Through a powerful partnership between JLIC and Birthright Israel Onward, 102 former gap year students were able to return to Israel for a special subsidized winter volunteer mission in early January 2025. Students representing nine different institutions including HaRova, Hakotel, Orayta, Eshel, Lindenbaum, MTVA, YTVA, Nishmat, and Eretz HaTzvi came together to make a meaningful impact during a critical time. During their stay, these dedicated students not only volunteered throughout the country but also reconnected with their gap year yeshivot and seminaries, spending meaningful time studying Torah and deepening their Jewish learning.
After kicking off their JLIC mission with an orientation at the Yedidya Shul in Jerusalem, the students dove straight into action. They spread out across various locations, each group contributing in their own unique way. Some students spent their mornings packaging food at Chabad Katamon, while others served at Meir Panim Soup Kitchen or brightened the days of residents at Idan Hazahav Nursing Home.
The JLIC-Birthright Israel Onward mission extended beyond Jerusalem, with groups traveling to Ofakim and Lod to volunteer with Yahel. These dedicated students didn’t let the long bus rides deter them from making a difference in these communities. They even rolled up their sleeves to help garden in Ofakim!
Back in Jerusalem, the volunteers engaged in diverse activities that touched many lives. Some participated in tzitzit tying at Eretz Chemda Shul, while others worked with IsResilient, showcasing the breadth of their volunteer efforts. The work at Nitzav Refael in Talpiyot further demonstrated their commitment to helping wherever needed.
The mission culminated in a heartwarming challah bake at the Nefesh B’Nefesh offices, where all 102 participants joined forces with Yachad for a meaningful collaboration. This final event perfectly symbolized the unity and spirit of giving that characterized the entire mission.
One of the organizers captured the essence of the mission perfectly: “It was heartwarming to see everyone come together from all over the world to volunteer in Israel. Whether they were singing with the elderly, baking with those with special needs, hugging families affected by the war, packing food for people in need, or helping renovate in the South, these students demonstrated that giving back isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a powerful statement of community solidarity.”
The impact of these young volunteers extended far beyond the physical help they provided. Through the support of Birthright Israel Onward and JLIC’s coordination, they brought joy, comfort, and support to countless individuals across Israel, proving that their connection to the country and its people remained strong long after their gap year ended. Their actions showed that even in challenging times, the spirit of volunteerism and community support continues to thrive.
For these college students, the JLIC Winter Mission served as a powerful bridge between their transformative gap year experiences and their ongoing Jewish journeys. By returning to volunteer in Israel, they not only strengthened their personal connections to the land and its people but also deepened their commitment to Jewish values of chesed (kindness) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). This mission demonstrated that their relationship with Israel and Judaism continues to evolve and grow stronger through active engagement and meaningful service to others.
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