Rishon LeZion: Immigration and Welfare
Rishon LeZion (lit. "First to Zion"), which is Israel's fourth-largest city, is situated along the central Israeli coastal plain, 12 kilometers directly south of Tel Aviv. Over the last two decades, the city has undergone substantial growth of new residential neighborhoods, commercial centers and community facilities.
Supporting one of Israel's most Diverse Cities
The city is home to a significant Ethiopian-Israeli community. This diversity, alongside other North African and Russian-speaking immigrant communities, creates a rich multicultural environment where different traditions and backgrounds intersect. Today, this city offers fellows the opportunity to work within established community centers and social programs that serve residents across all ages and backgrounds, creating a strong foundation for meaningful volunteer work.
Partnering with the Department of Welfare for impact
Our roots in Rishon are strong, as we partner directly with the welfare department, enabling Fellows to make a real impact across youth and immigrant communities in the city.
Itamar Elementary School
An Elementary school where our fellows assist teachers through a variety of English language programming both inside and outside of the classroom.
A welfare-based program that pairs children from families known to social services with a volunteer. The project empowers parents and families to take ownership over their children’s education inside the home. Yahel volunteers visit students in their homes weekly and assist with English homework and other English-related projects.
Ramat Eliyahu Community Center
The Ramat Eliyahu Community Center delivers educational, social, and cultural programs that build democratic and pluralistic community life. The center offers activities for all ages and operates specialized programs for people with special needs from across the city. Yahel fellows work primarily in the Youth Center, which provides a vital safe space for local children and teens during afternoon hours. Fellows collaborate with permanent informal educators and young Israeli volunteers, creating meaningful cross-cultural partnerships while supporting at-risk youth through informal education and mentorship programs.
Pitchon Lev
One of Israel's largest NGOs aims to remove people from poverty and provides direct assistance to 250,000 Israelis every year. The organization operates through three approaches: providing humanitarian aid, educational programs, and strategic legislative work. They offer comprehensive support including food distribution, clothing, furniture, medical and legal advice, job assistance, and personal care services to break the cycle of poverty across Israel.
I feel like I received a truly in-depth exploration into Israeli society. I left with a much firmer understanding of those perspectives, and the challenges faced by communities living in Israel, and that is something I value immensely.
