Over the past year, The Jewish Agency deployed a record 3,000 shlichim worldwide to strengthen ties with Jewish communities and mobilize support for Israel. In moments of crisis, that global presence has also enabled rapid, on-the-ground response. Less than 48 hours after a deadly terror attack during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach in Sydney, The Jewish Agency, together with Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, dispatched an Israeli expert delegation through its JReady emergency preparedness and community resilience platform.
The delegation, which arrived in Sydney on December 15, included leading Israeli experts in trauma response and mass-casualty events, among them Prof. Moshe Farchi, developer of the Six Cs model for psychological first aid, and Ayelet Shmuel, director of the International Resilience Center in Sderot. Working alongside local Jewish leadership and emergency authorities, the team focused on assessing immediate needs and supporting longer-term recovery and resilience efforts. In parallel, JReady activated emotional support hotlines in partnership with NATAL, the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, for Israelis in Australia and Australian citizens in Israel.
Hundreds of Jewish Agency shlichim (Israeli emissaries) stationed in 65 countries have been celebrating Hanukkah by leading dozens of programs across Jewish communities worldwide, including on university campuses, in schools, synagogues, youth movements, and community centers.
In keeping with the spirit of Hanukkah, the Jewish Agency is also inviting Jews around the world to take part in a digital initiative encouraging connection and solidarity. As part of the “Global Glow” campaign, participants are invited to light a virtual menorah and send a personal Hanukkah message to someone they care about, underscoring the idea that strong personal connections help amplify the collective light of the Jewish people.
>> To share a message of light this Hanukkah, please click here.
The activities, held throughout the holiday, are aimed at strengthening Jewish identity, reinforcing communal belonging, and deepening connections to Israel, at a time of rising antisemitism and heightened concern for Jewish communities globally.
“The strength of the Jewish people is measured by how we show up for one another, especially in moments of pain and uncertainty,” said Mark Wilf, Chair of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel. “Through our shlichim and rapid-response efforts, The Jewish Agency is ensuring that Jewish communities around the world know they are not alone — that they are supported, connected, and part of a shared global family.”
Shimon, 30, an Israeli who immigrated from France and now serves as a Jewish Agency shaliach there, said the bond between French Jews and Israel remains strong and deeply rooted. “The connection begins at a young age through schools, synagogues, and community life,” he said, adding that support for Israel has intensified since the October 7 Hamas attack.
“Since October 7, we’ve seen an extraordinary wave of solidarity,” Shimon said. “People are organizing support rallies, confronting antisemitism on campuses, donating to Israeli institutions, and asking about aliyah in growing numbers.”
Among the shlichim serving worldwide is Daniela, 39, who made aliyah from Uruguay and now serves as a shlicha in Mexico. Daniela said shlichim help build community resilience and provide safe spaces for Jews to engage openly at a time of widespread misinformation and polarization. Since October 7, she said, solidarity within Mexico’s Jewish community has been particularly strong.
As part of her work, Daniela helped create a large metal installation shaped like the yellow ribbon symbolizing Israeli hostages. The memorial became a gathering point for reflection and remembrance, filled with toys and messages. “It created a space to stop, feel, and talk about what happened,” she said.
In North America, over 400 Jewish Agency shlichim are currently working in communities and on college campuses to foster connection to Israel and help strengthen identity in the face of rising antisemitism. Gal Atia, head of The Jewish Agency in North America, said the emissaries’ message is clear.
“‘You are not alone. I am here with you,’” Atia said. “That message has become essential since Oct. 7.”
Atia recalled standing with more than 1,000 people outside a New York synagogue during a community gathering organized in response to an antisemitic protest. “Instead of intimidation, the community showed up united and visible,” he said. “That is what this mission means—being present when it matters most.”
Jewish Agency Chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog said the organization’s emissaries embody the spirit of Hanukkah by strengthening Jewish pride and communal responsibility worldwide.
“They are lighting not only menorahs, but hearts,” Almog said. “At a time of war, rising antisemitism and unprecedented challenges, our emissaries are on the front lines, strengthening communities and reminding Jews everywhere of our shared bond.”
Jewish Agency CEO Yehuda Setton said shlichim have long served as the bridge between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, a role that has only grown more critical since the war began.
“Shlichim are there when communities celebrate—and when they are hurting,” Setton said. “In Sydney, that presence made it possible to respond immediately, to listen, to support, and to help the community begin healing.”
This article was written in collaboration with The Jewish Agency.