Capital Campaign FAQ

To date, Kibbutz Be’eri has raised approximately $24 million. These funds have been critical in supporting the community’s recovery and resilience across several key areas:

• Emergency support during the hotel evacuation period (October 2023 – August 2024), details of which can be found in the 2023-2024 Impact Report
  
• Bridging gaps in government support during the transition to temporary housing in Kibbutz Hatzerim (August 2024 – December 2024), including funding for home appliances, furnishing community buildings, and creating green public spaces
  
• Community resilience and unity initiatives (2024–2025), supporting orphans, widows, released hostages, and families unable to work due to trauma or mourning
  
• Agricultural recovery, including essential equipment to resume work at full capacity
  
• Ongoing support for trauma care, education, transportation, and community infrastructure

In parallel, we have launched a capital campaign to rebuild Be’eri’s physical infrastructure—educational buildings, health clinics, public buildings, and shared spaces. This effort will require approximately $67 million in total.

• $13 million has already been pledged toward specific rebuilding projects
  
• We are currently focused on raising the next $30 million to complete the essential buildings required for our return
  
• The remaining funds will be part of a future phase as additional project plans are finalized

Kibbutz Be’eri estimates the total capital campaign at $180 million. The Israeli government, through Tekuma (the official agency responsible for evaluating damage and allocating rebuilding funds), has estimated that returning Be’eri to its pre-October 7 condition will cost approximately $113 million. While the government has not officially signed off on this amount, Be’eri is operating under the assumption that this funding will be provided, leaving the Kibbutz a par of $67M to raise on their own. Be’eri intends to use the government funds to rebuild residential homes and cover a small portion of essential public structures. The $67 million which forms the basis of our capital campaign—will allow us to rebuild not just what was lost, but what is needed for a better, brighter future.

The government’s estimate is based on standard reconstruction formulas applied across the country. These formulas are designed to restore buildings and infrastructure to their pre-attack condition. Be’eri’s estimate, however, reflects the need to go beyond basic reconstruction. October 7 wasn’t just a physical disaster—it was a deliberate attempt to destroy the community and everything it stood for. Rebuilding Be’eri must therefore focus on renewal, resilience, and long-term viability. The following four conditions were excluded from the Government estimation and specifically included in Be’eri’s capital campaign assumptions:  

• Community Expansion & Space Limitations: Prior to October 7th, many of the Kibbutz public buildings (like the dental clinic for example) were too small to accommodate Be’eri’s population of nearly 1,250 members. Therefore, in addition to rebuilding, these structures must expand to accommodate the community. In addition, the Kibbutz has plans to exceed 1500 members by 2027; Growth in numbers and strength is the ultimate response to October 7th and is therefore a priority for the Kibbutz Be'eri community.
• Outdated Infrastructure: Much of the original infrastructure was built in the 1950s or earlier and no longer meets current building codes. Many of these upgrades were planned prior to October 7.
• Trauma-Informed Urban Planning: Some sites, like the dental clinic, were the locations of horrific violence. Asking survivors to return to the same exact space would be both painful and counterproductive. These buildings need to be relocated and redesigned to accommodate the community emotional sensitivity requirements. 
• Community Expansion and Support: Be’eri must become a symbol of strength and growth. We are designing new communal spaces, expanding therapeutic services, and creating a tourism complex that will allow Be’eri to serve as both a regional hub and a place of healing.

While we are confident that government support will be aligned with Tekuma’s $113 million estimate, the official budget has not yet been signed. However, Be’eri cannot afford to wait. The community has already endured over a year in temporary housing, and the psychological and logistical toll of delay is too great. We are moving forward with urgency—rebuilding what we can, when we can—and coordinating closely with government agencies to align funding where appropriate. Any changes in official policy will be communicated transparently.

Be’eri’s leadership is in close and ongoing communication with Tekuma and other relevant government bodies. While we are confident that government support will come through, we recognize that delays or changes are possible. If funds are raised for a specific project that later receives government allocated money, we will work with the donor to redirect the funds to another project or, when permitted, reallocate the government funds to a different project. Regardless of the circumstances, open communication and transparency are at the core of our values, and we are committed to keeping donors informed and involved every step of the way.

