In a powerful display of solidarity, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) is orchestrating a massive volunteer effort, aiming to send 1,000 North American Jews to Israel. The "Serve Israel" program is designed to bolster rehabilitation efforts in the country, which continues to grapple with ongoing conflicts in its northern and southern regions. Volunteers will contribute across various sectors, from revitalizing agricultural work to providing crucial support for displaced families and active-duty soldiers.

Under this program, the volunteers will embark on missions to Israel, committing to either 7-10 day stints or extended 4-week periods running through January 2025. The initiative casts a wide net, welcoming participants ranging from 16-year-old teenagers to students, young professionals at the outset of their careers, and adults up to 65.

The volunteers will be strategically deployed to farms grappling with severe workforce shortages across various regions of Israel. This effort serves a dual purpose: bolstering the country's economy while simultaneously shoring up its food security. Beyond agricultural assistance, volunteers will lend their hands at logistics centers, engage in food packaging operations, provide support to displaced families and soldiers, mentor students, and contribute to a range of other vital activities.

In the wake of the October 7 attack, thousands of North American Jews have already answered the call, traveling to Israel to volunteer. Many have focused their efforts on farms, which have seen their workforce dramatically diminish following the terror attack and subsequent outbreak of hostilities.

The influx of North American volunteers comes at a critical juncture for Israel. With tens of thousands of Israelis called up for reserve duty and a significant reduction in the availability of foreign workers, these volunteers play an indispensable role in supporting the country. Notably, volunteers have reported that their experiences have strengthened their connection to Israel and fostered a deeper sense of belonging to their home Jewish communities in North America.

The "Serve Israel" program is a collaborative effort managed jointly by the Jewish Federations of North America and the Israel Educational Travel Alliance. It receives support from Mosaic United, the Jewish Agency, and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism. The initiative also partners with established programs like Birthright Israel and Masa Israel Journey.

Shira Hutt, Vice President of the Jewish Federations of North America, underscored the significance of the program: "Over the past 10 challenging months, we've witnessed the pivotal role played by Jewish volunteers from North America. They've been instrumental in helping Israelis navigate the profound challenges they face, while simultaneously strengthening the bonds between North American and Israeli communities. These programs serve as a vital lifeline for Israeli citizens during this critical period. We take immense pride in the fact that, once again, the unique position of the Jewish federations organization enables us to forge strategic partnerships, leading to community-wide mobilization in response to Israel's pressing needs."

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As one of the 50 most influential Jews in the world since 1998, Russell Robinson's journey to the top of the Jewish National Fund is an inspiring story. Growing up in the small town of El Paso, Texas, where he experienced anti-Semitism, Robinson was instilled with a love for Israel and Zionism by his family despite never visiting the country.

"For my grandfather, Israel was always an important unifying home for every Jew," Robinson recalls fondly. His first experience of seeing Jews truly enjoying themselves came when asked to volunteer to organize a summer camp for El Paso's Jewish community children.

When the devastating Oct. 7 onslaught was happening, Robinson was on a plane to Israel. Two hours before landing, his phone lit up with grave alerts far beyond the usual missile alert warnings. He quickly messaged friends in the area, including the late Ofir Libstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, who responded with a praying hands emoji shortly before being murdered.

This catalyzed the JNF's efforts to rehabilitate the battered Gaza periphery region through its "Build Together" program. Though skeptical they could recruit even two dozen volunteers willing to work in an active war zone at their own expense, over 200 signed up immediately, with more on waiting lists.

"We understood we're all in the same boat," Robinson says. To date, around 3,500 volunteers from across the United States have participated, with more coming through year's end.

The JNF creatively ensured all parties benefited by supporting 151 small Israeli businesses in purchasing aid packages of local produce like wine, cheese, and chocolate for evacuees, hospitalized individuals, and soldiers. Over 13,900 packages have been acquired so far.

When asked about the rising US antisemitism potentially driving more American Jews to make aliyah, Robinson emphasizes the contemporary desire to move to the Jewish state is rooted in positive motivations rather than necessity. However, he argues, Jewish institutions must reinvest in education to properly equip the thousands of university students currently ill-prepared to address the issue.

Regarding the complex International Criminal Court situation with potential arrest warrants for Israeli leadership, Robinson advocates focusing on Israel's strengths and victories instead of getting mired in problematic political arenas.

"There are 25% who will always hate us, but I choose to invest in the 25% who will always love us, and the 50% confused in the middle," he states. "Let's solve this confusion through the beauty of who we are as a people and state."

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Among the Fellows who have remained in Israel are Abby Goldstein and Nechama Klajn. These young women are not your average Fellows. Both 18-year-olds were adopted separately by Jewish families in Australia. Prior to the global corona outbreak, they arrived in Israel on a volunteer program with Masa, founded by the Jewish Agency and the government of Israel. Their program plans were changed due to Covid-19 and they went to help farmers who were just beginning to cope with the new reality, and now they are volunteering with Magen David Adom in Jerusalem.

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Goldstein was born in China and Klajn in Thailand. Goldstein was adopted at the age of a year and a half by a Jewish family from Melbourne, Australia, and converted to Judaism. Klajn's biological parents left her at the hospital where she was born, and from there she was sent to an orphanage. Later, she was also adopted by a Jewish family from Melbourne and converted.

Over the years, both Goldstein and Klajn developed a relationship with a culture and heritage that they were not born into. They formed a connection with Judaism and Israel, and a short time before the global pandemic crisis they decided to embark on a volunteer program in the Jewish state with Masa. Although the pandemic changed their original plans and expectations, they both decided to stay in Israel and volunteer in the Ayanot youth village, where they stayed for the majority of the quarantine closures. Now, they are volunteering with MDA, assisting with the day-to-day operations of rescue forces.

Annually, about 1,400 young Jews aged 18, from dozens of countries around the world, come to Israel on a gap year program with Masa to volunteer. Among the volunteer activities, some of them assist with agriculture in moshavim and kibbutzim. Through this experience, they strengthen their Jewish identity and learn about the State of Israel. Like Goldstein and Klajn, who came with "Israel By Choice", the programs are an opportunity for personal growth and discovery, and help participants prepare for the next chapter of their lives.

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Ofer Gutman, acting CEO of Masa said, "I'm happy that despite the pandemic, young Jews from around the world are choosing to volunteer in Israel. We are witnessing an increase in demand for enrollment for the coming year, and we are excited about this opportunity."

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