In the aftermath of the harrowing terrorist attacks on October 7, which shattered Israel and the global Jewish community, an extraordinary partnership has blossomed between the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County and Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha in southern Israel.
Recognizing the depth of the crisis, the two local Jewish Federations rallied, forming an alliance under the Communities2Gether program, with the mission of weaving a tapestry of support that nurtured the community’s very spirit.
“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.”
Communities2Gether is part of a larger, global initiative launched by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), designed to foster direct support and collaboration between U.S. communities and the Israeli towns that suffered the greatest losses in the October 7, 2023 attacks.
More than a year after the attacks, hope for normalcy endures
On that fateful day, the quiet morning erupted into chaos, as Hamas terrorists infiltrated Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha, setting fires and claiming four innocent lives. In the wake of this devastation, the Kibbutz members evacuated, first to Eilat, then relocated to Netivot, where they preserve the essence of their tight-knit community.
In mid-November, a Men’s Solidarity Mission from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County spent a full day at Ein HaShlosha. Joined by friends from our partnership region, Zichron Yaakov, they heard firsthand testimony from October 7th and began the rebuilding process by preparing the kibbutz’s synagogue and children’s center for renovation.
“Our mission to Israel has been a lot to process,” said Mission Co-Chair David Friedman. “Yet, a singular theme emerged in all our conversations — hope. We had the opportunity to learn about Ein HaShlosha’s aspirations for the community, highlighting their commitment to safety, security, and a thriving future, despite the challenges they have faced.”
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As the men toured Israel, local families in Boca Raton, in partnership with Project 24, were simultaneously opening their doors to host visitors from the Ein HaShlosha community. On Nov. 13, the Palm Beach County Federations came together with local host families and their guests for a welcoming reception of camaraderie in Zinman Hall.
“It has been an honor to host one of the families,” said Boca Raton resident Mandy Hurwitz. “These families are suffering, and there is no better way to support them than to offer them a bit of peace and tranquility. Despite our language differences, our hearts speak the same language. They have become family.”
Their week-long visit not only provided relief, but also deepened the bonds between the two communities, exemplifying the mission’s spirit of mutual support.
For more information on how you can support your local Federations, Israel and our global family, please visit jewishboca.org.
About Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha:
Kibbutz Ein HaShlosha was one of 32 communities in the southern region of Israel evacuated during the conflict, an area that remains a war zone more a year later. The kibbutz was founded in 1950 by members of a Zionist youth movement from Latin America. The community, home to 399 residents, including 95 children, relies on agriculture, dairy and livestock farming, and income from its office furniture factory. 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.