This April, Federation’s Chair of the Board Julie Platt led a group of top leaders to Israel to get a closer look at the work we are accomplishing in partnership with the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC) and to examine Israel’s most pressing challenges moving forward — so we can plan accordingly.
“This was a search and discovery trip that we approached in the exact same way as we do our work here,” explained Julie, “to fill gaps and to see where we can make the greatest impact in alignment with our Federation’s priorities.”
Among the leaders who accompanied Julie were Federation’s President & CEO Jay Sanderson, Chief Program Officer Becky Sobelman-Stern, Vice Chairs Albert Praw and Frank Maas, Board Members Jerry Coben and Virginia Maas, and Young Adult Engagement & Leadership Development Committee (YAE&LD) Co-Chairs Aaron Kogan and Arielle Morrison. “I never thought so many would be willing to leave their jobs and families to join me on this trip,” said Julie. “I’m inspired by the fact that, when it comes to seeing the work we’re doing on the ground, our leadership says ‘yes.’”
Because post-traumatic stress lingers for months — even years — our work includes helping vulnerable populations overcome the psychological impacts of trauma connected to the ongoing conflict. Since future conflict is inevitable, it also includes helping communities prepare and be more resilient.
The group visited one of three regional resiliency centers we launched last summer in partnership with the ITC. The center they visited in the Eastern Galilee is vitally important because one of the biggest threats facing Israel today emanates from its northern border. While Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system may have some success protecting strategic assets within the country, the sheer number of rockets that can be launched makes that region — comprised of small, isolated communities along Israel’s northern border — particularly vulnerable to attacks.
The ITC Northern Regional Center works with municipal leaders in Metula, Hatzor Haglitit, Maalot, Rameh, Merom Hagalil and Nazareth to prepare for future incidents and minimize the severe effects of trauma experienced by residents in the midst of and in the aftermath of emergency situations. During their brief visit, participants met with a select group of mayors from these communities who discussed how they provide leadership to the civilian population in times of emergency and the mechanisms that have been put in place to meet the needs of their communities.
“The work we’re doing there is very necessary,” said Frank Maas. “People living in that part of Israel are under constant stress, so whatever we can do to help relieve that is extremely important.”
During their visit to Haifa, our leaders witnessed a large-scale emergency drill from the Northern command and control center of the IDF Homefront Command, a branch of the IDF akin to the U.S. National Guard. They saw how every unit (from medics to infantry to computer specialists) coordinates and communicates with one another during a crisis. The drill also illustrated the strong relationship between the Homefront Command and the ITC.
“It was extremely impressive to see the scope and depth of this operation,” said Frank Maas. “The level of concern that Israel has for its citizens is inspiring.”
In addition to observing this emergency preparedness exercise, Federation leaders had a chance to see how our support makes an impact in the aftermath of conflict. They sat in on a workshop for municipal social workers who are on the front lines day in and day out extending assistance to and empowering residents who experience trauma.
Our partners at ITC leverage their network, expertise and knowledge to help Northern communities build the most extensive civilian resilience infrastructure for their residents and reduce the damaging, long-term effects of trauma resulting from an attack or state of emergency. They now have the tools and resources to emerge from the chaos and confusion of a crisis, and resume their lives stronger and more resilient than ever before.
However, there is more work to be done. Our leaders learned that Israel is facing urgent socio-economic challenges that need to be addressed. “We came away from this journey deeply concerned about the growing economic, educational, and social gaps taking root in Israel’s geographic and social periphery,” said Julie Platt. “Moving forward, we’ll examine these issues closely to determine how we can contribute to reversing this trend.”
Arielle was deeply thankful of the opportunity to participate in this trip and had powerful words to share. “I felt extremely honored that the Federation chose me and Aaron to represent the younger generation’s perspective. It was really meaningful to be able to spend five days, 16-18 hours a day with our top leadership and our CEO. It opened our eyes to what the future could be for us at the Federation. I also have a newfound respect for everyone that serves on the Board and how committed they really are to this cause.”
“I really feel that our Federation is operating like a twenty-first century endeavor,” concluded YAE&LD Co-Chair Aaron Kogan. “One that challenges, disrupts, and continues to grow to accomplish and evolve its goals so it can survive and thrive.”
