On Monday morning, hundreds of volunteers from the U.S. helped to rehabilitate a neighborhood in Rishon Lezion that was hit by an Iranian missile. The girls, participants in a program of the NCSY organization, joined municipal workers and other Israeli volunteers to assist.
The Strike on Rishon Lezion
Rishon Lezion suffered a direct hit from an Iranian missile on the morning of Shabbat, June 14, 2025. The missile struck the heart of a residential neighborhood in the western part of the city, killing two residents – Yisrael Aloni and Yevgeniya Blinder, of blessed memory – and causing extensive damage to homes and nearby streets. About 300 residents were evacuated to hotels after their homes were damaged, and around 1,000 residents of the neighborhood and surrounding areas suffered additional damages.
As part of the operation, volunteers carried out cleaning work, removal of damaged household items, planting and tending to public spaces, temporary sealing of damaged homes, clearing broken glass, and packing belongings for families moving temporarily to alternative housing. In addition, Jewish Agency volunteers went door to door in damaged homes to distribute care packages and listen to residents speak about their difficult experiences over the past month.
The Connection Between the Jewish Diaspora and Israel
The Jewish Agency is responsible for fostering the bond between Israel and the Diaspora. Every year, tens of thousands of young people from the Diaspora come to Israel for life-changing experiences. Since October 7, the Jewish Agency has mobilized thousands of young Diaspora Jews to volunteer in rehabilitating the Gaza Envelope and northern front-line areas. Following the destruction caused by the war with Iran, in recent weeks, Diaspora volunteers have been assisting local municipalities across Israel, including the group that operated in Rishon Lezion.
“The girls who came here today represent the true connection between the Jewish Diaspora and the people of Israel,” said Dalia Kushnir, Director of Educational Experiences at the Jewish Agency. “The girls brought with them energy, care, deep commitment to Israel, mutual responsibility, and above all, the desire to take part in rebuilding and renewal. This is the culmination of a process that connects young people from the Diaspora with life here, giving them a deep sense of belonging. Their efforts also provide a warm embrace to local residents who were affected, giving them the feeling that they are seen and that the Jewish people care about them.”
