Building a Safe Haven in Safed

Dror Hostel, Safed – A Safe Haven That Needs ProtectionFor more than 35 years, Dror Hostel in Safed has provided a warm, supportive home for adults with intellectual disabilities in northern Israel. Today, 21 residents, ages 24 to 76, live here with dignity, independence, and a strong sense of community. Residents participate in meaningful daily activities, employment programs, and enriching experiences such as swimming, yoga, music, and art. They are active members of the broader community, using public transportation, visiting local businesses, and building lives of purpose and connection. During the recent war, however, this sense of security was severely tested. With repeated missile attacks from Lebanon and only 30 seconds to reach shelter, residents and staff were forced to crowd into inadequate protected spaces. Many spent extended periods sleeping on cots, mattresses, and sofas in overcrowded conditions, creating significant stress and anxiety for a population that depends on stability and routine. Despite these challenges, residents showed remarkable resilience, supporting one another and continuing their daily routines with the unwavering dedication of staff. The experience made one thing clear: Dror Hostel urgently needs a proper missile shelter. AKIM plans to build a fully accessible, 73-square-meter protected shelter that will provide every resident and staff member with a safe, dignified, and secure space during emergencies. Originally approved for government funding, the project lost its budget allocation due to national funding constraints. As a result, AKIM has assumed full responsibility for financing and implementing the project. Your support will help ensure that some of Israel's most vulnerable citizens have the protection, security, and peace of mind they deserve. Together, we can provide not only a home—but a safe one.