NEW YORK – Three years after the October 7 terror attack, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has directly aided nearly 2 million Israelis through its emergency response and recovery efforts, as individuals and communities continue to navigate the lasting effects of war, trauma, displacement and economic hardship. JDC is also helping Jewish communities worldwide respond to the effects of rising antisemitism, which has heightened demand for mental health, security and community services.

More than 800,000 Israelis have been left vulnerable by the war, many seeking assistance for the first time in their lives. JDC works alongside partners across government, business, philanthropy and the nonprofit sector to help meet the enormous recovery and rebuilding needs created by the war.

“Our hearts are still aching from the deep wounds inflicted three years ago and the countless lives irrevocably changed by conflict and antisemitism. This moment is an opportunity to reflect on how we have supported one another during these difficult years while remaining focused on the work that lies ahead,” said JDC CEO Ariel Zwang. “For more than a century, JDC has helped vulnerable Jews and Jewish communities navigate moments of crisis. While the challenges remain immense, the strength and compassion we see every day give us hope for the future.”

Founded in 1914 and instrumental in helping shape Israel’s social service sector, JDC develops solutions that improve the lives of the country’s most vulnerable populations. Before the war, more than one million Israelis benefited each week from services developed by JDC over the years. Today, more than 200 JDC programs operate nationwide, assisting both those who were already vulnerable and those newly affected by the conflict.

JDC is also supporting Jewish communities worldwide, which, since October 7, 2023, have been contending with an alarming rise in antisemitism and increasing isolation that has affected their well-being, sense of belonging, and connection to Jewish life, in addition to physical security concerns. JDC is equipping communities with mental health services, leadership development, security and crisis preparedness, and other resources to help them respond to these challenges and continue to be strong and connected.

Key priorities of JDC’s ongoing work in Israel and around the globe include:

Expanding Mental Health and Trauma Support

  • The emotional impact of October 7 and the ongoing war continues to be felt across Israeli society. JDC launched a National Mental Health Initiative that combines technology, community-based support and professional training to help meet growing mental health needs at scale.
  • JDC’s digital mental health solutions have been accessed by 439,700 Israelis since launching shortly after October 7. These include Nafshi, an AI-powered self-help platform providing personalized guidance through more than 800 professionally vetted mental health resources, and Dugri, which offers online peer support groups.
  • JDC has deployed community mental health coordinators to work with 200 local authorities to implement tailored mental health programs through partnerships with nearly all government ministries, including Health, Welfare, Education, and the Prime Minister’s Office, among others.
  • Children and parents have received emotional and therapeutic support through JDC programs, including Hibuki, an innovative approach that helps children cope with stress and trauma, which is widely used in evacuee hotels and frontline communities and is being implemented in a growing number of schools.

Helping People Return to Work and Rebuild Local Economies

  • For many Israelis and in hard-hit regions, regaining economic stability remains essential to rebuilding their lives and communities. JDC supports individuals and communities affected by the war by helping people return to work, regain financial security and strengthen local economies.
  • JDC’s employment and economic recovery efforts have helped 19,500 evacuees, unemployed individuals, reservists and people wounded in the war access career guidance and support. In addition, 560,000 people have received career guidance through JDC-developed digital platforms.
  • 4,400 small businesses, farms and factories in Israel’s hardest-hit regions have received support to strengthen operations, adopt technology to remain competitive and create jobs.

Supporting the Recovery of Frontline Communities

  • As a leading partner in the revitalization of Israel’s northern region, JDC works with the Israeli government, municipalities, businesses, nonprofit organizations and Jewish Federations to strengthen local services and support long-term renewal. This includes working with 25 municipalities to improve local services and strengthen municipal systems serving approximately 300,000 residents.
  • JDC operates the MAHAR program in 11 municipalities in partnership with Tnufa and Israel’s Ministry of Welfare, helping welfare departments improve planning, strengthen professional expertise, and enhance services to better meet community needs today and in the years ahead.
  • 181,200 residents of frontline Jewish, Arab and Druze communities have received support through JDC initiatives that promote trauma recovery, emotional well-being, and community renewal.
  • JDC’s support for vulnerable populations continues as the war has deepened needs among the people it has long served. Since October 7, 129,900 at-risk seniors and elderly evacuees have received emergency social support; 33,900 people with disabilities have received emergency services and assistance; and 198,025 at-risk children, young adults and parents have received therapeutic and educational support.

Strengthening Jewish Communities Worldwide

  • Across Europe, JDC is helping integrate mental health and well-being support into everyday Jewish community life, including schools, youth programs, JCCs and synagogues. In Amsterdam, JDC is providing professional training and expanded social services for staff, parents, and students at the Jewish school to help children cope with anxiety, antisemitism and bullying.
  • In France, JDC is supporting local partners in strengthening the capacity of Jewish schools, parents and community leaders to identify early signs of distress in children and families and connect them with appropriate support. This year alone, these efforts have reached more than 1,100 students through school-health consultations and trained 200 parents and 550 professionals and volunteers.
  • Initiatives such as JDC Inspire, which will bring together 200 young Jewish professionals from throughout Europe this November, are helping young adults navigate growing hostility in academic, professional and social settings while strengthening their connection to Jewish communal life.
  • In Latin America, JDC’s leadership development programs help young communal leaders and security coordinators build the skills and networks needed to strengthen Jewish life and navigate increasingly challenging environments amid rising antisemitism. These efforts equip participants to help ensure that Jewish institutions remain safe, welcoming, and supportive.

Around the world, JDC continues to equip Jewish communities to prepare for and respond to crises, strengthen local institutions, expand access to mental health resources and develop leaders empowered to meet emerging challenges.

JDC’s post-October 7 emergency response efforts are supported by the Jewish Federations of North America and tens of thousands of foundations, families, corporations and individual donors.