Announcing our new strategic alliance

Dear Yahel Community,

Many of you have been with us long enough to have seen what this team is capable of — through the pandemic, through October 7th and the ongoing war, through every moment that tested us and every milestone that reminded us why this work matters. I've never been more proud of where we stand.

And today, I'm writing with real excitement to share another major milestone for Yahel: after many months of fruitful conversations, we have signed a strategic alliance with Repair the World.

Repair the World is a leading American Jewish nonprofit whose mission is to make service a defining part of Jewish life. Founded in 2009, they mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers across the United States through a national network of 75+ Jewish Service Alliance partner organizations, engaging people across the full religious and ideological spectrum of the Jewish community. 

Their work spans direct service, educator training, and the development of high-quality Jewish service learning — and over the past two years, their reach has grown dramatically, now engaging some 150,000 participants annually. Repair brings deep infrastructure, a national community of practice, and a long-term commitment to ensuring that service experiences don't just feel good — they create lasting meaning and connection.

Our two organizations share similar values, purpose, and practice — which is why this alliance makes so much sense. And as is the case for so much of our work, it is also very much about relationships. Over time, spending time with Repair the World's CEO, Cindy Greenberg, has grown into a deep friendship rooted in a shared belief in what service can do — for volunteers, for communities, and for the future of Israel-diaspora connection.

Since October 7th, we've watched something remarkable unfold. Even as tourism to Israel fell sharply, volunteering surged — Yahel grew from 600 to more than 3,600 international volunteers annually. The hunger to show up is real. But showing up isn't enough on its own. For an experience to truly matter, it needs to be intentional — grounded in learning, reflection, and genuine relationship alongside the service itself.

That's exactly what we're building together. Yahel brings 16+ years of on-the-ground relationships, four regional Volunteering Hubs, and partnerships with 190+ community organizations across the full diversity of Israeli society. Repair brings deep expertise in Jewish service learning, a national network, and the infrastructure to engage participants long before and after their Israel experience. Together, we are developing a shared curriculum, training educators on both sides of the ocean, and building the field of responsible service learning in Israel.

The work is already underway. Last spring, 24 leaders from 11 Jewish organizations joined our first JSA Israel Service Seminar, serving alongside Israeli communities and returning home ready to bring others. In April 2025, we co-hosted the inaugural Service Matters: Israel Summit, bringing together 140 professionals to advance the field. Hundreds of Birthright and RootOne educators have been trained. Four service trips are already confirmed for 2026.

This alliance exists because of you — our partners, donors, fellows, alumni, and team who built the infrastructure that makes this possible. Thank you for believing in it alongside us.

We are in a moment of great challenge. And it is in these moments that we are reminded why partnerships like this one matter — because none of us can do this alone.

With gratitude,

Dana Talmi Executive Director - Yahel Israel