Little Steps, Big Change: Urban95 Practices from Israel

“Amid national trauma, polarisation, and families’ acute need for support and healing, cities in Israel are being called on to play a vital social role. We believe in the power of local authorities to support their residents. Working with families with young children is key to a better shared future.”

~ Daniella Ben-Attar, Van Leer Foundation Representative in Israel

Through 14 compelling case studies, this booklet captures the various ways municipalities from the diverse communities within the Urban95 Israel network are implementing activities to help families with young children thrive in their cities.

The guide is split across three core spheres of influence: organisational infrastructure, public space and community, and municipal services and content. Each case study includes an overview of impact, lessons learnt and partners involved in implementation.

Developed as a practical inspiration tool, the case examples presented side by side illustrate how many different and wonderful ways cities can support families, from digital parent communities for crisis support, to father-child urban nature visits.

This publication was produced by the Van Leer Foundation, Urban95 Israel and the Israeli Green Building Council, in partnership with Urban95 Tel Aviv-Jaffa, CET – Center for Educational Technology, Tira Municipality, Beit Shemesh Municipality, Ashdod Municipality, Tel Aviv-Jaffa Municipality, Tirat Carmel Municipality, Ra’anana Municipality, Hapaot Early Childhood Developmental Center.