JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – Yad Sarah, Israel’s largest nongovernmental social and healthcare service provider, announced in January the arrival of a cohort of 18 young Jewish Americans who have joined the ranks of its volunteers through Birthright Israel Onward, a department of Taglit-Birthright Israel. This Initiative is supported by the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism and Mosaic United.

Program participants, motivated by a shared sense of responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact in Israel, have chosen to dedicate their winter holidays to contributing to Yad Sarah’s vital work as part of its Emergency Wartime Relief Campaign.

The volunteers have been placed in various Yad Sarah departments and will engage in a variety of tasks, ranging from assisting with medical equipment repairs, organizing inventory, installing at-home hospital units and washing and folding laundry. Their activities will also contribute to Yad Sarah services at Shaare Zedek Medical Center as well as the organization’s “Yirmiyahu 33” Rehabilitation & Wellness Hotel that is sheltering ill and mobility-challenged evacuees.

The volunteers range in age from 18-40 and hail from cities across the United States. They will spend up to six hours a day, five days a week volunteering in their respective units at Yad Sarah headquarters in Jerusalem where they are also provided accommodations. 

“Yad Sarah is honored to host this committed group of volunteers and grateful to Onward Birthright Israel for bringing additional hands to contribute to our eternal mission of relieving stress on the healthcare system and filling the gaps in life-saving care,” said Yad Sarah CEO Moshe Cohen. “Their presence not only contributes to Yad Sarah’s heightened wartime efforts but also serves as a powerful symbol of unity and shared values between the United States and Israel.”

“Now, more than ever, Israel needs the support of volunteers willing to step in as hundreds of thousands of Israelis have been directly affected by combat, displaced, or called to the front lines,” said Birthright Israel Onward VP, Ilan Wagner. “We are proud to partner with

Yad Sarah to provide US volunteers an opportunity to take part in direct relief and aid efforts for the people of Israel, when they need it the most.” ■