This week, I joined a group of World Bnei Akiva 'Bogrim BA'aretz' alumni for a volunteer day in northern Israel. Through the Northern Emergency Center of the Lev Ehad organisation, we were connected with three families in Kiryat Shmona to help prepare their homes for their long-awaited return. One young couple asked us to clean their home. An elderly couple needed help tending to their garden, and another family requested that we work in their yard so they could once again rent out their long-abandoned housing units, vacant since the war began.
It was an emotional, meaningful, and powerful experience.
On one hand, there we were—dedicated Bnei Akiva alumni who grew up on the values of Zionism and community service—choosing to take a day off from work and studies to help people resettle and rebuild their lives. On the other hand, we met families who had been forced to leave their homes, leaving everything behind with no certainty of when or how they would return. And returning wasn’t just about security concerns—their homes had become not fit for living. Mice, spiders, overgrown gardens, neglected yards, piles of waste, and layers of dust had taken over the spaces they had once cherished.
Words cannot describe the deep gratitude and emotion expressed by the families we assisted or the immense sense of purpose and fulfillment felt by the volunteers. I encourage everyone who can—take a day off, reach out to Lev Ehad or any other organisation, and head north. They need us. And to the residents of northern Israel—we salute you. Your determination to return home and resettle the north is inspiring. We stand with you.
*Bogrim BA'aretz is the World Bnei Akiva alumni network that helps young olim create a community of like-minded people within Israel. We run regular social events, Shabbatonim, fun give-aways & more!
Click here to learn more and join the community!!
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