Life isn't always easy... A warm and caring conversation can help!

North Americans have long been accustomed to confidential and discreet support services delivered in their own local communities through Jewish Family Service agencies.

Each Jewish community defines the local need, and channels funding to guarantee that no family will do without diagnostic and treatment services, therapy, and assistance through difficult times. JFS offices operate on a Fair Share fee schedule, so that each family pays what they can afford according to their income. No one in need of service or subsidy is turned away.

Because this model has worked so reliably for so many years, in 2002 the first JFS office was opened in Israel, and the agency was born. Since that time, JFS israel has grown to help families and individuals in locations from the northern tip of Israel, all the way southward to Gush Katif communities, and from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Each year since our launch has allowed us more and more assistance to families all across our Land.

Partnership with our families and our donors

Life in Israel is uniquely and seriously challenging. English speaking families who travel or move here, are often faced with quandaries and adjustment difficulties. Figuring out language and education options, cultural norms, and learning to live with the stress of ever present dangers, all become woven into the fabric of daily family life -- and often this is done far more easily with professional assistance.

Sometimes families already under "normal" stress, suddenly must accommodate new challenges and crises -- illness, unemployment, depression and mental or physical illness, poverty, and even the rigors of grieving. JFS Israel clinicians and volunteers are trained in a variety of specialties, and over the years families have grown dependent upon our skill, availability, confidentiality, and affordability.

In the years since we opened, JFS Israel has also faced times of national crisis, immediately digging in where needed to supply emergency supplies and services to families who are traumatized and without so much as a roof over their heads. In the last two years, our work improved lives on the spot, for many families made homeless through the Gush Katif Expulsion, and other families fleeing homes and lives in the North of Israel as the war in Lebanon unfolded.

Finally, though we deliver much of our service to English speakng families, we also maintain fluency in Hebrew, and we make our services available to all Jewish families in need.

So, please learn more about us, and as you explore our website do not forget to partner with us by leaving an online tax deductible donation -- large or small. With your help, we are able to continue our work!