By DORON KLINE, CEO of Telfed
As the year draws to an end, it’s impossible not to reflect on the intense challenges we’ve faced – particularly the tragic events of October 7. Even in the darkest times, the Israeli spirit of resilience, courage, and hope has shone through. At Telfed, we’ve focused on renewal, recovery, and rebuilding, continuing to support our community while also stepping up in response to the needs of our country during the war.
In the aftermath of the October attacks, we quickly recognised the urgent need for mental health support within our Olim community and the importance of giving back to those defending us and to the victims of the attacks. Our small but dedicated team jumped into action, organising trauma webinars with experts, setting up support groups for South African families of soldiers, and checking in with ex-Southern Africans living in the affected Gaza envelope communities. These efforts expanded to include displaced families from the North, with our team making personal visits to evacuees to ensure their safety and well-being.
During a visit to the Gaza envelope moshavim of Sde Nitzan and Talmei Yosef, which have strong Southern African ties, Ivan Fleish expressed his gratitude: “We feel that you guys are with us. You don’t realise how much those calls from Telfed mean over nine months of turmoil.” Cynthia Field, who stayed behind in Sde Nitzan after the community evacuated, shared how a simple phone call brought her much-needed comfort during a lonely and frightening time.
In addition to these check-ins, former South Africans have joined Telfed in various volunteer efforts—packing pyjamas for wounded soldiers, selling fruit at markets to help farmers from the South, preparing care packages for displaced families, arranging braais for soldiers, and visiting those in rehabilitation hospitals. These activities provided practical help and created opportunities for our Olim to connect and support each other.
Our ability to respond effectively has been thanks to strong partnerships, active volunteers, and generous support from our donors. So far, Telfed has contributed nearly R10 million to war relief projects, with much of the funding coming from the Telfed-administered Goldberg Trust for Wounded Soldiers and Victims of Terror.
As we move into the new year, we’ll continue to stand by our Olim, supporting their integration into Israeli society while contributing to our homeland’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding. Together, we will face the new year with renewed hope and determination.
financial need will be eligible for Telfed-sponsored scholarships as they rebuild their lives while living with disabilities
Telfed www.telfed.org.il Email: info@telfed.org.il
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