As a result of the partnership between Kibbutz Zikim and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas through The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Communities2Gether initiative, Zikim is now home to a Texas-style pub that serves as a new hub for interpersonal connection while the community continues to heal from the October 7 Hamas massacre.

Communities2Gether pairs 26 Israeli communities that were highly affected by the October 7 terrorist attacks with Jewish communities worldwide. Each overseas Jewish community commits to offering at least three years of sustained support to the impacted Israeli town or kibbutz, including financial support of $250,000 annually. While some of the impacted Israeli communities had existing partnerships through The Jewish Agency’s longstanding Partnership2Gether (P2G) program, Dallas was the first new community to participate in Communities2Gether.

In February, a delegation from Dallas visited Zikim and launched the partnership. The Jewish Agency, meanwhile, began assessing the post-October 7 needs in Zikim and determining how to strengthen local leadership, rehabilitate the community, and foster people-to-people connections. From there, the concept of the Zikim Community Pub was born.

The idea particularly enthused Rabbi Mordechai Harris, Interim CEO at the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, who spearheaded the effort to organize the pub’s construction. Residents of Zikim began building the facility in the woods of the kibbutz, while volunteers from Australia and New Zealand, who were in Israel to rebuild southern communities decimated by October 7, also pitched in.

Situated just south of Ashkelon, Zikim found itself under siege during the October 7 attacks. The members of the kibbutz were evacuated to Kibbutz Ma’aleh Hamisha and Sdot Yam. Simultaneously, terrorists invaded Zikim Beach and Zikim Army Base, both adjacent to the kibbutz. The terrorists arrived to Zikim Beach from the sea using rubber boats and drones and murdered 17 civilians. Some 30 civilians were able to run from Zikim Beach to the nearby Zikim Army Base, where 90 new Israel Defense Forces recruits were stationed. The base was attacked by 50 terrorists who used grenades, rockets, and guns. During the fighting, 22 soldiers were killed and seven more were wounded. But the base was never captured.

Today, about 90% of Zikim’s residents have returned home. The pub was opened during the Sukkot holiday at a major community event.

“This is much more than a pub. It is a way for people to get together and connect, and to find new meaning in the power of community during challenging times,” said Pnina Agenyahu, director of the P2G network at The Jewish Agency. “It is crucial for the people of Zikim to know that they are not alone — that someone from the other side of the world cares about them and wants to be a part of their healing journey. We want them to be seen.”

Made of wood, the pub has a natural feeling to it and gives Zikim community members the opportunity to meet in a casual setting, share a drink, and have a safe space where at least for a moment, they can enjoy each other and put their worries aside. They also have a special sense of ownership over the new venue.

“Although the country is still in the middle of a war, the community pub is a space where the people of Zikim can just breathe a bit,” Agenyahu said. “And because a number of community members were actually involved in building the facility, they have a special connection to the place and feel that they are part of its story.”

About The Jewish Agency for Israel

Since 1929, The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish People’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family, bringing Jews to Israel, and Israel to Jews, by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating Aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel – and beyond – energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel, and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk. For more information, please visit: www.jewishagency.org.