Welcome to Shnat Sherut 50 Plus: A Year of Service for Adults
Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives
In the aftermath of October 7th, 2023, Israel was shaken to its core. Communities along the Gaza Envelope faced unprecedented devastation, leaving countless families and neighborhoods in desperate need of support.
Shnat Sherut 50 Plus was born from this crisis—a pioneering initiative designed to bring the vast expertise and experience of seasoned professionals to the communities that need it most. This unique service year program, operating under the Elul organization, mobilizes adults aged 50 and above for a full year of service, many of whom are retirees or nearing retirement, to volunteer their time and skills in areas like education, healthcare, social services, and community development. Our plan is simple: to rebuild, strengthen, and empower the communities devastated by recent events, ensuring a brighter future for all.
Our Mission
To harness the expertise and energy of skilled adults in order to support and strengthen Israeli communities in need, fostering growth, resilience, and lasting social impact.
Our Progress
We are thrilled to announce that our first two groups of volunteers have successfully launched their year of service in the regions of Merhavim and Eshkol. These dedicated individuals have left behind their comfortable homes and families to live and work in the communities they serve. They are now fully immersed in their mission, offering professional expertise in education, healthcare, social services, and more, directly addressing the urgent needs of these regions.
We are deeply grateful to the Merhavim Regional Council and the Eshkol Regional Council for taking full responsibility for all housing arrangements for our volunteers. Their commitment ensures that our volunteers can focus entirely on their service without worrying about their accommodation, which is a significant contribution to the success of our program.
Our Partnerships
Our work is made possible through strong collaborations with local authorities, ensuring that the skills our volunteers bring are precisely matched to the needs of each community. This close cooperation allows us to provide targeted and effective support that fosters real, sustainable change. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the local authorities of Merhavim and Eshkol for their unwavering support and partnership.
We are also proud to announce our new and significant partnership with the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) Eshel. This partnership marks a major milestone in our journey, bringing additional resources and strategic support to our initiative, ensuring stability and expanding our reach.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, we plan to expand our activities to the northern communities along the Lebanese border. These regions, too, face significant challenges and require the kind of professional, hands-on support that our volunteers are uniquely positioned to provide. With your support, we can bring this vital program to more communities in need, fostering resilience and hope across Israel.
Why We Need Your Support
While the Israeli government has launched significant initiatives to rebuild the Gaza border communities, the needs are vast and varied. Shnat Sherut 50 Plus fills critical gaps by providing professional expertise and hands-on support where it’s needed most. Your contribution helps us to expand this vital program, bringing more volunteers to more communities and ensuring that the recovery efforts are sustained and effective.
Donate today Partner with Us. Be a Part of the Solution.
We have made it easy for you to contribute, with clear and simple donation options available for U.S. donors and direct contributions to our account. Every donation makes a difference.
Learn more about how you can get involved and make a lasting impact. Contact us today at jane@elul.org.il to explore partnership opportunities or to contribute to the future of Israel’s communities. You can also sign up to our monthly newsletter HERE
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Shnat Sherut 50 Plus: Because Now is the Time.
