Israeli society plays an integral part in supporting the new immigrant and in smoothing his integration. In the following stories you will get a taste of the various volunteer frameworks available through Departmental activities and come to see how much is both given and received.

Veteran Olim at Babait Beyachad Function

Excitement was in the air, when families from the Sharon area and students from the Aleh Raziel Boarding School in Herzliya, recently got together for a joint gathering.

The forty participants, families and students, are part of the Babait  Beyahad program, whose aim is to assist in the integration of new olim into Israeli society, by connecting between olim and Israelis.  The families told touching stories about warm connections created between the families and students and lasting relationships that are being built.  Although they know they are giving of their hearts, they feel strongly that they are getting much in return.

The cooperation between Babait Beyahad and the Aleh Raziel School is continuing for the second year. In this framework scores of students have already befriended families in the Sharon area.  Some families are now in the process of accompanying their "adopted students" who have graduated, into their next stage of life, as they prepare for their upcoming army draft.

As the gathering came to an end, the warm hugs and kisses were indicative of the close relationships that had been established.

Now everyone is eagerly waiting for the next meeting.

When Yoni Kaplan came knocking at the door of the Nurit Absorption Center in Beersheva, they didn’t quite realize what they were getting.  The 23 year-old  had just completed his army service in a commando unit and was preparing for a trip abroad.  He lives nearby and was interested in doing volunteer work that was “good for the soul”, as he claimed.

A mere three months later, Yoni has become an integral part of the educational staff.  He works with the newly- arrived second and third- graders, assisting them in their studies and organizing games and social activities.  Going beyond his twice weekly ‘work’ days, Yoni brings along helpers, games and equipment, all with a huge smile and open heart.

His exuberance did not go unnoticed even at home, and his mother who was inspired by her son’s excitement, soon chose to join him.  Her enthusiasm matches his, and you can find her sitting happily among the children preparing decorative chains and art projects.