Elka project manager Tal Ohana (4th from right) meets with local leadership in Ma’ale Yosef
Last spring, CEO Idana Goldberg wrote about the urgency to revolutionize the future of the North of Israel even amidst the vast uncertainty that prevailed in the months after the October 7th attacks. To advance this vision, the Foundation recently awarded a $1 million grant to support the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s Elka arm (JDC-Elka) in playing a pivotal coordination role in the recovery of the Galilee.
In May 2024, Israel approved a $15 billion shekel revitalization plan for war-ravaged communities along its Lebanon border. The conflict with Hezbollah not only caused devastating loss of life and property damage but deepened existing disparities across the Galil. JDC CEO Ariel Zwang notes, "Today, the region suffers from vast devastation and the number of vulnerable people has increased exponentially."
Keren Doron Katz, Director, JDC Elka Northern Initiative, at a regional roundtable session in Nazareth
During the wartime emergency, JDC-Elka — experts in overcoming complex challenges and maximizing the ability of Israel’s public systems to deliver social services — assumed critical coordination functions while also launching five regional forums focused on economic development, demographic growth, education, healthcare, and infrastructure. This depth of experience positioned them as the lead implementation partner working in northern towns and cities to ensure the success of the government's recovery initiative.
Together with local governments, businesses, and social sector allies, JDC-Elka is working first with 24 of the hardest-hit border communities, which are home to 300,000 residents who, for more than a year, endured near-constant bombardment. The organization will help municipalities facilitate the return of 65,000+ evacuees while enhancing the appeal of the region for new and returning residents. Regional teams will connect partners like Tel Hai University's Regional Knowledge Center and civil society organizations including the Russell Berrie Galilee Diabetes SPHERE, which will lead efforts to restore and expand preventative health services.
"Driving the rehabilitation and long-term development vision for Israel’s North is one of the most meaningful and complex missions JDC-Elka has undertaken,” said Director General Ori Gil. “It demands deep collaboration, innovative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of every resident — from returning evacuees to the most vulnerable populations.”
Elka Project Manager Roei Dahan and Senior Consultant Mordechai Cohen tour Metula with Mayor David Azoulay
Each local authority will work with a dedicated JDC-Elka project manager to implement rehabilitation and development strategies that include:
Creating long-term regional development plans, including 35,000-50,000 new housing units and 30,000 new medtech/foodtech jobs;
Assessing the comprehensive needs of returning evacuees and connecting them to housing, education, health, and social services;
Reimagining social services for the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and unemployed, families at risk, and people with disabilities;
Investing in critical infrastructure such as roads and buildings; water, electricity, and sewage systems; and strengthened education and health systems to serve current residents and attract future growth; and
Helping municipalities meet government funding criteria while addressing community-specific recovery priorities.
Elka works in partnership with Tenufa – the Government of Israel’s Agency for the Rehabilitation of Northern Israel.