Dear friends,

 

Freedom is too often taken for granted. As we move through our daily lives, we rarely consider how fragile our existence is and how easily our freedom can be compromised.

 

In today's reality in Israel and around the world, we are reminded of this fragility. Fifty-nine of our brothers and sisters remain captive in Gaza. How can we sit at the Seder table knowing they are so close yet so far? Recent demonstrations in Gaza have shown that this yearning for freedom—freedom from tyranny—is their struggle as well. Throughout the world, tensions rise as governments stretch the boundaries of freedom and individual rights.

 

Reflecting on this, I'm reminded of psychologist and Holocaust survivor Victor Frankl's insight: "Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

 

This past week, I had the honor of hosting a North American Jewish Service Alliance delegation, together with our partners from Repair the World, on a service trip throughout Israel. We also hosted the inaugural Service Matters - Israel Summit, bringing together over 140 professionals to advance service work in Israel.

 

Doing this work and supporting our partners through thousands of volunteers, represents our chosen response. And in this choice lies our freedom.

 

I wish you all a meaningful and joyous Passover. May we remember the space in which we choose not to lose hope, the space in which we choose to be of service to others,

 

Chag Sameach- 

Dana

 

 

On April 3rd, Yahel partnered with Repair the World to host the first-ever summit focused on International Volunteering in Israel at the beautiful Design Center in Bat Yam. The one-day conference brought together 140 attendees who participated in numerous sessions throughout the day. 

 

This landmark gathering convened leaders in the field to share best practices and develop strategies to expand the impact and reach of international volunteers in Israel. We are tremendously grateful to everyone who made this summit possible and invite you to enjoy some highlights in the pictures below and by visiting our website here. 

 

This past week, we welcomed 23 leaders from various Jewish organizations on a service trip organized in partnership with Repair the World. These dedicated individuals rolled up their sleeves for meaningful service work: renovating Beit Maya in Haifa, building benches in Ramat Eliyahu, packaging food with teens through Sahi in Petach Tikva and with Bedouin women in Segev Shalom, and working the fields at Rucca farm. 

 

In true Yahel fashion, they also engaged deeply with community leaders and partners, enjoyed authentic Ethiopian and Bedouin cuisine, and participated in challenging conversations about Israeli societal issues, the role of service post-October 7th, and much more. 

 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the JSA members who joined us from Honeymoon Israel, AEPi, Hillel International, Mem Global, Olam, JCCA, JDC Entwine, Tikkun Hayam, and One Table—and of course to our dear friends and partners at Repair the World!

 

There are still several spots left available for the upcoming 2025/26 Yahel Social Change Fellowship, beginning in September. The Fellowship is our flagship program here at Yahel, through which we have been bringing diverse global cohorts to Israel for the last 15 years.

 

Over the course of 9-months, this fully immersive program enables participants to connect and engage with Israel through service. Placed in the heart of unique, authentic placement cities, the program offers the platform to make real change on a grassroots level. 

 

Alongside this, the program's critical learning element provides a unique exploration of Israel's communities, their cultures, and the challenges they face.

 

You can discover more information on our website, or alternatively, schedule a call directly with Mike, our Marketing and Recruitment Manager.