Establishing Community Trauma Centers
Since the outbreak of the war, one of the region’s enormous challenges is providing trauma care for residents – from all ages, ethnic backgrounds and communities. Galila has been working on an innovative, pilot program aimed at providing trauma care and building resilience among all of the northern region’s residents. Galila initiated a collaboration between two key partners – providing a fusion of technological capacity and updated protocols from the experts in trauma-therapy provision – the Athena Fund and the ‘Mashabim’ Center. As part of this initiative, we launched a trauma and resilience program based on the “Imagine Box—an immersive, interactive space, offering innovative, experiential trauma therapy, particularly for children and youth in individual or group formats. The project creates a first-of-its-kind therapeutic space that utilizes virtual reality and gamification to help prevent and alleviate post-traumatic stress disorders. Located within schools and community centers across the Galilee region, this new initiative is supported by academic research that will help provide effective treatment protocols for a wide range of anxiety-related conditions.
Evacuees Supporting Evacuees – Supporting Small and Medium Businesses
This initiative aims to support small and medium-sized businesses owned by northern residents who were evacuated due to the war situation. It connects them with other evacuee communities staying in hotels and temporary housing across the country. Since February 2024, the project has supported 35 businesses in the North, offering professional training in various fields delivered by northern professionals. Activities have included sports training, creative workshops, and business development sessions—all led by displaced northern entrepreneurs. The initiative has provided emotional, social, and financial support to more than 700 evacuees. By linking local businesses to evacuee communities, the project has helped prevent business closures, ensured families’ livelihoods, and delivered essential services—while strengthening community cohesion and social resilience.
Strengthening Druze Communities in the Galilee
The Druze community in the Galilee is spread across several villages: four in the Golan, four in the Upper Galilee, and others in the Western Galilee. Druze men serve in the IDF and security forces (police, border patrol, prison service and GSS), and the entire community mobilized in solidarity with Israel on October 8th. Galila has partnered on multiple projects in Druze villages even prior to the war, but the conflict has deepened these ties. Our understanding of their culture and traditions enables us to identify needs and provide relevant, timely support that reinforces the community’s sense of belonging within Israeli society—including the philanthropic sphere. Emergency squads and local first responders’ teams have received essential equipment. Following the devastating tragedy in the Druze community of Majdal Shams, where 12 children lost their lives, we provided medical equipment to the local emergency center. We also launched memorial initiatives in Peki’in and Yanuh honoring two Druze officers who died in heroic actions during the war. Galila continues to provide much-needed support while respecting the cultural values of the Druze community.
Supporting Vulnerable Populations – Individuals with Special Needs, the Elderly, and Welfare Families During the War
Since its founding, Galila has worked to promote and operate welfare initiatives and emergency support funds for vulnerable populations. These efforts are carried out in close cooperation with municipal authorities, social welfare departments, and various nonprofit organizations. During the war, we supported respite and sports activities for individuals with special needs, assisted elderly evacuees, and provided gift cards to many low-income families whose financial situation worsened due to the conflict.
Commemoration
Tragically, the ‘Iron Swords’ war has taken a heavy toll on countless families throughout Israel. Commemoration is a deeply sensitive, highly personal and painful issue that must be approached with respect, empathy, and a deep regard for the families who have lost their loved ones. We are honored to work alongside several bereaved families on community-focused projects dedicated to the memory of their fallen loved ones. These initiatives have been established in locations including ‘Mechina Reut, Kfar Saba, Peki ‘in, Ynauch, and Tze ‘Elim.
May the memory of our fallen heroes be a blessing and legacy for all.