Our Story
The initiative was founded by a group of visionaries who recognized that the traditional service year model for young people could be adapted for older adults seeking purpose-driven engagement. One of those visionaries is Guy Gardi, CEO of Elul, and from this Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus program was born.
Introduction from Guy Gardi, CEO of Elul and Co-Founder of Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus Program
Elul has always been about creating meaningful connections between diverse groups in Israeli society. The Shnat Sherut 50 Plus program aligns perfectly with our mission. We saw an opportunity to support a project that not only strengthens these communities but also highlights the values of giving, responsibility, and collective action—values central to Elul.
Elul serves as the backbone of the project. We offer logistical and organizational support, from providing guidance and training to volunteers to facilitating partnerships with local authorities. Our role is to ensure that the volunteers are well-prepared and that their skills are matched with the needs of the communities. We also help integrate the volunteers into the social fabric of the areas they serve, so that they’re not only giving professionally but also becoming an integral part of the communities.
We believe that everyone, no matter their age, has something valuable to contribute to society. The Shnat Sherut 50 Plus project taps into the rich professional and life experience of older adults, giving them a chance to make a real impact in Israel. At the same time, it fulfills one of Elul’s core missions: fostering dialogue and community building through action. We see this as a way to mobilize volunteers on a national level, and we’re proud to be part of such a groundbreaking initiative.
We’re excited about the future and the potential of this project to bring lasting change to Israeli society.
Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives
Inspired by Israel’s long-standing tradition of Shnat Sherut for youth, this initiative reimagines the model for a new stage of life. Adults aged 50 and above—many of them recently retired or nearing retirement—are invited to contribute their time, skills, professional expertise and passion for a full year of immersive service in communities facing crisis or long-term hardship.
Every volunteer is a highly skilled professional, serving in the capacity of their profession – whether in education, social work, therapy, logistics, or community leadership. And just as important: they live within the communities they serve. This full immersion builds trust, strengthens ties, and ensures that their impact is lasting and deeply felt.
Our volunteers are not just lending a hand – they are bringing decades of professional expertise to the communities they serve. Each serve in the capacity of their own field. Volunteers come from all kinds of professions and serve their expertise for one year, leaving their homes and lives behind and embedding themselves within communities in need.
Our Vision
To create a national movement of skilled adult volunteers who dedicate a year of their lives to serving Israel’s most vulnerable communities – bringing hope, resilience, and connection wherever they go.
Our Mission
To harness the professional skills, life experience, and commitment of adults aged 50+ to support and strengthen Israeli communities in need – fostering resilience, growth, and long-term social impact turning the program into a national initiative with government participation.
Where We Work
We are proud to be operating in partnership with four forward-thinking local authorities, including regional councils and urban municipalities:
- Merhavim Regional Council
- Eshkol Regional Council
- Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Council
- The City of Ofakim
These local partners not only help match volunteers to areas of greatest need -they also take full responsibility for housing. This enables every volunteer to live in the heart of the community, offering support not from the outside, but as an integral, trusted member of local life. Later this year, we will expand to the North of Israel.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, we plan to expand to Israel’s northern border communities, where similar needs are emerging. Our broader vision is to bring professional volunteer groups to every region in Israel where they are needed – creating a national framework for solidarity and skilled support.
Be Part of the Change
Our work is only possible thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in the power of people helping people.
No donation is too small. Every contribution helps bring volunteers into communities where they can make the most difference—up close, hands-on, and from within.
