Q. Name and role in the council
A. Naama Elankari, CEO of Merhavim Community Centre (Matnas)
Q. What challenges are you facing following the events of October 7th and the ongoing war?
A. There are many challenges. As soon as the Gaza border communities were evacuated, we suddenly became Israel’s new frontline, with all the associated emotional, psychological, educational, community, and cultural impacts. To this day, it still feels like a war zone, as the booms continue loudly and this affects everyone. In addition, since Merhavim is located 7 kilometres and 100 metres from Gaza, we are not officially classified as part of the Gaza Envelope and are not included in the rehabilitation programme. This means there has been no change to the council’s budget so far, yet the community’s needs have grown dramatically.
Q. How did you hear about the program?
A. A year ago, we were approached with the idea of setting up this programme and the rest is history.
Q. What made you decide to adopt the program?
A. From the very beginning, we knew this was a programme that could bring about meaningful change. The passion and commitment of the program’s founders swept us along with them.
Q. In which areas are the volunteers integrated and contributing within the council?
A. Community centre (Matnas), children and youth, welfare, education, and senior citizens.
Q. How is this program different from other volunteer programs operating in the council?
A. The experience of the volunteers, their connection to the council, the local communities, and of course to the residents themselves.
Q. Where would you like to see the program develop in the future?
A. I would like to see the programme’s volunteers integrated across all departments of the community centre and the council.
Q. Any insights or thoughts as you approach the end of the first year?
A. It has been an excellent year and we have learned a great deal from it. There are lessons and conclusions that we are already applying in preparation for next year — and from here, we will only continue to grow. I’ve always said this is a crazy project for people who are crazy about people.
Q. Anything else you would like to share with someone who is still unsure about getting involved?
A. There’s no reason to hesitate, it’s worth everything. There are challenges and it’s important to carefully match the volunteers to the needs on the ground, but when that match is right, and it does happen, it is the most amazing thing there is.
