Young Israeli evacuees in Israel's Afula-Gilboa region share their art with the Jewish Berkshires

By Dara Kaufman / Jewish Federation of the Berkshires

For several years now, I’ve noticed a tree with one branch that begins to turn orange around the middle of August. I am always surprised by the sight of that first reminder that summer is almost gone and the New Year is approaching.

With the High Holy Days coming late this year, we seem to be moving forward at a slightly slower pace, and I’m grateful for the extra time to reflect on some of the meaningful ways we, as a community, have made a difference in the lives of others during this challenging year.

I recently spent some time with Tanya Fredman, senior education associate for the Mishkan Museum of Art Ein Harod in Israel and a member of our Afula-Gilboa Partnership2Gether’s Israeli steering committee. Tanya wanted to share her gratitude for Federation’s generosity and ongoing commitment to the Mishkan in support of the families who have been evacuated from Northern Israel and relocated to the Afula-Gilboa region. 

A recent report for Israel’s Taub Center identified that more than 83 percent of residents of northern Israel have been displaced by the near-daily attacks by Hezbollah and they have no idea when they will return to their homes and their lives. Tens of thousands of those who have been displaced are currently living in transient housing (hotel rooms, absorption centers, kibbutzim, etc.) in the Afula-Gilboa region.   

Over the last 11 months, with grant support from the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, the Mishkan has designed many new programs to address the acute needs of these displaced families, including young people uprooted from their social circles, mothers home alone with husbands serving in the reserves, and young children exhibiting increased anxiety. All of these people are experiencing not just the stress and tension of the war and rocket attacks; they are also grieving the loss of their homes.

Tanya shared that the response to the Mishkan’s programming has been overwhelming, with thousands of families coming to the museum, where the workshops, programs, and special art therapy sessions have been fully booked. Art and art-making have been invaluable resources for people of all ages, creating a therapeutic space to escape the daily chaos and express complex feelings in a safe environment, all while strengthening individual and communal resilience. 

In the immediate wake of the outbreak of the war, many of the programs and sessions were run by volunteers. Due to the volume of participants and the ongoing nature of the crisis, the museum required expanded funding to pay professional artists, educators, and art therapists and to invest in materials to provide ongoing programming. Tanya shared that our Federation’s grant support has been so helpful and impactful in providing emotional healing through art.

One program entitled “HaMakom Sheli” (“My Place”) has been particularly meaningful in encouraging young people to explore what it means to have their own space, empowering them through art to create a space that is unique to them. Tanya shared the beautiful pictures below to illustrate the impact of this program on these kids who have been away from their homes for way too long. 

In addition to the Mishkan, we have funded several additional organizations providing programs and support for displaced families, IDF reservist families impacted by PTSD, survivors of sexual assault, Holocaust survivors, and elderly war veterans, all of whom are experiencing a reoccurrence of emotional trauma as a result of the crisis. 

This has been a challenging year. The state of our world makes this time of reflection and introspection feel much heavier than it has in the past. I find it challenging to focus inward when so many external concerns dominate my daily thoughts.

Alongside that, I feel truly blessed to be able to support the incredible and impactful work we do together through Federation. I am uplifted by our passionate donors, devoted lay leaders, tireless volunteers, and dedicated staff – all deeply committed to Federation’s mission to care for those in need and nurture and sustain Jewish community, now and for future generations.

In addition, I am very proud of how Federation has responded to the quickly changing needs this past year – mobilizing crisis relief after October 7, tackling numerous incidents of antisemitism and a ceasefire resolution, and addressing multiple security threats. Our response has been a testament to our collective strength and commitment.

In the profound darkness of today’s world, we must become the light, proudly and joyfully celebrating Jewish life and embodying the values of tzedakah (righteous giving), Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness), and Tikkun Olam (repairing the world).

Your support of Federation helps us do just that. Inspired by our vital work, generous donors have again put together an exciting $50,000 Tzedakah Challenge this year. Renew your gift or make an extra gift through the holidays, and your contribution will be matched, doubling your impact and doubling the good work we can do together in the new year.

I want to thank the Federation board, staff, and the many friends and supporters who joined in celebrating my ten years of service to the Federation at our annual concert in August. My heart is full and grateful to be on this journey with all of you.

On behalf of the Kaufman family, I wish you a Shanah Tova U’Mitukah – a sweet New Year filled with blessings of good health, happiness, prosperity, and community. May this new year also bring the return of all the hostages and peace and healing to our world.  

Dara Kaufman is executive director of Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. Image: Artwork by Mishkan 4-6th graders for the Hevreh of Southern Berkshire community, brought by Tanya Fredman at a lunch and learn conversation about life in Israel this summer.