The capital campaign is structured to align with projected construction costs and cash flow needs. As such, Be’eri requires:

• 20% of funds in-hand by the end of 2025
• 60% of funds throughout 2026
• The remaining 20% in 2027

It already has. Construction is underway on the new Shikmim Neighborhood (52 residential units) on the eastern side of Be’eri, and is expected to complete within the year. In order for these residents and others to return, construction on public buildings is scheduled to begin by Q3, 2025.

The goal is to begin the return by Q4, 2026.

If we only raise partial funding for a project deemed essential to our return, we have a few options:

• Tap into Kibbutz reserves: While Be’eri has always been a self-sustained Kibbutz, the community has been severely impacted by the events of October 7^th. Many members have not yet returned to work, and our reserves are needed to support those who continue to face hardship. This option would be limited and used cautiously. 
• Take on debt: Loans may be pursued to close gaps, but this adds financial pressure and long-term costs to the community. 
• Reallocate funds (with permission): In rare cases, we may reach out to existing donors to request reallocation of pledge gifts. In all cases, decisions will be made in close  coordination with the donor community.

The nonprofit “We Are All Be’eri” is expected to continue fundraising through 2027. At that point, ownership and maintenance of facilities will transition back to Kibbutz Be’eri, in line with its long-standing operational model since 1946.

Following October 7 and to comply with Israeli regulations, Kibbutz Be’eri established an official nonprofit (Amutah) in Israel called Kulanu Be’eri (“We Are All Be’eri”). Rather than creating a new 501(c)(3) in the U.S., we are working with trusted philanthropic partners who already have the infrastructure to process tax-deductible donations on our behalf. In the U.S., our primary partner is Jewish National Fund-USA. Donations made to Be’eri through JNF-USA are eligible for a U.S. tax deduction and are also matched by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL) at 25%. We also work with organizations like UJAFEDNY, UJIA (UK), Keren HaYesod-UIA, JNF Australia (which also offers a 25% matching through KKL) and other fundraising entities in Canada and Europe. These partners help us ensure transparency, proper documentation, and the broadest reach across global donor communities.

Our generous fundraising partners have committed that 100% of designated donations go directly to Kibbutz Be’eri. There are no administrative fees deducted from these gifts.

The funds will be managed by “We Are All Be’eri” (Kulanu Be’eri), the nonprofit (Amuta) established by the kibbutz after October 7. While this nonprofit is affiliated with the kibbutz, it operates as a separate legal entity with its own designated bank account. The nonprofit is led by Kibbutz Be’eri members and is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the capital campaign, ensuring transparency, compliance, and alignment with approved project goals.

No. Be’eri is working with partners around the world, including in Israel, Canada, UK, France, and across Europe to raise funds for both immediate and long-term rebuilding goals.

We have been fortunate enough to partner with several generous and thoughtful organizations, including: 

• Bank Leumi in Israel – Approximately $8.3M to cover several needs during our emergency campaign 
• The International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ) – Approximately $3.85M pledged towards the capital campaign 
• The Helmsley Charitable Trust - $2.2M for agriculture equipment

Yes. We are deeply committed to honoring our partners in meaningful and appropriate ways. Naming opportunities will be offered based on the size and type of contribution.  This allows community groups or individual donors to participate meaningfully even if they are not funding the entire building.

Many of our projects require significant funding, and we understand that not every donor is positioned to fund an entire initiative. That’s why we are actively dividing projects into subcomponents—allowing individuals, families, or communities to support a specific part of a larger plan. For example, the new Multi-Clinic Complex is divided into three distinct wings, each of which can be supported independently. Presentations outlining these subcomponents are being finalized now and will be shared as soon as they are ready. 

While communities have not yet committed to capital campaign projects, we have had communities support mental health initiatives, garden revitalization projects, temporary housing needs and more. We hope to engage interested communities, companies and organizations in the capital campaign as we share more information about the projects. 

Yes. We are developing a dashboard system that will allow task force members to "claim" or track their assigned projects. This will help us coordinate efforts and avoid overlap. Task Force monthly meetings will open with status updates so each member can share their progress and collaborate with others on the call.