Northern Municipalities Join Welfare Reinforcement Program
Three more northern municipalities are joining the Machar welfare reinforcement program, backed by a multi-million budget aimed at upgrading local social services and assisting displaced residents.
Three additional local authorities in northern Israel are joining the Machar program, a governmental initiative designed to strengthen welfare services following the prolonged conflict and displacement. Ma'alot-Tarshiha, Majdal Shams, and the Marom HaGalil Regional Council will integrate into the framework, receiving between one and one.5 million shekels each over a two-year period.
The Machar program—short for Welfare Strengthening Envelope—aims to upgrade municipal welfare departments, recruit social workers, and proactively identify families in need of assistance. Funded through the five-year plan for the rehabilitation and development of Israel's northern region, the initiative currently encompasses ten local authorities, following an initial pilot phase with seven municipalities including Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya, Safed, and Shlomi.
Addressing New Population Needs
According to program coordinators, the return of evacuated residents and the arrival of new families have created complex social challenges that extend beyond traditional welfare caseloads. Participating municipalities are required to conduct comprehensive population mappings to detect vulnerable households that have not yet sought help independently.
A significant portion of the allocated budget is dedicated to workforce enhancement. Each participating authority integrates a dedicated Machar coordinator into its management team, supported by ongoing professional training and flexible funding to develop tailored community solutions.
"Our responsibility is not only to help authorities cope with current pressures, but to strengthen their long-term capacity," said Shlomo Cohen, head of the Northern District at the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security. "The Machar program allows us to work together on the administrative and professional infrastructure of the departments, developing responsive solutions that will remain with the teams for years to come."
Part of a Broader 340 Million Shekel Strategy
The expansion is part of the extensive welfare chapter within the 2026-2030 northern development plan, which totals approximately 340 million shekels. This broader funding allocation includes 98 million shekels designated for staffing positions and worker incentives, 80 million for constructing multi-purpose community buildings, and 25 million for social innovation initiatives.
Aviad Friedman, head of the Northern Momentum Administration, emphasized the long-term vision behind the investments: "Expanding welfare services is an integral part of building the future of the North. Families who choose to live here must know that a professional, accessible, and advanced network of services is available to them at every stage of life."
