Dear Friends and Supporters,
Welcome to our very first newsletter! This groundbreaking project has now begun with 60 volunteers ready and waiting to begin the first ever Service Year for Adults. This year’s groups will be heading to the Western Negev communities next to the Gaza Strip to help rebuild the lives of the communities so devastated by the horrific acts committed on 7/10/2023. They will all stay there for a year, taking time away from their homes, families and usual daily lives.
We will be sharing updates with you monthly so that you can become an intrinsic part of this exciting project wherever in the world you might be. If you would like to contribute your story to forthcoming newsletters or have any questions about the project, please contact jane@elul.org.il.
A Note from Rina Cohen, Educator and Founder of The Service Year for Adults
Dear Friends,
The events of October 7th sent us all into a state of shock. Here in Israel, whilst many leapt into action immediately and went to the front line to help, others, like me, froze with horror and felt overwhelmed with helplessness.
As the dust settled and the devastation revealed itself in story after story, Israeli society started to come together and seek any means possible to help those most affected.
It was then that I started to have the seed of an idea to make a difference.
As a 57-year-old woman nearing the end of a long career in education, I thought, “What now?” People of my age and older have so much experience and knowledge to offer, why not harness all of this expertise and offer it on a voluntary basis to those sections of society most in need?
Here in Israel, young people often do a service year (Shnat Sherut), before or after the army, prior to starting university and their adult lives. My idea is to create an organisation where people over 50 from professional backgrounds can also volunteer for a year, taking a break from their normal lives and dedicating their time and knowledge to help rebuild Israeli society and make a difference. With the help of 4 other dedicated individuals, we are close to making this happen.
We have already gained some funding, identified 2 of communities next to Gaza who want our help and had a huge amount of interest from hundreds of people who, like me, are willing to leave their homes, families and lives for a year to help rebuild those communities on the front line of the massacre of October 7th.
With your help and support, we are now beginning the project on the ground and have high hopes that the idea will grow and flourish, becoming a core part of the fabric of Israeli society.
Rina Cohen
News Highlights:
Successful Orientation Day
Our first major gathering set the tone for an impactful year ahead. Over 60 enthusiastic professionals, all above the age of 50, met for the first time and the buzz in the room was palpable. Each and every one of those present had a personal story to share of the path that led them to volunteer for this initiative and range of skills, professions and life experience that we will be able to offer to the Western Negev communities was thrilling to see.
What did the Orientation Day consist of?
Our Orientation Day on July 11, 2024, was all about getting to know each other. Participants from diverse backgrounds came together, sharing their stories and motivations. The day was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to community service.
Key Highlights:
- Personal stories and motivations shared by the volunteers.
- Building connections and fostering a sense of community.
- Meeting the wonderful local authorities who are our partners throughout this journey.
- Visiting the communities we will serve throughout the year.
Who are our Regional Council Partners?
The Eshkol and Merhavim councils have faced unprecedented challenges since the tragic events of October 7, 2023. The brutal attacks severely disrupted the lives of residents, leaving deep scars on the community’s social and economic fabric. Both councils have been tirelessly working to restore normalcy, rebuild infrastructures, and provide emotional and social support to their residents.
Key figures from Eshkol and Merhavim shared with us their challenges, hopes and dreams for rebuilding their communities. It was moving to listen to all the plans they have to incorporate our volunteers into their daily lives and for us to gain a greater understanding of the range of needs to be met.
We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our regional council partners who play a crucial role in the success of our initiative:
Eshkol Regional Council:
Dudi Alon, Deputy Head of Eshkol Council, Anat Chen, Head of Volunteering Department, Eshkol, Iris Ezra, Head of Welfare Department.
Merhavim Regional Council:
Tomer Nave, Strategy, Merhavim, Veronika Bakshi, Education Department, Merhavim, Naama Elankry, Head of Merhavim Community Center.
Spotlight on our volunteers
Each month we will bring you the stories of our volunteers so that you can get to know them. This month’s spotlight is on Aviva Kogus.
Aviva’s Story
Since October 7th, I have been looking for an opportunity where I can use my knowledge and skills to make a significant impact and help create a better future for all of us.
In 2011, I returned to Israel after 20 years in Sydney, Australia. At that point, I had already decided that I could not sit idly by and that I had to take part in meaningful actions.
In one of the WhatsApp groups I am a part of, I received a message about forming groups for a year of service for adults in the Gaza Envelope. I had already done a year of service with HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed in French Carmel after high school, and the idea appealed to me. I signed up immediately and was amazed to discover that over 700 people had registered along with me. This already moved me. What a nation we have and what a spirit of volunteering. Five people conceived the idea, and they have already swept up an entire nation. People from all corners of Israeli society attended a Zoom meeting and signed up to be part of the process.
I feel that I have a lot to contribute and, of course, to gain over the coming year. I have 40 years of experience in a wide range of jobs, a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and work in government and the Knesset. I have also volunteered over the years in several organizations.
This week, we met in the Gaza Envelope and started a process of getting to know the five amazing individuals who conceived the idea, the volunteers who came from all corners of Israeli society, and the people of the Gaza Envelope. We hope to be able to participate in the rehabilitation of the area.
I was born and raised in Kibbutz Tzora. Attended high school at Givat Brenner Regional School. Served as a personnel officer. Mother of two wonderful children and grandmother of three grandchildren who live in Rehovot. Finance Manager at the Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce.
What Comes Next:
As we move forward, we are focused on:
- Finalizing the individual roles of our pilot groups and program facilitators.
- Preparing for the orientation training for volunteers scheduled for mid-August.
- Ensuring a seamless transition for volunteers as they begin their year of service in the communities.
How You Can Help:
Your support is crucial to the success of our initiative. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate: Help us fund the essential resources needed for our work. All donations will go directly to on the ground project support.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network and help us reach more potential supporters and volunteers.
We are grateful for the incredible support from all our partners, volunteers, and supporters. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the events of October 7, 2023.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication.
Warm regards,
The “Now is the Time” Team
Tamar Oged, Rina Cohen, Boaz Shalit, Eran Baruch, Guy Gardi