Joint Israel

Workforce Integration and ProductivityThe war decimated businesses and put tens of thousands including evacuees and injured soldiers - out of work. Statistics show that if these newly unemployed people don't rejoin the workforce within two years, their chances of ever doing so are close to zero.In the devastating first months of the war JDC ensured that small Israeli businesses remained solvent. In 2024, we helped Israelis get back to work. The strategic assistance we provide through today means thousands of Israelis will have an income tomorrow. - Support for Small Businesses JDC offered 3,000 farms and small businesses the boost they needed to remain viable. (see Sched. O) Aid included small grants, consultations and networking assistance, retail space in malls, an online "Pay Now, Receive Later" program, marketing assistance, and pairing small farms with volunteers and business mentors. - Employment Programs: JDC helped over 13,00013,000 jobseekers including reservists, evacuees, and injured soldiers get back on track to employment through skills training and job placement assistance. The Employment Rehab reaches participants as soon after their trauma or injury as possible, integrating job counseling with trauma care to ensure these vulnerable Israelis don't fall into chronic unemployment. - Digital Tools: 268,000+ Israelis used JDC's digital employment platforms and discovered career guidance for decision making based on data.- Career Guidance and Support: 13,107 participants received employment guidance and support.- Enhanced Vocational Education: In 37 vocational schools, including all 24 Arab vocational schools, students received assistance to start their path toward quality employment.

Public System Efficiency and Effectiveness JDC has been at the forefront of strengthening Israel's public systems, working to ensure that all residents can access the public services they need to thrive. Through partnerships with government ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations and the business sector, we tackle system-wide challenges and transform them into opportunities for meaningful impact.Our work focuses on modernizing government operations, promoting digital transformation, advancing equity through improved resource utilization, and building stronger connections between national and local leadership. We run comprehensive professional (See Sched. O) development programs, create innovative data-driven solutions, and build professional alumni networks spanning over 800 senior public servants committed to improving Israel's public service infrastructure. Among our most prominent programs in 2024:- Northern Initiative: JDC Elka's Northern Initiative, in formal partnership with the GOI and its new Tenufa Letzafon bureau, supported 24 municipalities with hands-on project management, planning expertise, and strategic guidance. JDC embedded professionals in each locality to co-develop war homecoming, infrastructure, and development plans that meet national standards while reflecting local realities. Simultaneously, regional roundtables and multisector teams tackled broader growth areas such as housing, education, med-tech, tourism, and employment. The initiative ensured public funds are efficiently used, evacuees return safely, and the North emerges strongerready to thrive and attract new residents and investment.- Mawared: Mawared, launched by JDC in 2020, strengthened the ability of Arab local authorities to access and utilize public funding allocated for their communities. At the center of this work were Resource Integrators, trained professionals which have been embedded within local authorities to lead strategic planning, intergovernmental coordination, and economic development efforts. The Resource Integrators receive continual training and support from JDC to further their effectiveness in their roles. To date, 60 Mawared Resource Integrators have collectively driven a 75% increase in public fund utilization across participating municipalities.- The Elka National Public Sector Networks: This collection of initiatives represents a powerful, cross-sector community of senior public leaders who have completed JDC-Elka's flagship professional development programs. These include Digital Leaders for Local Government, Digital Leaders for National Government, National Infrastructure Leaders, Forum Metro, Leaders for Better Aging, the Mawared Integrators Program, and the National Lay Leadership Initiative. Together, these graduates formed a national leadership ecosystem that spans local and central government, civil society, and philanthropy. The network provided a platform for shared learning, policy innovation, and collaboration across systemsadvancing the collective capacity of Israel's public sector to respond to complex challenges with resilience, creativity, and equity.

Mental Health Crisis Response The horrors and strain of the ongoing war led to a mental health crisis affecting over half the country. And as the conflict dragged on, growing numbers of Israelis have been feeling the strain. At the same time, mild mental health symptoms have grown into serious mental illness. In 2024, JDC continued to respond with solutions to help Israelis of all ages, from the young children dealing with intense trauma, to adults at risk of falling through the cracks of Israel's overburdened mental health system. As millions struggle with emotional distress, overwhelming the country's ability to respond, JDC began revolutionizing Israel's mental health system by expanding it beyond traditional one on one therapy, to include a wide range of new treatment models and mental health solutions. - Psychological First Aid: 65% of Israelis in mental distress are not aware of their condition and don't seek assistance. The sooner these needs are treated, the less likely their condition will escalate into serious mental illness. JDC trained and continues to train public service providers police officers, HR departments, health clinic staff in early detection, helping them identify red flags, provide "psychological first aid, and direct those suffering to additional support. - Innovative Digital Solutions: JDC created an accessible online database (Nafshi.info) that quickly connects Israelis across the country with the targeted mental health assistance they need, to apps offering peer and AI based support, and VR treatments. JDC is helping Israel grow beyond traditional therapy to reach the expanding number of Israelis who need care. Protection of Vulnerable Populations In the chaos of war, Israel's elderly and people with disabilities have been left behind save for JDC's efforts to ensure their wellbeing. Their pre-war support systems are overwhelmed, and local resources are focused elsewhere. At the same time, the war has disrupted routine and made older adults less likely to leave their homes, putting them at serious risk for physical, psychological and cognitive decline. Israelis with disabilities are likewise suffering hundreds of thousands of Israelis have a disability that affects their ability to get to shelter quickly. From the beginning of the war through 2024, JDC has been protecting these vulnerable Israelis through programs such as:- Community Caseworkers: In 94 towns across Israel, 164 caseworkers have been providing individual support to over 13,000 older adults and people with disabilities, connecting them with services, social support, and community. These caseworkers bring immediate assistance to those who need it and ensure that elderly people join the communities and activities that will keep them active and prevent decline. Strengthening Frontline CitiesThe suffering caused by the war has been especially acute in the cities and communities on Israel's southern and northern borders. In the south, cities slammed by rocket fire and terror are still struggling to restore residents' sense of security. In the north, many communities remained under fire in 2024. The work in this area included: - Rebuilding Community Life: Through its "Reviving the Spirit" initiative which builds community resilience, paths to healing, and sustainable recover JDC helped 76,500 Israelis in Ashkelon, Nahariya, Ofakim, and Rahat. regain a sense of security and communal strength. In partnership with local authorities and residents, JDC created safe, vibrant public spaces; developed local resilience programs; trained volunteers and emergency responders; and launched healing initiatives that helped communities recover their confidence, connection, and hope for the future.- Preparation for Escalation in the North: Refer to section 1B. - Planning for the day after: JDC has been working to rebuild communities and strengthen social services in 24 northern locations.