Eshkol Regional Council
Eshkol is one of the largest agricultural regions in Israel, located along the Gaza border. Its residents live in kibbutzim, moshavim, and small communities, many of which were severely affected by the events of October 7. Eshkol has a deep tradition of resilience, innovation, and community spirit. Our volunteers in Eshkol work alongside council staff to strengthen education, health, social services, and community resilience.
Name and role in the council
Anat Chen, Director of the Volunteer Unit at the Eshkol Regional Council
What challenges are you facing following the events of October 7th and the ongoing war?
The central challenge is the return of the hostages, the living for rehabilitation and the deceased for burial.
Additional challenges include the rehabilitation of communities, returning the evacuated populations to their homes, building trust between the army and the council and community, between the council and the community, operating the council’s organizational systems and community leaderships, reopening elementary schools in their original locations, providing welfare and therapeutic services to the entire population on multiple levels, restoring community functionality and volunteerism, and building and rebuilding community resilience.
How did you hear about the program?
Through the Director of the Organizational Resources Division at Eshkol.
What made you decide to choose the program?
I assume the decision was primarily driven by the need for professionals, social work, therapy, and care, and also by the volunteers’ spirit and generosity. The values of friendship, solidarity, and shared Israeli destiny, a spirit of volunteerism, and the sense of having a shoulder to lean on in difficult times.
In which areas are the volunteers integrated and contributing within the council?
- Social Services Department: Social work, especially with seniors and people with special needs
- Therapeutic Unit: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, psychology
- Healthcare: Support for seniors, families, and maternity care
- Education: Teaching in high school and youth advancement programs
- Heritage and Commemoration: Documenting and cataloguing items from destroyed homes, and the “Israel Revealed to the Eye” project in communities that have returned
How is this program different from other volunteer programs operating in the council?
This program is completely different from the others. First and foremost, it is a service year for adult citizens from across the country, not local residents. Secondly, unlike fixed-shift volunteering in one domain, this program also offers additional support in varied and softer areas that the community urgently needs.
Where would you like to see the program go in the future?
I would love to see the program evolve to create a stronger connection with the communities themselves—not only specific populations. For example, volunteer hubs across several communities, building close relationships and activities within them. Also, an annual flagship project that brings together all cohorts of the program, year after year.
Reflections and thoughts as the first year comes to a close?
The first year, a pilot year, taught us how enriching volunteering can be for both sides, for the giver and the receiver. It showed us how significant one can be in a community in such a short time, and how essential the framework and support for both sides are to the project’s success!
