In the wake of the October 7th massacre, around 200,000 Israelis were evacuated from their homes and temporarily housed in kibbutzim and hotels in the Galilee region and other safe parts of the country. The Nahalat Shalem community brings Festivals of Hope to these locations to provide the evacuees with uplifting music, wholesome food and a wide variety of hands-on craft activities.

All of the food and activities are provided free of charge for evacuees and widows and orphans from the war. The non-profit festivals are funded by private donors from around the world, and all the volunteer labor is provided by members of Nahalat Shalem.

As of the end of March, 2024, fourteen festivals have enriched the lives of thousands of suffering Israelis. Requests for future events are pouring in, and are scheduled as funding allows. Your contribution makes a difference!

Hands-On Activities

Wooden Flower Boxes • Potholder Weaving • Beeswax Candle Dipping • Soap Balls • Wooden Sailboats • Greeting Cards • Make-Your-Own Pizza • Make-Your-Own Doughnuts • Wooden Propeller Toys • Leather Key Fobs and Bag Tags • Coaster Weaving on a Rigid Heddle Loom • Wooden Spatula • Hair Scrunchies/Headbands • Drop Spindle Spinning • Floral Bouquet Arrangements • Hammered Garden Scoop • Hammered Brass Spoons • Fleece Pillows • Fleece Scarves

Food

Frozen Yogurt • Popcorn • Hot & Cold Drinks and Snacks • Take-Home Gristmill Flour

Live Music

Israeli Folk Music • Children’s Songs • Lively Instrumentals • Choral Singing