Volunteering in Israel

• Note in advance: This is the English translation of the newsletter dated March 29, 2025. From now on, all newsletters will appear in both languages (German and English) on this website.

After a winter break, we are back.

Despair, grief, and relief are all closely intertwined. We are happy for the freed hostages who can finally hold their loved ones in their arms again. At the same time, we hope and fear for the hostages who are still in terrible conditions. And while a heaviness of the situation covers the entire country, this time is nevertheless characterized by solidarity, civil courage, and empathy.

Only together can we get through this!

"ביחד ננצח (beyachad nenazeach) – Together we will win."

This motto has accompanied us here for 1.5 years. It appears as a sticker on cars, on house walls, in the hearts of Israelis and all who show solidarity with Israel in these times.

This sentence contains an unspeakable force that holds the Jewish people together – it is the force that has ensured its survival throughout all ages.

Giving up is not a solution. So, in times of deepest pain, we stand side by side and defy destruction with solidarity and (re)construction. Just one day after October 7, 2023, the people of Israel stood together. They did not hesitate to cook for soldiers in their private kitchens and provide them with warm clothing in the winter.

Shelters were built, repaired and painted on a voluntary basis – painted with the most beautiful pictures to take away the fear that accompanies those seeking shelter when a rocket alert is triggered.

Despite their own worries and hardships, people are there for one another, listening to one another, crying, hoping, and laughing together.

In the next issues, we want to focus precisely on this strength and hope to bring some of this spark to you, dear readers.

We will introduce you to people who did not hesitate for a second and came to Israel, and who keep coming back.

Many of them have since traveled to the country several times to invest their vacation time, energy, and money in rebuilding the country and, above all, to show one thing: solidarity.

In the near future, we would also like to introduce you to volunteer projects in northern Israel and encourage you to do the same: Support us with your presence or donations so that this vital work can continue.

In this newsletter issue, two volunteers tell us from their time in Israel.

JONATHAN

I am Jonathan, 29 years old, born and raised in Sweden. I lived in Germany for a while and have traveled there frequently over the years. Last fall, I took a 10-day trip to Israel, followed by a few months at Kibbutz Ein Gev in northeastern Israel. I will soon return to Tel Aviv for another volunteer project. After the attack on October 7, 2023, my commitment to supporting Israel grew even stronger. It was devastating to see the country and its people suffer. The subsequent rise in antisemitism in the West literally made me sick. I want to support the Jewish people and the State of Israel in any way I can, and this was a great opportunity to do so. In Western Europe, we often use the "wake-up call" metaphor casually, but October 7 was one of the worst wake-up calls the Jewish people have experienced in recent history. It was the largest pogrom since the Holocaust—nothing more, nothing less. This day proved that Israel is not safe from large-scale attacks.

Had Hamas advanced further after its atrocities, including rapes, massacres, mutilations, and the murder of innocent children, the devastation could have been much worse.

The trauma will continue until all the hostages return home. During my time in Israel, I was privileged to meet people from all walks of life. It reinforced my belief in the importance of strengthening relations with Israel and its people.

In dark times, we must stand together and show love and solidarity. The people I met in the kibbutz were resilient and inspiring. I wish more people would visit Israel and experience its beauty firsthand—it is the best way to truly understand the country. I met young people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and others grieving the loss of friends. I spoke with parents who feared for their children's futures in a war-torn country. Their firsthand accounts made the struggle between good and evil undeniable.

Now I wait for the rest of the world—those who claim to defend democratic values—to recognize the truth and stand with Israel in these difficult times.

In the meantime, we can all take measures to protect Israel, which is at the forefront of defending the democratic values ​​we hold onto. Only then will we move forward. Yachad nenatzeach—together we will win!

I have always been fascinated by the kibbutz way of life, the sense of community, and its role in shaping Israel. They have been central to the country's development. I came to Ein Gev through the KPC organization and worked in the Cheder Ochel (dining hall) as a dishwasher. It was a unique experience, and I fell in love with the north, the Sea of ​​Galilee, the Golan Heights, the breathtaking nature, and the peaceful atmosphere. I took a lot home with me from my time as a volunteer. Looking back, I am most impressed by the resilience and strength of the people in the kibbutz. Their determination made a lasting impression on me. I also carry with me the memory of Israel's natural beauty. But above all, it is the people who make the kibbutz special: they are sincere, warm, and deeply connected to their community.

Kibbutzim value families, children, and inclusivity, something that, in my opinion, defines Israel as a whole. Being there was humbling. Witnessing the struggles of Israelis forces you to grow and mature.

If you ever have the chance to visit Israel, take it! You won't regret it!

BETTY

I am Betty, almost 29 years old, and I come from central Germany. I spent nine months in Israel last year, in Ein Gev, and during that time I learned so much personally that I will never forget. What can I say...? I love Israel with all my heart!

My love for Israel has grown even stronger in the last year, also and especially because of my faith.

After October 7th, I knew I would come to Israel soon, no matter what. If I have the opportunity again, I will visit Israel again to see all the lovely people and to help out in an organization. Until about two years ago, I didn't know many organizations. So I looked for one and found KPC. Ein Gev was the only kibbutz that accepted volunteers.

I've now made so many contacts with other organizations and places, it's simply incredible. I could spend an entire year in Israel, going from one organization to another.

I worked in the dining room for almost six months.

We were responsible for replenishing the food at the buffet and keeping everything clean and tidy. After six months, I went to the packing station and ate a lot of mangos for free. I especially enjoyed this job, also because the Arab couple in charge there were such nice, friendly, and funny people. And I love the Arabic coffee with cardamom! I initially came to Israel to learn about the people and their culture, and to give something to them.

But looking back now, I received a lot.

It was very difficult at the beginning because I was alone and didn't know anyone.

But the best part was that I learned a lot about myself. To sum this up in one sentence: My time in Israel brought me closer to God. The Israelis I know are a bit like me: a little reserved at first, but once you get closer to them, they are so warm and funny! After all the terrible things that have happened to them, they still smile and celebrate with a joy that comes from the depths of their souls. They never give up. And they are so infinitely grateful that people travel from far away. They told me that this encourages them. Something very important I learned during my stay was that I don't have to do anything big. I was simply there, and that alone created a connection. Maybe it's just about "being there."

Now I'm back in Germany, I've started a new job, but my heart is still in Israel.

I plan to fly back to Israel for a few weeks this year to visit some friends and the kibbutz, and I'd like to spend a week in the Sar-El program, maybe help with another organization... We'll see.

A great deal of volunteer work is taking place not only in northern Israel, but throughout the country.

Finally, a matter close to our own heart:

A group from the Nir Oz Association will be arriving for the third time in the coming days to help rebuild Kibbutz Nir Oz.

This place is located in the immediate vicinity of the Gaza Strip and was one of the places worst hit on October 7, 2023. You can find all the information (in German language) about the activities and how you can support the association and thus the local people here: