My JSA Service Trip to Israel
Lauren Dworkin (Director, Engagement and Social Action) from the Bender JCC recently joined a Jewish Service Alliance (JSA) trip to Israel with Repair the World and Yahel, an experience rooted in service, learning, and connection. Read her story below:
“In Dimona, we met Yosef, who transformed the heartbreak of losing a beloved lone soldier into a lasting legacy by creating a home for lone soldiers, “Lev Ari” in his memory. In Ofakim, we witnessed young leaders from SAHI caring for the most vulnerable members of their community. As they packed food boxes for those in need, they sang and cheered, proclaiming, “The greatest thing in the world is doing good.”
Again and again, we encountered stories of people facing unimaginable loss and responding not with despair, but with purpose. Their examples reminded us that service is more than an act of kindness; it is a source of strength. It fosters resilience, restores dignity, and creates a sense of agency for everyone involved, both those who give and those who receive.
Through hands-on service and deep learning with Yahel, participants engaged directly with the people doing this work every day. What emerged again and again was the power of presence: that simply showing up matters. Israelis shared how meaningful it was to be met with solidarity and partnership on the ground. Service isn’t just about justice or kindness; here, it is about hope and resilience.
Why we went: to deepen connection, to each other, to Israel, and to a commitment to service as a core Jewish value we don’t just teach, but live.
Israel’s underserved communities need support now more than ever. The Yahel Social Change Fellowship is your chance to make a real difference on the ground. To learn more here: click here.
Thank you to Taglit-Birthright Israel and the Jewish Federations of North America Volunteer Israel program for making this experience possible.”
