When the war began on October 7, 2023, hundreds of thousands of Israeli reservists were called to extended duty. Overnight, their spouses were left to carry everything else — home, children, and in many cases, a small business suddenly struggling to survive.
JFI launched a first-of-its-kind Relief Fund for Spouses of Reservists to provide support to families suffering both emotionally and financially under the strain of prolonged reserve service. The goal was not only to stabilize businesses, but to create a meaningful way for the global Jewish family to offer support and love to those who have quite literally been on the front lines for nearly two years.
Since the fund’s launch, nearly 3,100 requests have been received, with more than 28 million shekels in grants distributed to date. Applications continue to arrive daily. Data from applicants reveals the depth of sacrifice: families endured an average of 357 days of reserve duty — with many serving far longer. Nearly 89% of supported businesses were long-established enterprises, yet each experienced an average revenue loss of 55%.
In northern Israel, two family-run restaurants reopened thanks to this support. One returning reservist now feeds soldiers by day — and, with help from Federation’s partners, feeds his community at home.
average days of reserve duty served
requests for aid
in grants distributed
provides immediate emergency grants, rehabilitation grants, intervention grants, and camp and respite grants to victims and their families.
In its 21 years of providing assistance prior to October 7, the Fund for Victims of Terror has supported 9,000 families. Since October 7,
the Fund has assisted more than 10,000 additional families with more than 85 million shekels (about $23.8 million) in support.
In Beit Shean, Cleveland’s sister community in Israel, a pregnant woman’s life was saved by mere seconds. Moments before a missile destroyed her home, she accessed an air-conditioned shelter located next door. Just a day earlier, thanks to critical funding by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, local shelters had been equipped with portable air conditioners, transforming previously unbearably hot, uninhabitable spaces into safe havens. Ten seconds after she arrived, a drone struck her apartment. Because the shelter was ready, she survived.
Beit Shean sits in a tense region, bordered by Jordan to the east and the Palestinian Authority to the west. Since October 7, ongoing attacks have threatened civilians, and the city has suffered from direct Iranian UAV strikes, causing extensive damage to a central apartment building.In response, Federation prioritized renovating and equipping 82 public shelters in the region. Cooling and ventilation systems, mattresses, fans, bottled water, and “spirit kits” with snacks, games, and activities for children turned these spaces into safe, life-saving refuges.
Because of our community’s swift and steadfast support, these shelters are not just structures — they are lifelines, protecting families in the most vulnerable and unpredictable moments.
Building on a successful 2024 pilot program, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland expanded its partnership with Kibbutz Kissufim in the summer of 2025 by welcoming 15 teenagers to Camp Wise for a three-week experience focused on healing, resilience, and Jewish connection.
Kissufim, near the western Negev, was devastated by the October 7 attacks, and its residents were subsequently displaced by the war. The Federation partnered with the Kissufim community to give these Israeli teens a safe space to step away from trauma and rebuild confidence.
At Camp Wise, the teens strengthened social connections, processed their experiences in a supportive environment, and engaged in a meaningful meeting (mifgash) with American peers. Through shared activities, language, and cultural exchange, both the Israeli and American campers deepened their Jewish identities and developed empathy across borders.
One Kissufim parent reflected: “Your generosity gave our children the gift of a summer camp – an experience that allowed them to breathe, smile again, and simply be children. After October 7, this was not just a camp. It was healing. This experience will stay with them forever.”
With continued demand and demonstrated impact, the Federation looks forward to welcoming more teens from Kissufim to Camp Wise in summer 2026.
are emotionally attached to Israel.
of those who are very emotionally attached to Israel have visited or lived in the country.
have visited Israel at least once, higher than
Individuals who have visited Israel multiple times or have resided there exhibit much higher levels of attachment,
with majorities from both groups indicating that they feel very attached to Israel.
Sirens, uncertainty, and constant updates became the backdrop of what was supposed to be a 10-day educational journey across Israel. Last June, 26 Cleveland Jewish teens traveled to Israel with israel.cleveland.next (icnext), but on June 13, as fighting escalated across multiple fronts, their experience shifted dramatically. Bringing them home immediately became the top priority. While awaiting evacuation, icnext staff and chaperones created engaging programming and provided support to keep teens calm amid the backdrop of war.
“I will never forget this trip and the intensity of being in Israel during war time,” said icnext teen Maya. “I am grateful to our chaperones, the hostel that allowed us to stay in safety, and especially to the Cleveland Jewish Federation that took care of us and arranged for our return back home.”
Behind the scenes, the Federation worked around the clock, developing multiple evacuation plans as conditions rapidly changed. An initial plan included special permission to fly out of Ben Gurion Airport to Paris. That plan was abandoned when the perimeter of the airport was struck by a cluster missile fragment, forcing a last-minute pivot. Within hours, a new plan was secured: a chartered flight from Aqaba, Jordan to Europe.
Throughout the crisis, Federation leadership remained in constant contact with families, providing steady communication, reassurance, and ultimately, a safe journey home.
“I have no words to thank you and everyone who worked with the Federation to shepherd the kids out of Israel and work to bring them home,” said one icnext parent. “We truly appreciated the calm and collected Zoom calls and the transparency. Thank you doesn’t begin to cover it.”
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