Opening of the Local Voice South Course

These leaders face particularly great challenges in the aftermath of the massacre, in which hundreds of residents from their communities were murdered and entire settlements had to be abandoned.

Over the course of four intensive seminar days, they learn about key areas of local politics such as budget planning, infrastructure and housing, urban development, security, education, the interplay between regional and national politics, and much more. Even after the course ends, they continue to receive support from personal mentors with years of experience in local politics.

The program is another successful collaboration between the Tzedek Centers, the Kibbutz Movement, and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Micky Drill from FES-Israel visited in person and was deeply impressed by the dedicated politicians who, alongside their volunteer work in rebuilding their communities, must also find the strength to process the personal trauma caused by the October 7 massacre.