On this page, we feature a Q&A with Noam Bentov, Associate Vice President for Israel and Global Jewry at Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP). As one of the key figures shaping CJP’s engagement with Israel, Noam shares his perspectives on the partnership with Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus, the importance of investing in Israeli civil society, and how programs like ours align with CJP’s broader mission to strengthen and connect the global Jewish community.
Q. What values guide your philanthropic giving?
A. Our philanthropic giving is guided by a deep commitment to community resilience, mutual responsibility, and strengthening the fabric of Jewish life in Israel and around the world. We are particularly motivated by initiatives that bring people together, foster dignity through service, and create lasting impact through direct community engagement. Supporting programs that promote healing, hope, and connection, especially in times of crisis, is core to our values.
Q. How did you first learn about Shnat Sherut 50 Plus?
A. I learned about the Shnat Sherut 50 Plus program through a conversation with Guy Gardi, I also knew of Elul and its remarkable work bridging divides in Israeli society. The program stood out immediately as a meaningful and innovative response to the current crisis.
Q. What about the program resonated with you?
A. Shnat Sherut 50 Plus resonates deeply with our belief in the power of skilled volunteerism to restore dignity, rebuild communities, and foster resilience. The idea of bringing experienced professionals—people with both life and career wisdom—into communities at a critical time aligns with our values of service, intergenerational connection, and pragmatic support. It reflects a thoughtful, people-centered approach to recovery and healing.
Q. What is unique about the Shnat Sherut 50 Plus program, and how would you like to see it develop in the future?
A. The program is unique in its activation of a rarely-tapped demographic: experienced professionals over 50 who bring both skill and stability. It challenges assumptions about who can serve and offers a model of purposeful aging and lifelong contribution. Looking ahead, we’d love to see the model scaled nationally, and even adapted for long-term integration into Israel’s civil resilience infrastructure.
Q. Why do you feel it is important to support communities in Israel through initiatives like this?
A. In moments of disruption, communities need more than short-term aid – they need people who will stand with them, rebuild alongside them, and commit to their long-term flourishing. Programs like Shnat Sherut 50 Plus offer a dignified, sustainable form of support that strengthens both the immediate social fabric and Israel’s broader civic health.
Q. Is there a message you’d like to share with others considering supporting the program?
A. If you’re looking to make a tangible difference in this moment, this program offers a rare combination of impact, innovation, and human connection. This program empowers volunteers to bring hope, skill, and stability where it’s needed most.
