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25 families are returning to Manara, Malkiya and Yar’on after FIRM completed the reconstruction of their homes
25 families are returning to Manara, Malkiya and Yar’on from tomorrow, 26.1.2026 after FIRM completed the reconstruction of their homes at a cost of 6 million $.
Tomorrow, On January 26, FIRM members and partners will gather
in Manara for a full-scale community restoration effort, carrying out a wide
range of final preparations— from landscaping to hands-on work that helps
ensure families, return to homes that are safe, welcoming, and ready for life
to resume.
On January 26, FIRM members and partners will gather in Manara for a full-scale
community restoration effort, carrying out a wide range of final preparations—
from landscaping and beautification to hands-on work that helps ensure families
.return to homes that are safe, welcoming, and ready for life to resume
Following the October 7 attacks, Israel’s northern border communities faced
widespread destruction, prolonged displacement, and growing uncertainty about
their future. Homes were damaged or destroyed, families were evacuated, and
concerns emerged that without decisive rebuilding, entire communities along the
.border could be permanently weakened—or lost altogether
Kibbutzim such as Menara have long played a strategic and social role in anchoring
Israel’s northern frontier. Beyond housing, they sustain agriculture, maintain a civilian
presence near the border, and represent a model of shared responsibility and
permanence. Prolonged displacement placed that model under serious strain, raising
.not only questions of reconstruction, but of long-term viability
As the months passed, it became clear that rebuilding would require more than
restoring damaged structures. It demanded coordinated action to enable families to
return safely, protect livelihoods, and preserve stable civilian communities in a highly
.sensitive border region
A Coordinated Rebuilding Effort
In response, FIRM worked in close coordination with local municipalities and relevant
governmental authorities to advance rebuilding efforts aligned with municipal
planning, security requirements, and regional infrastructure standards. FIRM
invested $6 million into this housing initiative, made possible through the faithful
support of Christians from around the world, and carried out in partnership with
.local leadership at a time when progress in the north had largely stalled
Delivering permanent housing during an active conflict is both logistically and
administratively rare. Through sustained coordination and long-term commitment,
FIRM helped complete and deliver 25 homes across three northern communities—
Manara, Malkiya, and Yiron. This includes 12 homes in Manara, 5 in Malkiya, and 8
in Yiron. Construction took place amid ongoing security threats and complex
approval processes, requiring extensive logistical planning while residents remained
.displaced and waiting to return
The homes were designed with safety and resilience as a priority and constructed
into the interior of the hillside to enhance protection for families returning to a
volatile border area
.MULTI-PHASE IMPACT
Beyond meeting immediate needs, the homes serve a long-term purpose. They
provide dignified, temporary housing for residents returning while their original
homes are rebuilt. Once those renovations are complete, the FIRM-built homes will
remain as high-quality, affordable housing options for young families—strengthening
.Menara’s long-term growth and sustainability Current Status and Next Steps
While construction has been completed, families have not yet moved into the homes
due to remaining internal kibbutz processes and local infrastructure work still
underway. Community leadership continues to address these final requirements,
.with expectations that the first residents will return by the end of January
The presence of completed homes has already shifted the outlook for displaced
residents. The uncertainty of if families would return has been replaced by planning
.for when Community Perspective
Einat, a Menara resident for 14 years, experienced significant damage to her home
.during the conflict
It was very hard for me to go inside when I first saw it,” she said. “I didn’t have a“
”.living room for two years
Reflecting on the rebuilding effort, she added, “I was very excited, but after a few
months, I saw that it actually happened. I just want to say thank you for changing my
”.life and my children’s life
Her experience reflects the broader impact of rebuilding efforts now underway
.across northern border communities
Marking Progress
Throughout the process, FIRM’s role has focused on facilitation and partnership—
connecting international resources with local authorities and operating within
established governmental and municipal frameworks to ensure rebuilding is secure,
.sustainable, and community-driven looking Ahead
While challenges remain, the progress achieved to date demonstrates that
coordinated, long-term rebuilding in Israel’s north is both possible and effective. For
communities like Menara, it represents a tangible path forward—and a clear
commitment to ensuring that northern border communities are restored,
strengthened, and able to endure
On January 26, 2026, FIRM members, community partners, and representatives from
local councils and government agencies that were partners in the project will meet in
.Manara. The gathering will mark a significant milestone in the community’s recovery.
CEO of FIRM, said he is proud of the long-term restoration project ,Michael Mistretta
and the commitment of the organization and its supporters around the world to
communities on the northern border who will continue to live meaningful lives and
.with dignity
The Federation of Israel Support Organizations, is a non-profit organization - FIRM
based in Jerusalem and aims to assist Israel from 74 offices and communities
throughout the country. The organization works to connect Israel-loving Christians
.around the world to visit, assist and contribute to the people of Israel
.
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