Diaspora Jews offer their apartments to displaced Israelis

Some 250 diaspora Jews have offered the use of their vacant Israeli apartments to people displaced from communities in both the South and North, which were evacuated due to the war with Hamas and the threats from Hezbollah.

“I reached out to Jews in the Diaspora and requested their support in our efforts to offer temporary housing for displaced Israelis until this war concludes,” World Zionist Organization chairman Yaakov Hagoel told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.

As part of this project, apartment owners delegate the responsibility for their properties to the WZO, which then houses the families.

The demand for long-term temporary accommodation has surged, with many families either relocating to hotels or staying with extended family wherever available.

The WZO project, titled “My Home is Your Home,” was initiated by Hagoel. “The WZO utilizes every resource available to assist IDF soldiers, Israeli citizens, and Diaspora Jews,” he said. “Along with the organization’s staff who are currently serving Israel on the battlefield, many volunteers and employees are contributing on the home front, leading numerous initiatives for the security and well-being of Israel and its people.”

Recently, the WZO started reaching out to Jews both in Israel and the diaspora who possess unoccupied apartments in the Jewish state. They aim to establish a structured, professional framework to oversee the project. This framework includes a dedicated website, global contacts, and promotional campaigns in multiple languages such as Hebrew, English, French, and Spanish.

Mutual responsibility

WZO commits to overseeing the apartment handover process and ensures each apartment is returned to its original state. It has formalized agreements with both the apartment owners and the families who will reside in them. These contracts legally bind the WZO as the guarantor.

“The ‘My Home is Your Home’ effort embodies the shared responsibility between Diaspora Jews and Israeli citizens,” remarked Hagoel. “It’s heartwarming to witness this deep emotional connection, strengthening the unity of Israel during these trying times. Our gratitude extends to all the Jews, both in Israel and abroad, who have supported this initiative. A heartfelt thanks to everyone offering shelter to their fellow Israelis, ensuring they have a safe and peaceful haven amidst the intense conflict. United, we stand strong as one people.”