID
Project Leader:
Daniella Scher
Tel Aviv , Merkaz Israel

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