Activities during Swords of Iron war

At the onset of the war, the Department established and operated the World Zionist Organization's Donation Center at the Herzl Center. Around the clock, it supported civilians and soldiers, transported and cleared donated goods through customs, and managed rapid procurement and delivery of essential items. The initiative provided mattresses, blankets, warm clothing, shoes, wardrobes, washing machines, dryers, and other supplies for evacuees from kibbutzim housed in hotels.

The organizational Center received numerous requests, including from IDF soldiers in the field. Essential items were purchased, such as first aid kits, portable ultrasound scanners, and life-saving devices for field doctors treating the wounded. Soldiers stationed far from home were also provided with portable chargers, headlamps, jackets, and outdoor heaters to help them stay warm in the field.

As part of support for soldiers, a mobile shower initiative was launched for troops in staging areas and near the Gaza Strip. In collaboration with the Department for Israel and Holocaust Commemoration, the project provides soldiers in northern, southern, and Gaza-area staging zones with access to refreshing hot showers.

The Department for Social Activism, in partnership with the Kibbutz Movement, launched the first Western Negev Kibbutzim repopulation Conference, inviting Israelis to build a shared future in the region's kibbutzim. Born from the kibbutzim's needs and fully coordinated with them, the initiative responded to interest in Zionist communal living. The conference showcased opportunities for joining Western Negev kibbutzim in gradual, sensitive cooperation, adapting to local needs.

The program, in partnership with the Hashomer HaTzair movement, trains young adults to support education and strengthen the Western Negev kibbutzim. It addresses educational challenges arising after October 7 and contributes to the kibbutzim’s recovery and growth, in full collaboration with them. Task groups of 5–10 instructors work with children from kindergarten to high school, residing in the kibbutzim and receiving training from HaShomer HaTzair and the Israeli Trauma Coalition.

As part of efforts to strengthen the home front and rebuild the western Negev, in collaboration with Tzedek Centers and the Department for Israel and Holocaust Commemoration, three centers were established to support residents of Ashkelon, Ofakim, and Netivot. The program provides social and emergency support, based on a community-focused model fostering collaboration between local authorities and residents, aiming to establish mutual aid systems.