Community is often measured in the big moments, but its true strength is revealed in the quiet ones.

This week, Telfed volunteers travelled to Kissufim to help elderly residents prepare their homes as they return after more than 2.5 years of displacement.

Our volunteers spent the morning carrying and unpacking boxes, organising cupboards and helping create some order from the chaos of moving home. It was a practical way to support residents as they prepare for a long-awaited return.

Thank you to our volunteers for your time, energy, empathy and hard work as Kissufim continues its journey home. And a special thank you to Beora and Marcelle for welcoming us into your community and giving us the opportunity to help residents prepare for their return home.

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Yom HaAtzmaut carried a different tone this year. While the country marked Israel’s 78th Independence Day during a ceasefire, many – particularly those serving in miluim – were unable to celebrate in the usual way alongside friends and family.

In recognition of their dedication and sacrifice, Telfed’s volunteers prepared and distributed 300 gift packages to soldiers across in the North. These gestures, though small, were deeply appreciated and served as a reminder that their contributions and sacrifices are seen and valued.

We extend our immense appreciation to the soldiers who give so much to ensure the safety and security of Israel, especially during moments when the rest of the nation is able to celebrate. Their commitment does not go unnoticed.

To our amazing volunteers, thank you for the time, enthusiasm and kindness. We are grateful for your ongoing support.

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Throughout Operation Roaring Lion, Telfed staff and volunteers provided ongoing support to the Olim community during exceptionally challenging times.

While sirens across much of Israel eventually subsided, residents along the northern border remained under constant alert, facing an incessant barrage of rocket fire from Lebanon. Communities in these areas often had only seconds, if that, to reach shelter.

During check-in calls with families, we heard firsthand about the immense strain of managing young children, remote learning, and the constant need to stay close to safe rooms. In response, Telfed surprised families with children under 12 with gift boxes filled with toys and games to bring some relief, distraction and a reminder that they were not alone.

A mother in Nahariya wrote to us after receiving a parcel for her children, just days after a rocket landed in her building’s parking lot, where the children had been playing only hours earlier:

“After the past few days, this meant more than I can explain. The kids are so happy. And more than anything, it reminded me that there are people who truly care.”

One Olah also shared the challenges facing her community’s emergency response team. After more than two and a half years of fighting, volunteers on the front line were in urgent need of warm winter clothing. Thanks to a dedicated donation, all 33 members of the team received essential winter gear.

As a community, we remain deeply committed to ensuring our Lone Soldiers are never forgotten. We know holidays can be especially difficult for those far from family. With donor support, all Lone Soldiers on active duty received holiday gift cards, while volunteers prepared Yom HaAtzmaut care packages for soldiers serving in the north.

At the same time, a new group of Lone Soldiers preparing to draft met with Telfed staff to collect their Gear Up Gifts: backpacks filled with practical essentials for their upcoming service.

Telfed’s social workers have also been especially busy in recent months, supporting community members facing emotional and financial crises. We take this opportunity to remind anyone who may be struggling to please reach out to Ariela (054-888-0295) or Louise (054-429-9688).

We also invite parents to join our upcoming webinar on 25 May at 20:30 with creative art therapist Sarah Dvir, focused on helping children cope with stress, uncertainty and crisis (click here to sign up).

Whether in daily life or during times of emergency, Telfed stands alongside Olim across Israel, offering practical support, compassion and reassurance. No one should have to face these challenges alone.

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What a fantastic evening at our “Decoding Israeli Work Culture Like a Pro” event with the incredible Caryn Tamari!

From communication styles and workplace dynamics to cultural nuances, the session gave Olim practical tools and valuable insights to navigate the Israeli workplace with greater confidence.

A big thank you to everyone who joined us, to Caryn for the engaging and insightful talk, and to Monday.com for hosting us in such a beautiful space.

We learned, we laughed, and we connected over the shared adventure of navigating cultural differences, understanding workplace dynamics, and building careers in Israel.

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It has been our privilege to support new Lone Soldiers as they begin their journey. Through our Gear Up Gifts, we’ve been able to provide essential supplies to help ease their transition into service—small gestures that carry great meaning.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to our Mishloach Manot campaign. Your generosity ensured 198 Lone Soldiers and Bnot Sherut received a gift card for a meal on Purim. Just a few days into the war with Iran, these gift cards were received with great appreciation: “Thank you so much, much appreciated for looking after us.” Lone Soldier from Givati.

