Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus and JDC-Eshel in Ofakim and Beyond
In the southern city of Ofakim, a powerful partnership is taking root – one that bridges national strategy and grassroots action. At its heart is Yuval Friedman, who plays a unique dual role: as the JDC project coordinator for the Meshiv HaRuach initiative in Ofakim, and as JDC-Eshel’s national director for the Adult Service Year, in partnership with Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus.
This collaboration is not only strengthening communities affected by the trauma of October 7th – it’s shaping the future of meaningful aging, volunteering, and resilience across Israel.
What is Meshiv HaRuach?
Meshiv HaRuach (“Reviving the Spirit”) is a JDC-Israel initiative launched in response to the events of October 7th. The program aims to restore personal and communal resilience across Israel, working in close partnership with local authorities to identify specific needs and co-design tailor-made interventions.
In every participating municipality, a JDC coordinator like Yuval works hand-in-hand with local leadership to implement initiatives focused on mental health, education, welfare, employment, leisure, and civic life.
In Ofakim, Meshiv HaRuach operates in partnership with the MetroWest Federation, the Natan NGO, and under the leadership of the Municipality of Ofakim.
How Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus Program Became Part of the Picture
The city’s introduction to Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus program came through Michal Tzur from the MetroWest Federation, who saw the program’s potential and connected it to the Meshiv HaRuach framework.
Since then, the integration of Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus into Ofakim has been both natural and impactful. Seven volunteers now serve across the city in a variety of roles, including:
- Community engagement
- Realization of rights and access to services
- Support in welfare and healthcare
- Enhancing access to information
Their very presence is creating ripple effects – encouraging further volunteerism among local residents and opening doors to new initiatives.
The city’s leadership, including the mayor, has expressed enthusiasm for expanding the program, and in the coming days will issue a public call to local organizations and municipal departments to map community needs in preparation for hosting next year’s volunteer cohort.
Strategic Alignment on the National Level
While Shnat Sherut 50 Plus operates on the ground through the Elul NGO and its community partners, JDC-Eshel brings strategic national vision to the table.
As the division of JDC-Israel focused on promoting successful aging, JDC-Eshel works closely with the Israeli government to shape policy and develop programs that support the well-being of older adults.
The Adult Service Year initiative, led by Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus Program, aligns directly with JDC-Eshel’s mission to empower adults in later life as active contributors, leaders, and mentors in their communities.
This partnership also reflects a long-term goal: to secure national recognition and regulation of the initiative, positioning it as a new chapter in Zionist social innovation.
A Shared Journey Toward Scalable Social Impact
The collaboration between JDC-Eshel and the Elul NGO represents a meeting of two essential forces:
One focused on policy, innovation, and system-level change.
The other grounded in on-the-ground implementation and community life.
Together, they are co-creating a scalable, adaptable model for engaging older adults in service – one that already shows promise in cities like Ofakim and has the potential to reach communities across the country.
The impact is not only measurable – it is deeply human.
Looking Ahead
The joint vision of Elul and JDC-Eshel is clear:
To grow the Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus initiative as a recognized national service framework, supporting both the communities in need and the adults eager to contribute their skills, wisdom, and time.
As Yuval Friedman reflects:
“I’m deeply moved to see the volunteers bring with them a fresh and vital spirit to a city that stands with courage and perseverance. My thanks to the Elul team for the partnership, and I’m confident the initiative has many great days of impact and action ahead on the national stage.”
