03/05/2024
From NATAN Chair, Daniel Kahn:
“Peace to the far and to the nearest” (Isaiah 57:19) is a profound reminder of our shared humanity and the interconnectedness of our world.
For two decades, NATAN volunteers have tirelessly worked to extend a hand of support to survivors of the most devastating global tragedies. It has been two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and 152 days since the tragic events of October 7. Throughout these trials, our dedicated professionals have been on the ground, near and far, working to improve the well-being of all survivors — in Israel and in Ukraine, from Ofakim to Dnipro and Lviv, at home and abroad.
The process of rehabilitation and recovery is lengthy and complex, requiring unwavering dedication and compassion. Even as we grapple with our own profound challenges, we remember and uphold our responsibility to others, and our commitment to the message of solidarity that Israeli civil society sends to the world.
NATAN’s mission requires support to continue providing humanitarian aid wherever we are needed. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by tragedy, bringing hope and healing to communities in need.
Thank you for your generosity, and for sharing this message with your networks.
On October 7, Ofakim, only 20 km from Gaza, faced a harrowing attack by Hamas terrorists, resulting in the tragic loss of 52 lives in a single day. Despite the absence of the IDF, the residents valiantly battled for their lives, eventually liberating the Mishor Hagefen neighborhood.
In the aftermath, Mishor Hagefen has been dubbed the “City of Heroes,” to honor its strength, courage and spirit of resilience.
Eitan Shachar, NATAN’s psychosocial team lead, arrived in Ofakim on the evening of October 7 to help rally support for Mishor Hagefen residents. Eitan’s extensive personal knowledge and local experience was instrumental in coordinating efforts.
On October 8, by request of the Municipality, NATAN decided to establish a Resilience Center in the heart of Mishor Hagefen. Within a month, the Center opened its doors and stands today as a model of collaboration among various agencies. With NATAN as the coordinator and linchpin. potential tensions and politically motivated decisions were successfully avoided, and the Resilience Center is now a focal point for the survivors’ community.
Three generations celebrate a new beginning in Ofakim.
As the founding organization, NATAN today leads the collaboration and cooperation of all the actors in the field: the Ofakim municipality, the Joint (JDC), Metrowest Jewish Federation and local initiatives.
NATAN currently coordinates 18 projects designed to benefit all in Ofakim. But in line with our philosophy — we come in order to go – we plan to transition the responsibility to local structures and communities — a process that is already well-underway, thanks to the enthusiastic cooperation of many in Ofakim. This coordinated effort ensures efficient, swift, and professional realization of these initiatives, marking a significant step towards the city’s recovery and stability.
Bruria Neuberger, director of the Resilience Center, at the Thanksgiving dinner for 400 in Ofakim, to remember the heroes and citizens killed protecting their families and neighbors; to honor the hostages (yellow balloons released in the night sky), to acknowledge the heroes and survivors, and to share a festive meal of thanksgiving, to thank God, as Ofakim moves forward, into its future.
Mosaic artwork by Ofakim residents and survivors; a memorial to 7 October.
Even as NATAN volunteers returned to Israel after October 7, our work in Ukraine continues, now in its third year.
Resilience Center in Yavoriv Region: Planning is underway to assess existing assets and psychosocial needs that a Yavoriv Resilience Center will address. Ongoing conversations include stakeholders, local representatives and members of local communities.
Telemedicine: 12 NATAN volunteers — Israeli physicians who speak Russian and/or Ukrainian and two US doctors– continue to provide online medical online consultation to 500+ patients in the city of Konstantinovka, which is located within a military conflict zone. We work in cooperation with IMM (Israeli Medical Mission) and ZiphyCare (a US tech company providing the technology).
NATAN has trained Ukrainian volunteers and professionals to support the psychosocial needs of young people..
Training sessions in Hariharpurgadhi, Sinuli Province, Nepal.