Earlier this month, another group of Lone Soldiers came to collect their Gear Up Gifts – these backpacks contain essential supplies for their service – from the backpack to battery packs, linen to a voucher for sports shoes. When our Lone Soldiers collect their gifts, we use the opportunity to inform them of the services available to them, including mental wellbeing. We take this opportunity to remind all our Lone Soldiers, including those in miluim, to be in touch if you are struggling. Our social workers are dealing with a number of cases with sensitivity, and the utmost confidentiality.

As Pesach approaches, our support continues. This week, we will be sending 200 Pesach gift cards to our growing list of Lone Soldiers.

We are indebted to the young men and women who chose to serve and protect us, and it is a privilege to show our gratitude on behalf of our entire Olim community.

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In times like these, support is not just about responding — it is about showing up, consistently, for our community.

Over the past month, we have been in close contact with our Olim across the country, including those along the Lebanese border. What we have encountered is not only concern, but remarkable resilience.

Families are staying. They are strong. They understand why they are here.

At the same time, we know that strength does not mean ease. Many are managing young children in confined spaces, navigating work from home and remote learning, and carrying the ongoing fatigue and emotional strain.

We have made it a priority to reach out — especially to new Olim — to ensure they are safe, understand guidelines, and are coping as best they can. Sometimes, knowing someone is there makes all the difference.

This effort has been driven by an extraordinary group of volunteers. A heartfelt thank you to Dave Bloom, Julie Berman, and Gaye Turiel, who have dedicated their time to calling, listening, and offering emotional support when it is needed most.

Alongside this, we have seen incredible members of our community step forward to support others at scale. Through a series of webinars, Olim have offered group support — from general resilience and practical advice to tailored sessions for parents of soldiers. Thank you to Devorah Kur, Claudia Davimes, Dr Yardena Bauer and Liza Kramer for sharing your time, expertise and care so generously.

Thanks to the support of our community, we have been able to assist families facing real challenges — from mothers with babies unable to leave their homes, to families without laptops for children needing to learn remotely. We are also sending special gifts to children under 12 in northern communities, offering small moments of comfort during difficult days.

In addition, we have provided winter clothing to local emergency response teams who continue to protect their communities under demanding conditions.

What has stood out most is that even as we reach out to help, many are asking how they can help others. Veteran Olim supporting newcomers. Community members looking out for lone soldiers. A quiet but powerful sense of responsibility for one another.

This is the essence of our community.

We remain committed to standing alongside our Olim — ensuring they are supported, connected, and not facing this alone.

While much of what we see speaks to resilience and strength, there is another side to this moment — one that is often quieter, and less visible.

Behind closed doors, many in our community are facing significant emotional and psychological strain. The ongoing stress of war, uncertainty, and disruption is taking its toll. We are seeing increased cases of anxiety and trauma, including individuals dealing with severe PTSD.

In some instances, the pressure has exacerbated existing financial hardship. In others, it has contributed to deeply concerning situations within the home, including cases of abuse. These are not always visible, and we do not always know what someone is carrying but they are part of the reality we must acknowledge.

Our social workers are working tirelessly during this time, supporting individuals and families navigating complex and often overwhelming circumstances. The need is real, and it is growing.

As we approach Pesach, this becomes even more pronounced. For many, the added financial burden of the Chag is significant. We are providing additional support to ensure that those in need can celebrate with dignity.

At the same time, one of the most important messages we are hearing, and sharing, is simple: check in.

If you know someone who may be alone, struggling, or under pressure, reach out. A phone call, a message, a small act of connection can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes, it is not about solving a problem, but about ensuring that someone knows they are not invisible.

There is also a quiet disappointment felt by many. They sense limited understanding or support from those living in the diaspora. And while that may be the case, it reinforces something equally important: here, in Israel, we must continue to show up for one another.

Because no one understands this reality better than those living it.

And no one is better placed to support this community than the community itself.

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Telfed is proud to support this effort with the donation of an ATV, enhancing rapid response capabilities on the ground. The initiative is further strengthened by the involvement of South African and Australian olim, working together to protect their communities.

It’s a powerful example of communities coming together in times of need—and we’re excited to be part of it.

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Even in the shadow of war, PRAS students continue to show remarkable resilience, creativity, and dedication to their communities. Whether meeting over Zoom, coordinating visits around the proximity of shelters, or adapting to constant uncertainty, their commitment to volunteering has not wavered.

