The ceasefire on Israel’s northern border has finally come into effect. The once relentless sounds of explosions and aircraft have faded, leaving a silence that is almost as unsettling. Kiryat Shmona and other northern communities are waking up to a new reality — one steeped in uncertainty.

For nearly 15 months, the residents of Kiryat Shmona — young families, professionals, elderly retirees — have been scattered across Israel, refugees in their own land. Now they are starting to hesitantly return to assess what is left of their homes and lives.

Driving through Kiryat Shmona, most buildings appear untouched at first glance, but a closer look reveals the hidden signs of war. Cracks snake through walls, windows refuse to shut and ceilings sag under invisible strain.

I met Shimon, an elderly man in his 80s, who had returned to his home to survey the damage. Dressed in work clothes, he choked back tears as he pointed to the cracks in his walls and the misaligned windows. The house had shifted under the relentless bombardments, the vibrations of artillery fire and the shockwaves of missile intercepts. Undeterred by his age, Shimon was determined to do something. I watched him carefully spread putty over the cracks in the walls, each deliberate stroke mending the scars of a battered surface.

Next door, I met a woman whose story I won’t forget. She is a mother who lost her only son, an army officer, to the war. After being injured during his first deployment in Gaza, he returned to serve again, only to tragically lose his life during his second tour. Her grief was compounded by the pain of returning to a home where every corner reminded her of him. Eventually, after much deliberation, she decided to move back, but what awaited her was another challenge: Her house was in disrepair: cracks in the walls and ceiling, a sunken floor and countless other damages.

Overwhelmed by the burden of restoring her home alone, she didn’t know where to start.

That’s when Livnot U’Lehibanot stepped in. With skilled professionals and dedicated volunteers, we began renovating her home — not just fixing walls, but helping to rebuild her life, restoring dignity, hope and a sense of safety to a grieving mother.

This is what Livnot does. From rebuilding communities in the Gaza Envelope to supporting those in the north, we are committed to helping Israelis return to their homes and rebuild their lives. But the challenges ahead are daunting.

As more residents of Kiryat Shmona return, they are uncovering the full extent of the damage. Explosions have caused structural instability, pests have invaded abandoned homes, and prolonged power outages have wreaked havoc on appliances and infrastructure. Doors and windows need replacing and yards have been destroyed. The residents of Kiryat Shmona and northern Israel need our help. They cannot face this alone. Livnot U’Lehibanot is ready to stand with them, but we need your support to continue this vital work. Whether through donations, volunteering or spreading the word, your contribution can make a tangible difference.

Let us come together as a nation to renew and rebuild the Galilee. Together, we can transform despair into hope and devastation into resilience.

Livnot U’Lehibanot — Together with the People of the North.

Translated by Leora Peretz, partnerships manager, Livnot U’lehibanot.