The Resilience Pivot

On Thursday, April 16, 2026, we welcomed 10 parent–child pairs from Kibbutz Gonen for a 90-minute resilience and relief cooking workshop at GCI by JNF, working against the backdrop of the ongoing war and the stress and disruption it has brought to daily life. The session—led by Chef Ran Pollak—focused on dough-making and fresh farm greens, offering a hands-on experience that invited parents and children to slow down, work side by side, and simply enjoy being together.

Participants prepared a vibrant menu of meat-filled empanadas, chimichurri, spinach rolls, a fresh greens salad, and apple galette. Laughter filled the kitchen as hands kneaded dough and shared stories, and for a few hours, the weight of uncertainty and worry gave way to moments of lightness, creativity, and connection. GCI by JNF became a space for emotional relief, where families could reconnect, support one another, and find comfort in simple, shared experiences during an incredibly difficult time.

“This is just what we needed,” said one of the fathers. “I see my daughter focused on an activity and not on sirens. I just loved it.”

Said one of the teenage participants: “This was such a great break from the war. We can’t go anywhere or do anything and this made me feel so normal. It was so refreshing to get out of the house!”

The atmosphere throughout was warm, nurturing, and genuinely joyful, with meaningful interactions unfolding naturally between parents and children. These moments felt especially significant given the ongoing challenges, offering not just a brief escape but a sense of grounding, resilience, and togetherness.

In response to the deep impact of this workshop—and the continued strain the war has placed on Upper Galilee communities—our team is committed to expanding these community-based cooking experiences weekly in the months ahead, creating more opportunities for connection, healing, and moments of peace amid uncertainty.

To sponsor a workshop, please reach out to Anna Ovadia at aovadia@gcibyjnf.com