These students bring light into some of the darkest moments. Their presence offers comfort, companionship, and stability—especially for vulnerable populations who need it most. Many elderly clients are living alone, making these connections not just meaningful, but essential. We are deeply grateful to our students for their flexibility, compassion, and unwavering spirit.

Moments of Care and Connection

Lauren, volunteering with Hilda at Beit Protea, managed to visit twice during the three weeks of the war. One visit came just after Hilda’s birthday, and Lauren made sure it was celebrated—bringing a cake, a present, and a balloon. During another visit, the two played Hilda’s favorite game, rummy—pausing only briefly as sirens sounded, then continuing together.

Efrat met with Phyllis just one day before the outbreak of war. Still expecting to celebrate Purim as usual, they shopped for costumes together. At the same time, they prepared for the possibility of needing to stay in a safe room, even doing emergency shopping—something that proved invaluable less than 12 hours later. Efrat reflects on how grateful she is to have been there when it mattered most.

Yonathan visits Beni, who has been in a rehabilitation facility since shortly before the war began. With family overseas and limited visits from friends due to the security situation, Yonathan has become Beni’s primary source of companionship. His visits focus on emotional support—lifting Beni’s spirits and ensuring he is not alone during this challenging time.

Adi, a Social Work student at the University of Haifa, continues her weekly visits with Nitzchona and Eva, two Holocaust survivors she has been supporting for the second consecutive year. Their time together is filled with music, shared experiences, and even moments of curiosity—like exploring Polynesian cuisine online. In these tense days, Adi’s presence provides a sense of calm, stability, and reassurance.

Anastasia, who made Aliyah from South Africa as a lone soldier, now volunteers with the Yedidim organization. She supports a 10-year-old girl whose father suffers from PTSD from the war. Through shared activities and consistent companionship, Anastasia has become like a big sister—offering the child a sense of safety, joy, and trust.

Davida continues her volunteering at the Calanit Hostel, supporting individuals with disabilities. Despite frequent sirens preventing them from leaving the building, she finds ways to create meaningful moments—helping with daily needs and bringing warmth and positivity into their routines. At the same time, she balances demanding hospital training in a complex emergency environment, made possible in part by the support she receives.

Georgia volunteers with Talia, a child who eagerly looks forward to their weekly meetings. Watching Talia grow and seeing her excitement brings Georgia a deep sense of purpose. Each session leaves her inspired to give more, help more, and continue making a difference.

A Community of Strength

These stories are just a glimpse into the extraordinary efforts of PRAS students. In a time defined by uncertainty, their actions stand as a powerful reminder of the impact of human connection.

Through sirens, disruption, and fear, they continue to show up—for the elderly, for children, for individuals with disabilities, and for anyone in need of support. Their dedication not only uplifts those they visit, but strengthens the entire community.

We thank each and every one of them for their courage, compassion, and commitment. Their light shines brightly—even in the most difficult times.

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Telfed’s Resilience Reset is a short term project with practical advice, covering a variety of topics, to support our community.

Thank you to our inspiring Olim for sharing bite-sized, practical tools – for the mind, body and soul.

Enjoy browsing our other videos here.

Devorah Kur – SEP & IFS Level 3 Practitioner & Bereavement Therapist – http://dkwellness.co.il/

Justine Friedman, Registered Clinical Dietician and Mindset Mentor – https://www.justinefriedman.com/

Dr. Yardena Bauer (RD,PhD), Endocrine Dietitian – 0523806333 / yardenabauer@gmail.com

Carina Reingold, personal trainer – 0557708372

Daphna Horowitz, leadership and career coach specializing in helping CEOs, business owners, and individuals find their purpose, make decisions and build resilience – https://www.daphnahorowitz.com

Andi Saitowitz, Business Psychologist and Life Coach, https://www.andisaitowitz.com

Nikia Blumenthal, biokineticist & running coach, https://morning-shops.com/StretchChill

Alana Stern – ADHD Coach for adults, NLP & EFT Practitioner – https://AlanaStern.com

Liza Kramer, psychotherapist – http://www.liza-kramer.com

Yossi Montrose, Core stability trainer – 0584774155

Hayley Hessen, Yoga teacher (vinyasa) all levels, Bet Shemesh – 0586886577

Daniella Tannenwald, massage therapist and reflexologist, dt.reflex@gmail.com 

Hadas Kline, physical fitness trainer in Haifa, hadasiyona@gmail.com

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