The harrowing terrorist attack that led to the tragic infiltration of southern Israel remains a pivotal moment in history and an ongoing concern. Through the Communities2Gether program, spearheaded by the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County have partnered with the displaced community of Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha in the Eshkol region. This partnership offers sustained support through an initial three-year commitment, providing funding, resources and personal connections to rebuild infrastructure, mend social bonds and foster lasting connections.

On the morning of October 7, as residents of this close-knit community sheltered in their safe rooms, Hamas terrorists rampaged through their homes and shared spaces, setting fires and killing four innocent victims. After an initial evacuation to Eilat on October 8, more than 90 percent of the community relocated together to Netivot, a city in Israel’s Southern District.  While there, they have continued living the values that are important to them, so much so that their elementary-aged children go to school 40 minutes away to preserve their educational framework.  They have even continued providing afterschool informal education for their children, just as they had done in Ein HaShlosha.

With you, we plan to support Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha now and in the future.

Despite their adversities, they have sustained their communal lifestyle and continue to serve as a source of strength for one another.  Representative of their resilience and cohesion, all community members are engaging in planning for their future including Ein HaShlosha’s youngest members.

“We have witnessed the resilience of the Ein HaShlosha community and are honored to stand with them in their time of need,” said April Leavy, Chair of Israel & Overseas Task Force and Chair of Communities2Gether for the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “Our Federations share in their pain, their hope, and ultimately, their future.”

In the spirit of practicing tikkun olam (repairing the world), a central principle of Judaism, the Federations sent Rosh Hashanah gifts and messages of support to the Ein HaShlosha community. We look forward to other opportunities in the future to connect our communities.

Located in the western Negev, the kibbutz was founded in 1950 by members of a Zionist youth movement from Latin America. The average age of community members has significantly decreased from 67 in 2018 to 35 in 2023, reflecting an influx of young families who bring renewed energy and hope for a brighter future. The community aspires to return home by the summer of 2025.

For more information on how you can support Israel and our global family, please visit jewishboca.org/donate.