The United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula (UJCVP) has announced a three-year partnership with the Jewish Federation of Richmond to support the Israeli town of Shlomi as it rebuilds from the devastation of months of rocket fire and subsequent evacuation during the ongoing conflict.

The collaborative initiative, part of the global Communities2Gether program, represents a new model of international Jewish solidarity, bringing together two Virginia Jewish communities to maximize their impact on Israeli recovery efforts.

Building Bridges Across Continents

"We envision this as more than just financial support—we're building a genuine bridge between our communities," shared UJCVP CEO Eric Maurer. The partnership will allocate combined funding strategically to ensure maximum impact while fostering lasting connections between Virginia and Israeli families.

Shlomi, located just one kilometer from Israel's northern border with Lebanon, was evacuated in October 2023 as rocket attacks from Hezbollah intensified. The town of 8,650 residents suffered significant damage, with approximately 400 homes hit and critical infrastructure including schools and community centers sustaining direct strikes.

A Community Poised for Growth

Originally established in the 1950s as a transit camp for immigrants from Eastern Europe, Yemen, and Tunisia, Shlomi has evolved into a diverse municipality serving as both a commercial hub and home to a thriving industrial zone. The town absorbed around 1,000 immigrants from the former Soviet Union in the 1990s, who now comprise over 20% of the population.

With 26% of residents under age 18, Shlomi represents a young, growing community with ambitious expansion plans to reach 30,000 inhabitants in the coming years—making the timing of this partnership particularly significant for the town's future development.

Addressing Critical Needs

The joint steering committee identified Shlomi's most pressing challenges, which the partnership will address through targeted funding:

• Physical Reconstruction: A severe contractor shortage has slowed repair efforts for damaged homes and public buildings, complicated by budgetary gaps from government decisions. The partnership will help bridge these financial barriers to restore essential infrastructure.
• Security Enhancement: Shlomi is implementing a comprehensive security strategy including high-security fencing, surveillance systems, radar technology, and a specialized tactical response unit. 
• Community Safety Systems: Advanced monitoring and surveillance infrastructure will be developed, including strategic observation points and smart scheduling tools to track community readiness and emergency response capabilities.

A Model for Jewish Solidarity

The Peninsula-Richmond partnership operates under the Communities2Gether framework, established by The Jewish Agency for Israel in collaboration with Jewish Federations of North America. The global initiative has already created 32 active partnerships, with 26 representing entirely new relationships formed in response to the October 7 attacks.

"This partnership demonstrates how Jewish communities can amplify their impact through collaboration," shared Eric Maurer. "By combining our resources and expertise, we can provide more comprehensive support than either community could offer alone."

The multi-year commitment will include not only financial assistance but also people-to-people initiatives such as overseas missions and cultural exchanges designed to strengthen the bonds between Virginia and Israeli families.

Looking Forward

As Shlomi's residents began returning home, the town faces both tremendous challenges and unprecedented opportunities for growth. The partnership with UJCVP and Richmond Federation arrives at a crucial moment, offering not just immediate relief but a foundation for long-term resilience and development.

Shlomi stands at a pivotal moment in its history. With courage and a clear vision for the future, this community is working to emerge stronger, safer, and more connected than ever before.

The UJCVP's partnership with Shlomi is made possible through your generous support of the annual campaign.