Feb 26, 2026

Getting Israeli Careers Back on Track Through Federation Support

October 7 forever changed the lives of millions of Israelis, but the Federation-funded Back on Track Employment Rehabilitation program is helping many build resilience — and new careers. Omer Rafaeli, a psychology and civics teacher at the only high school in the Gaza Envelope, evacuated to Eilat with his young family in the wake of the attacks. Traumatized by the deaths of five students, Omer knew he could not return to teaching, but individualized trauma counseling and employment guidance from his Back on Track counselor allowed him to find new purpose. Combining his passion for physical fitness with the need to help others — and with continuing support from Back on Track — Omer opened a fitness studio in Kibbutz Gvulot. Federation funding helps other Israelis find new career paths despite post-October 7 mental or physical injuries.