New initiative invites individuals, groups abroad to ‘adopt’ towns victimized on Oct. 7

The Foreign Ministry is raising awareness about its “Adopt a Community in Israel” program, which allows individuals and communities abroad to connect with and support one of the dozens of towns that were devastated by the October 7 massacre perpetrated by Hamas.

A handful of “adoptions” have already taken place, with Zurich adopting the Eshkol Regional Council, the Jewish community in Singapore adopting Sderot and a tech company in Tbilisi adopting Netivot.

While other adopt-a-community initiatives exist, this new project from the Foreign Ministry does not require participants to be part of a Jewish community, and any individual or group can take part in helping to heal and rebuild impacted communities.

The partnership in this new initiative can be short or long-term depending on the wish of the donor.

An IDF soldier stands amid destruction caused by Hamas terrorists in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, near the Gaza border, October 15, 2023. (Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

Participants will be able to work with the Foreign Ministry, which will present the needs of the various impacted communities in Israel.

“The urgency of revitalizing the towns and villages in southern Israel cannot be overstated. Presently, 150,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes and are now displaced. The scale of destruction is significant, affecting thousands of buildings, vehicles and agricultural assets. The top priority of the project is the mental and physical recovery of these affected individuals,” the Foreign Ministry says in a statement.

“Participation in this project and partnering with the Foreign Ministry ensures the establishment of enduring relationships between the donors and beneficiaries. This commitment to long-term engagement fosters sustained support and solidarity between communities in Israel and overseas,” the statement adds.

The program is a collaboration with various entities, such as the Home Front Command, the Interior Ministry, local municipalities, and other stakeholders

Those interested in participating should contact Maya Kadosh from the Foreign Ministry at Maya.Kadosh@mfa.gov.il.