Young Leaders Rebuilding Border Communities

The " Pioneering Community" Initiative, founded by the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation and the Rashi Foundation, is a groundbreaking program that will focus on rehabilitating and growing war-affected municipalities by empowering young local leadership. Two municipalities - one in the north and one in the south - will be selected for a four-year pilot.

In light of concerning data showing that 40% of northern evacuees are considering not returning home, the initiative offers an innovative solution that sees young people - both locals and newcomers who will move to the municipality - as the primary engine for growth. These young people will lead significant initiatives in areas of life that have historically been push factors driving negative migration away from peripheral municipalities.
Selected municipalities will receive close professional guidance, specialized training, and development of a strategic implementation plan for the youth sector. Through a unique methodology including needs assessment, local initiative development, and a professional support system, we will work to increase the number of young residents in the municipality, create quality employment opportunities, and strengthen the sense of community belonging.

Recent studies conducted after the Swords of Iron War show that 65% of young people in frontier areas remain optimistic about their future, and 61% have volunteered since the outbreak of the war - data indicating significant potential for the initiative's success.