As we approach the end of the 5785 service year, we are preparing a meaningful closing ceremony for our inaugural group of volunteers. Out of the original 60 placements, only two participants stepped down mid-year due to personal circumstances – a testament to the resilience of both the volunteers and the program model. The closing event, planned for July 20 in southern Israel, will also mark the launch of our national alumni network, ensuring that the bonds formed during the year of service continue to thrive.
Recruitment for the 5786 cohort is now underway. We aim to place between 70 and 80 volunteers in the coming year, spanning both southern and northern communities. As always, our focus is not only on professional qualifications, but on finding individuals who are well matched to the emotional, cultural, and practical realities of the places they will serve.
Our work in southern Israel will continue to deepen. Councils such as Eshkol, Sha’ar HaNegev, Merhavim, and the city of Ofakim have asked to expand or continue their partnerships, and Adi Negev remains a cornerstone of our therapeutic placements. These relationships are no longer experimental – they are foundational. The presence of Shnat Sherut 50 Plus volunteers is now an expected and valued part of the local fabric.
At the same time, our expansion into the north marks a new and exciting phase. The developing partnership with the Mateh Asher Regional Council represents an important step forward. Though challenges remain in the region, particularly in terms of return rates, education continuity, and municipal capacity, our engagement has been met with openness, curiosity, and genuine need. We are approaching this growth carefully, with an understanding that each community has its own rhythm and recovery process.
This next phase brings new challenges, but also renewed energy. With the support of our partners — in the councils, among our funders, and across Israeli society – Shnat Sherut 50 Plus is proving that seasoned professionals can be a force for healing, connection, and community resilience.
We are no longer a pilot. We are a movement.
