As Israel grapples with the aftermath of October 7, Moshe Kahana, Deputy CEO and CFO of the Israel Association of Community Centers (IACC), explained how Community resilience is being reconstructed from the ground up. In an interview with Jerusalem Post Communications Strategist Inbal Ann Bouskila for the special broadcast “Healing Israel: A Nation in Trauma,” Kahana detailed the organization’s efforts to recover across the country.
Describing the IACC as a “social and community infrastructure company,” Kahana emphasized its dual role: working with national ministries and federations, while remaining embedded in nearly 1,000 local branches across the country.
“This unique position enables us to respond based on the real needs of the communities on the ground,” he said, “while leveraging the IACC’s ability to coordinate, design, and deliver comprehensive solutions together with our national and philanthropic partners.”
When half of Sderot’s residents were evacuated to Eilat, the strength of the IACC’s national network became clear. The local teams in Sderot, deeply familiar with the community’s needs, worked hand in hand with the teams in Eilat, who understood the logistical capacities and operated in full coordination with the local authorities. This seamless collaboration between branches allowed the IACC to deliver tailored and effective support under emergency conditions. “Together, and with the support of philanthropic foundations and the dedication of countless volunteers, we were able to provide optimal solutions — from baby formula to pet food — thanks to our presence on the ground and our ability to mobilize quickly across regions,” Kahana explained.
But their response extended beyond logistics. “We established daycares and frameworks for youth... youth centers offering activities, performances, and engagement,” said Kahana. Looking forward, he mentioned, “We are focusing on a thorough recovery of these communities, including strengthening the bond between individuals and their community.”
IACC’s efforts are grounded in research, including an academic index measuring individuals’ sense of community. “We saw a strong link between the individual’s connection to the community and their optimism,” Kahana said. "One of the key tools developed by the organization is the Community Cohesion Index – a unique model through which, over the past four years, we’ve assessed the level of belonging and cohesion among more than 100,000 residents in 80 municipalities across Israel. The index provides a broad picture of Israel’s social ecosystem and yields practical insights to support decision-making. We found that the more cohesive and rooted a community feels, the more optimistic it is about its shared future and its capacity for recovery."
Written in collaboration with Israel Association of Community Centers (IACC)