Feb 7, 2024

Volunteers Help Save Israeli Farms After 10/7

Following the horrific terrorist attacks on October 7, Gilad Yamin, a third-generation farmer, lost half of the workforce on his farm in Hatzav, an Israeli moshav (community) situated not far from the Gaza border. With the constant barrage of air sirens, many of the international workers returned home, creating a massive labor shortage that nearly ruined Yamin’s business. Federation overseas partner the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) helped him avoid that fate, sending daily agricultural volunteers to Yamin’s farm. “People of all ages came to my farm — children under 10 to people over 80, and all ready to help,” shared Yamin. “They give of themselves a million percent.” Since the war began just over four months ago, more than 110,000 volunteers have helped over 800 farms across Israel, saving crops and getting the produce into the market. “Farming is a hard enough profession in times of peace, and in times of war, it’s nearly impossible. I am quite confident that I wouldn’t have a livelihood without their help.” Click here to learn more about the work of Federation’s overseas partner.