Volunteering in the State of Israel

Volunteering in the State of Israel began even before the establishment of the state, with the waves of immigration to the Land of Israel in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this period, volunteering was an integral part of the struggle to establish Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel, especially in the development of the settlements and kibbutzim. Volunteers worked in a variety of fields, including education, agriculture, and health, while providing essential support to the emerging communities.

With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, volunteerism gained a renewed momentum. The young state experienced many difficulties, including the absorption of mass immigration, wars, and economic challenges. Volunteering became an important means of raising resources and supporting soldiers and their families. In the first decade of the state's existence, many associations were established to help absorb immigrants and provide them with social and economic support.

In the 1960s and 1970s, volunteerism in the State of Israel underwent a significant change. During this decade, awareness began to develop of the importance of volunteering as a means to strengthen the community. Various associations, such as Hadassah and Friends of the IDF, began to offer a wide range of volunteer activities. At the same time, a spirit of volunteerism began to develop among youth, with programs that promoted the values ​​of giving and service.

In the 1980s, with the establishment of programs such as "National Service," volunteering became an integral part of life in the country. Young people could choose to volunteer in a variety of areas, including education, welfare, and health. These programs not only contributed to community service, but also helped youth develop important skills and learn about different cultures.

In the 1990s and 2000s, volunteering in the State of Israel took on a new dimension with the arrival of immigrants from different countries. The new immigrants brought with them different cultures, and influenced volunteering in their communities. Many associations began to focus on absorbing immigrants and helping them integrate into Israeli society.

In recent years, volunteering in the State of Israel has become a widespread and diverse phenomenon. Many non-profit organizations operate in a variety of areas, including the environment, human rights, health, education, and support for disadvantaged groups. In addition, as a result of social and economic challenges, community volunteering has also become an important tool for empowering communities and supporting those in need.

In conclusion, the history of volunteering in the State of Israel is a story of development, change, and innovation. From the early days of Jewish settlement in the Land of Israel to the present day, volunteering has not only helped the community, but has also contributed to shaping the social and cultural identity of the country. Volunteering remains a central value in Israeli society, which continues to strengthen ties between people and promote values ​​of solidarity and cooperation.