Conveniently located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv is the city of Beit Shemesh. From its small town roots it is developing into one of the fastest growing cities in Israel. The city's original inhabitants primarily from North Africa, are being joined by veteran Israelis as well as immigrants from all over the world; Russia, Ethiopia, England, America and South Africa. It is surrounded by the beautiful rural area of Yehuda Plains, which includes a number of moshavim and two kibbutzim.
Through Partnership 2000 we are happy to welcome volunteers from the communities of Washington DC and South Africa. Volunteering in the region provides you with an opportunity to get to know the people and the place on a first hand basis. In the process you will also be contributing your skills in various volunteer opportunities.
Because of the growing demand for accommodation for volunteers we have specially established an apartment, just for the use of volunteers, several years ago. It is a four-bedroom apartment in the center of Beit Shemesh. It is fully furnished including beds, oven, refrigerator and utensils. Although growing, Beit Shemesh is still a relatively small city where it is easy to get around by taxi or bus. There are a number of commercial centers, including post offices, banks, supermarkets, local market, community centre, schools, and coffee shops.
There are a variety of volunteer possibilities. Because of the language differences, many of the activities focus on helping teach English. Learning English is a valuable skill that is becoming more and more relevant in Israel today. Besides working in the schools (elementary and high school) and afternoon enrichment clubs, there are opportunities to volunteer at Elderly Day Care Centres and at the library in the Community Centre. For those volunteers with special skills we may be able to accommodate specific requests.
We hope that this will be the beginning of an exciting and mutually rewarding relationship for the people of Beit Shemesh and Yehuda Plains and volunteers from Washington and South Africa. We look forward to welcoming you to the region.
For More Information Contact:
South Africa
Eli Romano - SA P2K National Director
Tel: 11-645 2551
eli@beyachad.co.za
Mickey Blumberg - Representative SA IUA
Tel: 972-2 6512144
mickeyb@netvision.net.il
Washington D.C.
Gilad Golani , JAFI Community Shlicha in Washington D.C.
Tel: 301-230-7259
Gilad.golani@shalomdc.org
Karen Katzman, Israel Representative, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Tel: 972-2-6202015
Karen@ujc.org.il
Beit Shemesh - Mateh Yehuda
Sonia Shurhavetsky, Volunteers Coordinator
Tel: 972-2-6367812
SoniaSh@jafi.org
Quick Facts
Volunteers will be asked to be responsible for the following expenses:
- Airfare to and from Israel
- Life Insurance
- Food expenses
- Personal spending money
The Partnership 2000 Volunteer Service Corps program provides the following to each volunteer:
- A four bedroom furnished apartment in Beit Shemesh
- Transportation from the airport to Beit Shemesh
- A host family in the region who will be your "home away from home", introduce you to their friends and serve as an added support system while you are volunteering. The family will invite you over occasional for meals.
- A volunteer coordinator in the region to serve as a constant resource.
Partnership 2000 Volunteer Service Corps participants must volunteer at least three weeks in Beit Shemesh
Partnership 2000 Volunteer Service Corps participants are asked to volunteer at least 8 hours per day, 5 days a week.
Volunteer placements are in social, educational and recreational settings. A Volunteer schedule will be built for each volunteer according to skills, interests and level of Hebrew as well as needs of the community.
Kitchen is kosher.