La’Aretz Foundation strengthens Israel through direct support by focusing on three fundamental areas.
In times of need, La’Aretz provides timely financial aid to families in distress who lack government support, offers scholarships to ensure equal educational opportunities, and facilitates the integration of new Olim to make them feel at home.
So how does La’Aretz Foundation decide who receives assistance?
We identify these families through official workers in Israel, including social workers, community managers, and municipal authorities. We are dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of these families, and we believe that through this project, we can create a strong, supportive community.
They are grateful not only for the financial support, but also for knowing that a caring community stands with them. They are not alone in coping with the horrific reality they have faced since October 7th.
Enhancing Higher Education, La’Aretz
Scholarships
La’Aretz Foundation provides meaningful scholarships to a diverse group of students, including reservists, to assist their pursuit of continuing their education. In partnership with Reichman University and The College of Management Academic Studies, the scholarships are designed to alleviate financial stress and enable students from low socio-economic backgrounds to make it easier to continue their studies. La’Aretz also generates scholarships for students in private institutions throughout Israel.
By reducing their financial burden, we guide students as they focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals while serving their nation. For reservists, many of whom often miss semesters due to their service commitments, our scholarships serve as a vital lifeline.
175+
Students supported to date
Up to $5,000 per Student
Supporting Aliyah, La’Aretz
Aliyah Assistance
La’Aretz plays a crucial role in guiding Olim through the Aliyah process. Our free-of-charge assistance offers practical solutions for Olim while coordinating with the proper authorities. To maneuver the complicated system of making Aliyah, we enable Olim with a dedicated team that will answer any and all questions during the process. Not only is it a difficult process, but it can be costly and we want to alleviate the financial burden of those moving to Israel.
We are constantly looking at future needs of those who need it the most. Our forward-looking process enables us to adapt as needed. We aim to provide free assistance for those making Aliyah. Additionally, we aim to assist 10 families who are considered to be returning citizens – ones who previously lived in Israel and are relocating back home – with a $10,000 grant each.
100+
Individuals supported to date
Up to $10,000 per Individual
Streamlining Relief, La’Aretz
Financial Aid
La’Aretz Foundation provides direct assistance to families who lack government support. Our ongoing support assists families that strive to rebuild their lives, a crucial step to making our impact longlasting. We provide relief in several types of circumstances, which enables families to take their time to make the proper long-term decisions in their next chapter.
Donations impact essential needs, such as purchasing food, furnishing temporary homes, covering mental health support and childcare costs, paying bills, and honoring the memories of loved ones who they have lost.
Each family that joins the La'Aretz Foundation community receives a grant, and they remain involved with the foundation for at least two years. Not only does La’Aretz frequently speak with these families to see if there are additional unmet needs, but we also provide assistance and a bracha for every holiday.
Since October 7th, we have supported more than 300 families by providing direct deposits into their accounts. Key components throughout the two years include: Providing holiday vouchers, regular check-ins with families, and ongoing support.
La’Aretz Foundation directly supports:
Displaced Families From Israel’s South & North / Families of Injured Reservists / The Nova Festival Survivors / Those Who Lost Their Main Source of Financial Support / Orphans / Hostage Families
300+
Families supported to date
$2,500 - $10,000 per Family
Throughout the year, La’Aretz Foundation boasts special projects and events, aimed at enhancing awareness about our mission. These wide-ranging programs are designed to introduce people to La’Aretz Foundation, as well as provide our dedicated supporters with events to come together as one.
The funding raised during each project directly impacts those who need it at moments that matter.
Special Projects
The Nova Exhibition NYC
La’Aretz Foundation had the esteemed honor to be the official fundraiser for the Nova Exhibition in New York City. From April 21 through June 16, the exhibition provided a unique opportunity for over 100,000 people to witness the tragic event of October 7th from a first-person perspective. The installation recreated the peace festival held in Southern Israel, empowering people to responsibly explore the events of that horrific day and its aftermath. We have assisted 30 families from the Nova community, providing essential resources in their time of need over the last several months. The exhibition was meaningful for all who walked through it, making sure we do not forget what happens to the victims of October 7th. We are here at moments that matter to raise awareness for those impacted on that fateful morning and the days, weeks and months after.
