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The Yahel Blog
Insights and reflections from our community of changemakers, partners, and participants—where service meets real life.


Volunteering in Wartime: A Journey of Resilience and Hope
I've discovered that life in Israel pulsates with energy, reminding me that every moment is precious.
Feb 4, 20254 min read


From First Taste to Deep Dive: Building on Your Taglit Birthright Israel Experience
While Birthright provides an excellent foundation and introduction to Israel, longer-term programs offer different kinds of opportunities
Jan 15, 20253 min read


Learning Hebrew: 5 Essential Tips For Beginners
Participating in an Israel program provides an immersive environment that classroom learning simply cannot replicate.
Jan 15, 20254 min read


From Chicago to Ramat Eliyahu: Building Bridges Across Communities in Israel
Still, compared to the city I’m from, Chicago, I feel incredibly safe and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Jan 6, 20253 min read


Lod: A City of Resilience, Struggle, and Transformation
Lod's journey is far from complete, but its recent transformations offer a glimpse of potential paths toward greater understanding
Dec 25, 20244 min read


Your Guide to Masa Israel Scholarships: Making Your Israel Experience Affordable
Are you dreaming of spending time in Israel but worried about the costs? Masa Israel can help make your Israel experience a reality.
Dec 23, 20243 min read


That Redeeming Feeling
My relationship with school in general has always been a rocky one. In many ways this experience teaching kids English all the way in the Mi
Dec 17, 20244 min read


Volunteer in Israel - How best to support Israel’s communities in need
Despite the recent ceasefire, communities in Israel continue to require assistance and support.
Dec 15, 20244 min read


On Change, Transition, & Planting Roots
Talia kicks things off with our Fellow written blog posts for 2025/25, discussing her recent transition to Israel.
Nov 14, 20245 min read


An Ofakim Story, A Story Of Hope
This blog post was written by Jordyn Cummings, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Rishon LeZion.
Apr 15, 20244 min read


Finding Pride in the Periphery
This blog post was written by Sam Shepherd, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Lod. This year, my Pride month kicked off...
Jun 28, 20234 min read


Embracing Torah Values: My Volunteering Journey in Israel
This blog post was written by Lilly Pickles, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Lod. Stepping foot in the holy land of...
Jun 20, 20234 min read


When Gaza Feels Closer to Belgium Than to Haifa
This blog post was written by Iriet Danon, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Haifa When I am in Belgium, Gaza is...
May 29, 20233 min read


My Actions are Screaming Right Now
This blog post was written by Gaby Reichstein, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Rishon LeZion. There are numerous ways...
May 23, 20232 min read


Sawyer.
This blog post was written by Kyle Kun, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Rishon LeZion. I struggled to find the right...
May 16, 20232 min read


Connecting through Empathy
This blog post was written by Sabiha Demirtaş, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Rishon LeZion. People often feel...
May 8, 20232 min read


More Than Ghosts
This blog post was written by Alejandra Horwitz, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Haifa. It was ten o’clock when the...
May 4, 20235 min read


המקום הזה - This Place
This blog post was written by Marcus Pierre, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Rishon LeZion. Unsurprisingly, the past...
May 1, 20233 min read


Growth Under Concrete : Footprints of a Ghost
This blog post was written by Ethan Harris-Riggs, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Lod. I’m a Yahel fellow volunteering...
Apr 24, 20238 min read


Feelings of Familiarity
This blog post was written by Talia Eiseman, a Yahel Social Change Fellow living and working in Haifa. As a person who prefers knowing...
Apr 17, 20235 min read
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