Resilience has always been a defining feature of Israeli society. Growing up in Israel, I witnessed firsthand how communities there respond to challenges, often with a combination of creativity, solidarity, and tenacity that is nothing short of inspiring. This resilience isn’t just about facing large-scale threats like military conflicts or national security issues; it’s woven into everyday life. Israelis face constant pressures—from economic and social disparities to navigating complex political landscapes—and yet, the spirit of community remains strong.

Now, living in the United States and working with Jewish non-profits, I often find myself reflecting on the lessons in resilience that Israeli community building offers. The challenges faced by Jewish communities, particularly in the non-profit sector, may differ in some ways, but the principles that drive resilient communities are universal. In a world that seems to be constantly changing, Jewish non-profits, like many other organizations, are navigating new complexities. These include shifting donor expectations, an increasingly polarized political environment, and a generation of young Jews looking for relevance in their heritage. For these organizations to thrive, they need to foster resilience—both within their teams and across the communities they serve.

Embracing Innovation with a Limited Budget

One thing you quickly learn in Israel is how to “make it work” with limited resources. Israeli society, often out of necessity, has become an incubator for innovation. People are incredibly resourceful in how they approach problems, finding ways to do more with less. From high-tech agriculture to water conservation and medical advancements, Israeli innovations have had global impact despite the country’s small size and limited natural resources.

For non-profits, particularly those that don’t have large budgets, there is much to learn from this approach. The ability to innovate within constraints is essential in today’s non-profit landscape, where competition for funding is fierce. Many non-profits are already stretched thin, so finding creative solutions to challenges is critical. For example, rather than always seeking out new funding, non-profits can explore partnerships, shared resources, or volunteer-led initiatives to stretch their budgets further. Non-profits can also look to Israel’s model of adopting technology even with budget constraints; embracing digital platforms and new tools can help expand reach, automate processes, and provide services to more people, often at a lower cost.

Building Community Solidarity

Resilience in Israel is very much a community effort. During difficult times, people come together in ways that are both spontaneous and deeply ingrained. Whether it’s neighbors providing shelter during rocket attacks or volunteers stepping in to help after natural disasters, Israelis have an incredible capacity to support each other. This solidarity is partly a result of the shared challenges they face, but it’s also a value that’s been intentionally cultivated over the years.

For Jewish non-profits, building this kind of solidarity can be transformative. A resilient organization isn’t just one that has strong internal leadership; it’s one that has a community ready to rally behind it. By fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose, non-profits can create a support network that sustains them during difficult times. In practical terms, this could mean organizing community events that bring people together, creating volunteer opportunities that allow community members to contribute, or establishing support networks for the people the organization serves. When people feel personally invested in a cause or organization, they are more likely to stand by it and help it weather challenges.

Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being

The importance of mental health and well-being is becoming more recognized globally, but it’s been a priority in Israel for a long time, especially given the pressures and traumas that people there face. Israeli communities, including the IDF, have invested in mental health support to help individuals and families build resilience. This support isn’t just reactive—it’s proactive. Programs are set up to help people develop coping skills, manage stress, and maintain a positive outlook even when times are tough.

For non-profits, especially those working with vulnerable populations or facing high-stress demands, prioritizing mental health can make a huge difference. Resilient organizations take care of their people. By creating a culture that values well-being and offering resources to support mental health, non-profits can ensure that their staff, volunteers, and community members have the resilience needed to face challenges. This could include things like mental health days, access to counseling services, or workshops on stress management. Just as Israeli communities have recognized that resilience is a long-term investment, non-profits can benefit from creating an environment where people feel supported and valued.

Embracing Adaptability in Changing Times

Israel’s history and geography have forced it to become highly adaptable. Policies change rapidly, the political landscape is dynamic, and the needs of the population can shift overnight. Israelis are known for their ability to “go with the flow” and adapt to new situations, a skill that has become essential for survival and progress. In Israel, when something doesn’t go as planned, the immediate response isn’t frustration—it’s a quick regroup and pivot to a new approach.

Jewish non-profits can benefit from this adaptability, especially in today’s ever-changing environment. The ability to pivot quickly when a plan doesn’t work, or when new challenges emerge, can be the difference between success and failure. This could mean being open to new types of programming, shifting focus to meet emerging community needs, or finding new ways to engage donors and volunteers when traditional methods are less effective. In practice, non-profits can establish a culture that encourages flexibility, where team members feel empowered to propose new ideas, adapt plans, and try out alternative solutions without fear of failure. Adaptability, after all, is one of the cornerstones of resilience.

Moving Forward with Resilience

The resilience of Israeli communities has been built through decades of facing adversity together, and this resilience has created a culture that is both compassionate and incredibly strong. These qualities are the same ones that Jewish non-profits can cultivate as they navigate their own challenges. By embracing innovation, building solidarity, prioritizing mental health, and fostering adaptability, these organizations can create a foundation of resilience that will allow them to serve their communities effectively, no matter what the future holds.

For me, the lessons of resilience learned in Israel aren’t just memories—they are guiding principles that I carry into my work in the non-profit world every day. At the heart of every resilient organization is a commitment to its mission and a dedication to serving people in ways that create lasting impact. As non-profits continue to face new challenges, it’s these principles that will allow them to thrive, to grow, and to remain a vital part of Jewish life around the world.