Building Forward: Mayberg Foundation Partners for Growth and Recovery in Northern Israel

The Mayberg Foundation’s operations in Israel are ramping up, under the leadership of Hanan Rubin, director of Israel strategy, and Zohar Hahn-Brafman, program officer for the Israel portfolio. Zohar shared the following updates about their recent participation in a conference hosted by our partners at Ogen, as well as a site visit with Tzevet Tzfoni, an Israel emergency grant partner supporting displaced families in northern Israel following October 7th.

Ogen Conference: Challenges, Opportunities, and Social Impact

Ogen Conference: “Challenges, opportunities, and social impact”

Last Thursday, we participated in a conference hosted by Ogen, a social-finance nonprofit that provides interest-free loans to help individuals and families pursue education, homeownership, and financial stability. The conference, which focused on “Challenges, Opportunities, and Social Impact,” centered on Israel’s economic challenges and the return of communities to the north.

A key theme was the significant gap between state support directed to the south versus the more limited support for the north — underscoring that many of the most pressing challenges around return and recovery are concentrated there and require additional assistance.

One particularly meaningful insight focused on language and mindset. Rather than speaking about the “rehabilitation of the north,” Ogen emphasized framing this moment as the “growth of the north.” The reality after October 7 is not the same as before, and the goal should not be to return to what was, but to build forward in a stronger and more sustainable way.

The conference was thoughtful and inspiring, and also offered valuable perspectives as we look ahead to the upcoming seminar in January. Ogen leadership shared their gratitude for the Mayberg Foundation’s support: “Thank you for the support and partnership — it enables us to continue helping residents of the north in their return and growth.”

These broader strategic insights were echoed powerfully in the hands-on work we witnessed on the ground the following day.

Site Visit with Northern Emergency Partner Tzevet Tzfoni

One of the initiatives we supported as part of our Emergency Israel Grants following October 7th is Tzevet Tzfoni, a grassroots group of dedicated volunteers working directly on the ground. Tzevet Tzfoni provides a holistic, hands-on support system for families returning home after displacement, coordinating everything needed for a dignified and workable return – including logistics and relocation, furniture installation, technical and construction work, gardening, and professional services so families can enter homes that are truly ready for them. We supported this work with a grant of $10,000, designated for assisting the return of evacuated communities, with a particular focus on Kibbutz Kisufim.

Last Friday, we went to see this work firsthand as families began returning to their homes in Kibbutz Nahal Oz and Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Due to time constraints and proximity to Shabbat, we were able to join the activity only in Nahal Oz and received photos and videos from Kisufim as well, reflecting the same level of care and commitment.

Being on the ground allowed us to see not only the operational side of the work, but also the human impact of these efforts at a deeply sensitive moment. The presence, coordination, and quiet dedication of the team and volunteers made a meaningful difference for families taking their first steps back home.

One returning family shared: "How lucky we are to have Tzevet Tzfoni. Sadly, the state does not provide enough support, especially in such sensitive moments. Thanks to them, we are able to return to life. Thank you for helping them help us!”

The Tzevet Tzfoni team also expressed their gratitude to the Mayberg Foundation. “Thank you for the generous support, it gives us the ability to continue this essential work.”

Together, these experiences underscore both the scale of the challenge facing Israel’s northern communities and the importance of thoughtful, values-driven partnerships. From shaping long-term frameworks for growth to supporting families in their most vulnerable moments, the Mayberg Foundation’s work in Israel continues to bridge strategy and impact — helping communities not only return, but move forward with dignity and resilience.