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For most college students, winter break is a time to catch up on sleep, spend time with family, and maybe even take a vacation somewhere nice. However, a group of 26 college students from across the United States used their vacation time to volunteer in Israel and participated in the Jewish National Fund-USA’s Alternative Winter Break from January 7th to 11th. Volunteers will use their five days in the Jewish homeland to support families affected by the October 7 terrorist attacks while working to help the land and people of Israel strive for a brighter future. Ta.
One unforgettable highlight was visiting a world-class Jewish National Fund and U.S.-supported rehabilitation facility for people with disabilities, located just 19 miles from the Gaza border. Here, volunteers further treated Israel’s wounded and supported the facility’s efforts to keep Israel’s most vulnerable citizens safe. From entertaining children to working on community farms, everyone brought much-needed relief to an area that had experienced so much tragedy.
“I came here because it’s important to make sure my baby cousins get their birthright when they go to college,” said Sarah Klein, a student at the University of Colorado Boulder. Because I think so,” he said. “They will always know that Israel is their homeland, and I will do anything to make that happen.”
Students also volunteered in an outdoor enrichment program supported by the Jewish National Fund and the United States that instills an appreciation and understanding of agriculture and ecosystems through working with local farmers and protecting the land. Volunteers worked privately on farms in southern Israel. This is a particularly useful form of support given the current labor shortage.
Lauren Zami, currently a student at Brooklyn College, said, “The situation in Israel is very difficult, and I was very moved to hear about the situation from far away.” “There’s only so much you can do from home, so I really wanted to be here.”
Conditions on campus were also difficult for many students, with several volunteers pointing out the discrimination and outright anti-Semitism they have faced as Jews. “There are many rallies and demonstrations almost every day,” Zami said. “Sometimes I have to cross the assembly to get to class, and then there are chants being shouted and people pointing cameras at me. It was very intense.”
But that anti-Israel sentiment is what motivates many volunteers to make changes. “We see a lot of anti-Semitism. [on campus] and anti-Israel rhetoric,” said Caleb Ottenother of New York University. “And as a proud Jew and Zionist, I really want to know how to protect myself from that. Participation allows us to do that.”
Other alternative winter break highlights include:
- Volunteer with Sahel on army bases and take on the logistics support role needed to fill the vacancies of more than 350,000 Israelis serving in the Israel Defense Forces and Reserves.
- Support local volunteers supported by Jewish National Fund-USA at the Beersheba Food Bank.
- Bring gifts and joy to the children during their visit to Soroka Hospital.
>>> To learn more or volunteer in Israel, visit jnf.org/volunteeril.
About Jewish National Fund-USA
The Jewish National Fund-USA builds a strong and vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education. As a leading philanthropic movement, the organization works in northern and southern Israel as it develops new communities in the Negev and Galilee, connects future generations to Israel, and creates infrastructure and programs that support ecology and people. We support important environmental and nation-building efforts. Through Alexander Muss High School in Israel, we are committed to disability and heritage preservation while conducting a fully accredited study abroad experience. For more information, please visit jnf.org.
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