The high holidays are a great time to spend with family and have fun with people who are close to us. This time also allows us to do good things for those who are alone during the holiday season.

Dor Ledor (‘Generation to Generation’) is a social organization whose goal is to work towards bridging the gap that has emerged over time between Israel’s younger generation and older generation.

There are approximately 850,000 eldery people living in the state of Israel today, about a quarter of them under conditions of social isolation. The Dor Ledor organization is based upon the understanding that a stronger and closer connection between the generations will help to alleviate the problem of loneliness among the older population, to enhance the perception of the elderly throughout Israeli society, and to counteract the prejudices which arose due to the gap between the generations.

The connection is made by the organization, creating a personal and direct bond between the younger participant and the older participant which enriches both the young and the older generations.

Latet (To Give) – was established in order to reduce poverty, for a better and just society, by providing assistance to needy populations, mobilizing Israeli civil society towards mutual responsibility, and leading change in the national priorities.

The high holiday season is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate a mutual guarantee to all citizens of the country and to help the disadvantaged. For needy families, food packages help make the holiday season much more joyful and happy.

Every year, many businesses and companies take part in volunteer activities for the community. The activity takes place before the holidays of Tishrei, with about 1,300 employees taking part.

Latet is the largest NGO combating poverty and food insecurity in Israel. Acting as an umbrella organization for 180 local associations, Latet operates the leading national food bank and runs impactful aid programs, providing monthly assistance to 60,000 families and 1,000 Holocaust survivors.

Do you remember the last time that you made a wish? When you blew the candles on your birthday cake? Or when you saw a falling star? Or before an important test?

In Israel, there is an amazing social initiative that fulfills dreams every day. The Wish Ambulance is a Magen David Adom initiative, which aims to fulfill the wishes of individuals who face serious or terminal illnesses and/or who are not independently mobile.

A person’s last wish holds special power. It can serve as a source of comfort and peace of mind. Most wishes are emotional and very personal.

Every Wish Ambulance trip is coordinated in advance with the project team and the management of the site to which the patient wishes to go. The fulfillment of each wish is carefully planned in coordination with the patient’s attending physician, adapted to the patient’s needs, and of course, accompanied by properly qualified medical staff.

A wish come true is an important and significant triumph for the individual concerned, and also provides aid and support to the family.

Do you love animals? Are you a dog or cat person? This week I am excited to tell you about the Israeli non-profit organization SPCA Israel.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Israel, founded in 1927, is the most established organization in Israel championing animal welfare and animal rights. Its principle aim is the prevention of cruelty and suffering in animals.  SPCA is open 24/7 to all animals in need of shelter and protection. In addition, as a result of many years’ experience, the SPCA has created “Responsible Adoption”, the aim of which is to reach optimal compatibility between animal and adopter, so that the animal will be raised in its new home for its entire life span. SPCA is proud of its Humane Education Department that runs educational activities for groups of all ages and all sectors. The Society is also active at the Parliamentary level, lobbying for laws that promote animal welfare. Link to SPCA Israel website: https://spca.co.il/home/

Did you take part in a youth movement? How was your experience?

Let’s hear about the unique youth movement called: “Krembo Wings”

Krembo Wings

Krembo Wings is a youth movement in Israel for children and young adults with and without special needs.  Krembo Wings believes in leading social change. The members of the movement do not view their activity as “volunteer work” but as an experiential social activity – for themselves and for others. Krembo Wings mission is to Create a Meaningful Place for Everyone. All children, regardless of their capabilities, ethnicity, religion, or gender share a common need – they all want and need to experience social belonging, and every child deserves joyful time spent with friends.

In 2015, Krembo Wings was invited to the UN to talk about their activities and the social change they are leading in Israel.

Watch May Ophir, a member in Krembo Wings, share her experiences at the UN.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPHV0CbQqto

Want to talk more about Israel? Email Tal

“כל ישראל ערבים זה לזה”

Most Israelis know this famous sentence and grew up on it. The Israeli mosaic contain variety of people who come from different backgrounds. I believe that volunteering is the key to promoting mutual responsibility and social solidarity of Israeli society. Many studies have already shown that volunteers act from an inner feeling when choosing to invest their own time for doing good to someone else.  It’s amazing to think that one person can change someone else’s life. Anyone can volunteer and find the subject of action that speaks to their heart.

Join me here every week for an Israeli organization or association that works for a different cause in Israeli society.

Hi! I’m Tal Rioch – the new Hillel of Metro Detroit Israel Program Associate. I’m from Jerusalem and lived in Nachlaot (close to the Machne Yehuda Shuk) the last three years. I just graduated with a BA in International Relations and Communications from Hebrew University where I did an internship at the Knesset’s Labor, Welfare and Health Committee.

I am very excited to join Hillel of Metro Detroit! Previously, I spent a summer as the Israeli culture counselor at the JCC summer camp in New Jersey. I love to travel and discover new places and cultures. Recently I volunteered as a part of an Israeli delegation for Heroes For Life in Mumbai, India. In my free time, I loves sports (especially running) and listening to music. Head back here every Thursday after 4:00 PM to learn something new and fun about Israel.

Please stop by and introduce yourself or email me at tal.hmdetroit@gmail.com

נגמר הכח
היא לא רוצה לנשום
ואנשים כבר מדברים עליה
כאילו זה הסוף
טוב, מה בסך הכל יכול להיות
היא מקווה מאוד
שכל זה יפסק ובקרוב
ימים רבים הפכו ללילות

ניסתה לשמוח
עשתה כמעט הכל
אך בגרון יש חול
וברחובות עברו מזמן להסתובב
עם לבבות מבטון
ואין מי שיבוא אצלה לישון
עומדת בחלון
שכל זה ייפסק ובקרוב
ימים רבים הפכו ללילות

ולא נראה כאילו יש לזה סוף