As the one-year anniversary of October 7th approached, here in Israel, we all felt the weight of it. The tension, the unspoken fear, and the question that kept resurfacing: “How will we get through this day?” For the Shnat Sherut 50 Plus volunteers, who had left behind their homes and familiar lives to relocate to the Gaza Envelope, this day carried even more emotional weight.
But our volunteers aren’t alone. And that makes all the difference.
The Power of the Group Experience
One of the most powerful aspects of Elul’s Shnat Sherut 50 Plus program is that no one faces this journey on their own. The program is built on the strength of togetherness. Volunteers are divided into three groups, often living together and meeting every Sunday to share, reflect, and support one another. These group meetings aren’t just a routine – they’re essential moments of connection. It’s a safe space to open up, process experiences, and find strength in the fact that everyone is going through this together.
The decision to leave everything behind for a year and serve in communities that are still in recovery takes a toll – both emotionally and physically. And it’s in these group settings that our volunteers are reminded why they made this choice, why it matters, and how much stronger we are when we stand together.
On the anniversary itself, 44 volunteers gathered for a day of reflection. The session began with a shared song – something simple, but it grounded all involved. From there, the larger group broke into smaller groups for discussions and creative activities centered around the theme “From Crisis to Repair.” It was an emotional day. Everyone started by acknowledging the darkness, the collective trauma but in those few hours of sharing, the conversations turned to light, to repair, and to hope. This hope reminds us all that even in the most difficult times, there is still a path forward, a way to heal.
The following day, many of the volunteers joined the local community for a commemorative run through the Gaza Envelope. Running and cycling alongside local residents, they felt deeply connected – not just to the land but to the people. This community, which has faced so much loss and fear, welcomed our volunteers as part of them. It was humbling and empowering.
The volunteers know this year isn’t easy. They’ve given up a lot – comfort, routines, homes. But through it all, they have each other. And that’s the real strength of the Shnat Sherut program. Our volunteers stand stronger together, and in moments like these, the strength of that community is at its greatest.
From Darkness to Hope
This anniversary is more than a memorial. It is an opportunity for renewal for us all. A chance to recharge, to draw strength from one another, and to continue serving, knowing that together Am Yisrael can face whatever comes next.
