SNEC and Afula-Gilboa Partnership Grows Stronger Despite Pandemic

“When I read what was done with your donation, the emergency contribution during COVID-19, I was really, really impressed. You've proven again that your love of Israel and your brother and sisterhood with Afula-Gilboa is one of a kind.” — Isaac Herzog, Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel

Did you know that your contributions to Federation’s Annual Campaign help save the lives of Israelis? Our Federation is part of the Southern New England Consortium (SNEC) through the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Partnership2Gether initiative. Since 1994, we’ve partnered with the Afula-Gilboa region in northern Israel and supported several organizations there, building a social and cultural “living bridge” between our communities.

When COVID-19 hit, SNEC stood shoulder to shoulder (metaphorically, that is!) with our friends in Afula-Gilboa. SNEC funding ensured that villages in Gilboa were disinfected, helping to slow the spread of the virus. Quarantined Afula seniors had one less worry as SNEC ensured their food deliveries. SNEC funds covered workshops and training to help educators and social workers better aid their clients in need. And SNEC donated an advanced AirSeal® machine to Ha'Emek Hospital in Afula, helping to improve emergency surgery outcomes and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission from patients to hospital staff. 

In addition to SNEC’s current priorities, the partnership is considering proposals for a new, high-impact project in Afula-Gilboa. “The reason for this is to increase our involvement in Israel and leverage our local communities’ many contacts and connections,” said Richard Rubinstein, former Chair of Federation’s Board and current SNEC Board and task force member. “We hope to identify a project in the next three to six months,” he added.

To learn more about your impact in Afula-Gilboa during COVID-19, check out this video.