Following the ceasefire last July, displaced war victims returned home to assess the damage from rocket fire.

In the early days of relief, OBI supplied thousands on both sides of the border with food and emergency aid.

ISRAEL - It only took 33 days to destroy more than a century of hand-planted forests in northern Israel.

As Katyusha rockets rained down during the Israeli-Lebanese conflict last July, thousands on both sides of the border were wounded and an estimated one million people displaced from their homes.

But the damage from the rockets did not end there.

More than 10,000 acres of forests, woodlands, natural parks and reserves as well as agricultural areas were also burned to the ground.

As part of continued war recovery efforts for those affected along the border, Operation Blessing is lending a hand to the Jewish National Fund, who is embarking on a multi-year project to clear damaged areas and replant more than 2 million trees destroyed by the war.

Specifically, OBI will provide funding to train, equip and employ residents for six months to clear burned material and create fire breaks (geographical gaps within the forest).

Fire breaks are a critical step in the recovery process, helping to contain future fires and prevent extensive damage from reoccurring.

"We are always looking for ways to make a significant impact," said Rich Danzeisen, director of international programs for Operation Blessing. "Our involvement is not only helping with forest preservation, but it's also creating job opportunities for those who became unemployed due to the war."

Ultimately, the benefits of the reforestation project will help re-establish wildlife habitats, prevent soil erosion, improve air quality, control the climate and help boost the local economy through tourism.

"This project is more than just an environmental benefit. It also signifies hope and resilience for a nation still recovering from war," Danzeisen added.

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

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