When Gad and his wife Maya joined the Shnat Sherut 50 Plus program, they knew their journey would look a little different. While Maya volunteered full-time in the south, Gad had just begun a new role at the Ministry of Education, leading the prestigious “Academia in High School” program under the Department for Gifted and Outstanding Students.
Despite his professional commitments, Gad was determined to contribute wherever he could, and his impact has been felt in ways both visible and deeply personal.
Hands-On at Adi Negev
Gad quickly became a regular presence at the Adi Negev agricultural farm. As part of the small team that established the new “Insect Classroom,” he built wooden benches, refurbished an old storage shed, and lent a hand with maintenance and odd jobs as needed. His background and technical skills also came into play – he helped with installations and repairs both on the farm and at the Merhavim Community Center.
Donations with Impact
Recognizing another way he could contribute, Gad sourced and delivered dozens of valuable tech items, including around 30 large computer monitors, laptops, video projectors, and more. These donations were distributed across Adi Negev, the farm, and the local community center, directly supporting educational and community programming.
Educational Mentoring and AI Workshops
Education remained at the heart of Gad’s volunteer work. He mentored high school students on their research projects over several months, helping them prepare for a competition in Haifa and a presentation to the district director of the Ministry of Education.
He also shared his passions more broadly, leading classes in theater and artificial intelligence (AI), and even running a weekly AI workshop for a group of service year participants.
Present, Even When Busy
While his volunteer work didn’t always follow a fixed schedule, Gad fully embraced the spirit of the program. He joined group activities, led enrichment sessions, and made a conscious effort to relocate his personal and professional life to the south during the year. His presence led to dozens of heartfelt interactions with local residents, from barbers to restaurant staff, and sparked meaningful conversations that built bridges and trust.
Gad’s story is a powerful reminder that there’s no one way to serve. With openness, flexibility, and heart, it’s possible to make a meaningful difference, even when life pulls you in multiple directions.
“I may not have had the most structured schedule,” Gad reflected, “but I truly tried to give wherever I could. I feel like I contributed, and I was enriched in return. There’s a real sense of ‘something more’ that I’m walking away with.”
Gad Lidror, 2025
