Jerusalem, February 25, 2024 – The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Board of Governors will meet in Jerusalem from February 25-27 in the shadow of the Iron Swords War, with about 200 Jewish community leaders from around the world participating in the largest such gathering since the October 7 Hamas attacks. The meeting will be chaired by Jewish Agency Chairman of the Executive, Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, Chairman of the Board of Governors Mark Wilf and organization’s CEO Amira Ahronoviz.

The leaders are coming to show their solidarity with Israel at this difficult time and to discuss The Jewish Agency’s plans for the rehabilitation of the Gaza border communities that were decimated on October 7, as well as those along the northern border.

Members of The Jewish Agency Board of Governors will visit Gaza border communities, including Kibbutz Beeri, Nir Oz and Kfar Gaza as well as the towns of Sderot, Ofakim and Ashkelon. They will witness the horrors of the massacre and hear first-hand testimonies from survivors so that they can more effectively influence global public opinion upon their return home. They will also meet with the heads of the municipalities and local authorities to learn about the immediate and long-term needs of the rehabilitation process

IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari will appear before the Board of Governors in conversation with Almog, former head of the Southern Command. The board members will also meet the deputy head of the Tekuma Authority, Major General (res.) Yaakov Ayish, to learn about the needs of the restoration. In addition, a meeting will be held with Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer to discuss growing interest in Aliyah.

The Board of Governors will give special recognition to the team operating The Jewish Agency’s Fund for the Victims of Terror. Since October 7, the women of the fund, led by Chairwoman Ayelet Nachmias Verbin, have assisted over 8,000 families whose loved ones were murdered, kidnapped or injured by Hamas attacks in the south and Hezbollah fire in the north.

The Board of Governors will also review major projects launched by The Jewish Agency in response to the war and to assist in the rehabilitation of communities in the Western Negev, including the Communities2Gether initiative which stems from The Jewish Agency’s traditional role as the main organization forging connections between global Jewry and Israel during both routine and emergency situations. Alongside long-existing partnerships, Communities2Gether will work to establish new partnerships between Jewish communities around the world with communities in the Western Negev, for a total of 30 partnerships with the aim of leaving no community behind. The aim is for this to be a long-term partnership model that will help rebuild these Israeli communities, restore hope and lead them towards a prosperous future.

Further, the Board of Governors will stand alongside those Jewish Agency employees who have made the ultimate sacrifice — those whose family members were murdered by terrorists or fell in defense of the country, and those whose family members are still held hostage by Hamas.

Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency, Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog said: “This week’s Board of Governors meeting is an expression of the unconditional love global Jewish communities have for the State of Israel. Their arrival at this difficult time is a moving show of solidarity. Since October 7th the Jews worldwide have been supporting, donating and bearing the horrific pain together with us. The Jewish communities’ unprecedented mobilization in support of Israel is an important pillar in our restoration and in strengthening the resilience of the only Jewish state in the world, and Israeli society as a whole. Their hugs and support are a bright spot for us in these difficult and painful days. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.”

Since the outbreak of the war, global Jewish communities have been mobilizing in unprecedented fashion in support of Israel — at rallies around the world, in fundraising campaigns, in the fight for global public opinion, in advocating for the release of the hostages, and arriving in Israel as volunteers and new immigrants.

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JCubed Communications
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About The Jewish Agency for Israel:

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.