As summer comes to a close, we are reflecting on a powerful season of impact. From hands-on volunteering through our hubs, to emergency relief during the June escalation with Iran, to closing one Fellowship year and preparing to launch the next - Yahel continues to grow and build resilience and hope across Israel. In this newsletter I am proud to share with you some of the highlights and accomplishments of the past few months.
These milestones showcase not only our organizational growth, but also how our remarkable team continues to adapt and respond with agility to Israel's current realities. Our team is continuing to expand and we are delighted to welcome a new Southern Hub Manager and to open our newest hub in Jerusalem, with a dedicated manager to lead it forward - you can read more about them below.
We are also very proud to share exciting news: our Olim Shalavprogram,led by our very own Coral Bartfeld, was recently recognized in a national competition for young social impact initiatives, receiving special acknowledgment from the Berlovitz Foundation. Out of hundreds of initiatives reviewed, only 16 were selected – and we're honored to be among them.
This recognition celebrates the shared impact of our volunteers and partners and strengthens our resolve to keep growing and making a difference together. The Berlovitz Foundation supports grassroots action, social justice, and the growth of young leadership – exactly the values at the heart of Olim Shalav. We are deeply grateful to everyone who shares this vision and makes our work possible.
Below you will also be able to read about the work of our regional volunteering hubs. Our goal for 2025 was to host 2,400 volunteers in our hubs, and by the end of August we have already reached that milestone. This achievement reflects both the profound desire of groups from around the world to support Israel during this challenging time, and the deep need within our network of community partners.
As we look ahead to welcoming our next Fellowship cohort and entering the holiday season, we remain mindful that Israel continues to navigate profound challenges. We hold close our prayers for the return of the hostages and our hope for a time of greater peace and safety for all.
Dana
Summer in the Hubs
This summer, Yahel welcomed over 1,100 volunteers across our Haifa, Central, and Southern Hubs - along with the exciting first steps of our new Jerusalem Hub.
Highlights included:
- Community renovations: Volunteers painted, refurbished, and beautified youth centers, schools, and community spaces.
- Youth groups in action: URJ teens and campers from Camp Solelim packed food, supported local gmach programs, and ran camps in Ofakim and Netivot.
- Heartwarming stories: In Rishon LeZion, one participant from the Jewish Federation of Canada delegation - a tech professional, not an educator - lit up with joy while running a fair for children. His teammates were amazed to see him in a new light, and he himself was surprised by how deeply the experience moved him.
As one volunteer put it:
“It was meaningful and thought-provoking to meet people who come from complex backgrounds and live in underinvested neighborhoods, yet still come together, volunteer, and lead positive processes in their communities. These local leaders really make a difference. I will carry this with me.”
Responding to Crisis: Emergency Campaign
The 12-day war with Iran in June intensified hardships, especially for families already under strain. Thanks to your generosity, our emergency campaign raised over $25,000 to meet urgent needs quickly and responsibly.
Together, we were able to: ✅Pack food packages to hundreds of families in need in Haifa, Jerusalem and Ofakim ✅Deliver activity kits to children in schools, bomb shelters and evacuation centers ✅Clean and restore bomb shelters in Haifa to make them safer and more accessible
Welcoming Two New Yahel Team Members
The Yahel Fellowship: Closing One Chapter, Opening Another
This June, we closed an unforgettable Fellowship year. A courageous group of young women and men from abroad arrived in the midst of war and embedded themselves in communities across Lod, Rishon LeZion, and Haifa. They volunteered in schools, welfare programs, and local initiatives - while also learning deeply about Israeli society.
Highlights included:
- A study tour in Umm al-Fahm exploring Arab history, culture, and art
- A Jerusalem seminar with a visit to the Knesset and meeting MK Moshe Tur-Paz
- A deep dive into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Gush Etzion with activists from “Roots”
- Fellow-led study days in Tzfat, Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Tel Aviv
Looking ahead: This September, we are thrilled to welcome a new Fellowship cohort representing seven countries around the world — the US, Great Britain, France, Ukraine, South Africa, Colombia, and Mexico. This global group brings with it a wealth of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, all united by a shared commitment to service and social change. With an expanded focus on leadership and shared program ownership between fellows and staff, we are excited to build on this momentum for an even more impactful year.
We’d love for you to stay connected — whether by making a gift to support Yahel’s work or by following us on Instagram and Facebook to hear more stories from the field. Together, we can continue building resilience, community, and hope across Israel.