Women Behind the Reserves
This vital project by La’Aretz Foundation supports the families of Unit 669. With 350 reservists, including 60 women, serving in the current war in Israel for over nine months, we recognize the unique challenges faced by their families. Our initiative provides direct grants to these families to alleviate the unexpected financial burdens that may arise due to a parent’s deployment. We partnered with the Eden Gallery in Miami and New York City to support the courageous women of Unit 669. Major (Res.) Dr. R.S., Judy Shalom Nir-Mozes, Neria Kraus, and Shahar Pe’er stirring’s account of their experiences, alongside Brooke Goldstein’s impassioned plea for solidarity, were powerful reminders of the resilience and strength exhibited by women in these times. We immersed ourselves in the thought-provoking photography exhibition by Maya Meshel, which shed light on the multifaceted experiences of women in war. We are constantly supporting women heroes, with grants up to $2,500. (Photograph by Maya Meshel) To view the exhibition: https://www.laaretz.org/womensmonthevent
Reservists Scholarship Program
In a heartfelt ceremony, the La'Aretz Foundation honored the lone soldiers who are studying at Reichman University with scholarships provided by the foundation. These scholarships recognize the dedication of many recipients who have served over 100 days in reserves since October 7th, often sacrificing their first or even second semesters due to their service commitments. Shelly and Mike Pitman delivered moving speeches, expressing deep gratitude for the reservists’ service, especially during recent months of conflict. Additionally, we awarded 144 scholarships to reservists with over 100 days of service in Israel’s College of Management. Both programs matched our donation, showing their own commitment to Israel’s heroes. Overall, thanks to your heartfelt support, we have distributed over $280,000 – up to $5,000 in scholarships each to 173 incredible students — reservists who’ve served tirelessly since October 7th.
Collaboration with Israel Bonds
In June, we collaborated with Israel Bonds for a New Leadership Shabbat Dinner at the Jewish Museum in New York City. Dozens of young leaders came together to have a beautiful Shabbat dinner to end spring on the right foot. This beautiful evening showed how important it is to have a community during this time. A Shabbat dinner to inspire those who support La’Aretz was the perfect way to kick off the summer on a high note. Everyone who attended showed that the next generation of leaders in our community are yearning for their opportunity to help others. This is only the beginning, as we continue to grow our community.
Joining Forces with Hadassah Hospital
To date, La’Aretz Foundation has provided $150,000 in support directly to dozens of families of reserve soldiers who are undergoing rehabilitation at Hadassah Hospital. Building on this effort, we are preparing to extend grants to additional families. La’Aretz Foundation visited the Hadassah Mount Scopus campus, an intense experience of both shock and hope, as part of our ongoing partnership with Hadassah. The rehabilitation journey following a wartime injury is grueling, and we are proud to support the efforts of healthcare heroes who are leading soldiers back to their normal lives.Our assistance will help them equip their homes to meet their new needs and enable these families to enjoy life together again.
Young Professionals
La’Aretz Foundation is proud to spread awareness of our mission through fun, exhilarating events each year. Imagine incredible venues filled with great people, amazing food, and refreshing drinks. At moments that matter, we bring together a community to deepen your connection with Israel. Our Young Professionals community frequently gathers in New York City, uniting individuals with a shared passion and purpose, helping to propel our mission forward. In addition to our Young Professionals program, La’Aretz Foundation proudly hosts events that highlight the power and influence of Israeli women. These events, held in both New York City and Miami, showcase our widespread impact and celebrate the crucial role women have played in Israel since October 7th. Through inspiring talks, engaging workshops, and heartfelt stories, we bring attention to the strength, resilience, and leadership of Israeli women. These gatherings not only honor their contributions but also foster a sense of solidarity and empowerment among attendees. By focusing on the remarkable achievements and experiences of these women, we aim to inspire others to recognize and support their vital role in shaping Israel’s future.
Flying Reservists to Israel
When the October 7th attacks occurred, we recognized how vital it is to have as many people on the ground protecting Israel as possible. Unfortunately, because it was Simchat Torah, many Israelis were spread out across the globe on vacation. Immediately, La’Aretz Foundation provided direct assistance to reservists, who we purchased charter flights for. We wanted to get them home as soon as possible, and they wanted to be on the frontlines to protect our nation. We made sure our heroes returned home and they were able to have an immediate impact in guarding Israel.
