ABOUT US

History

Yahel was founded in 2009 as an educational nonprofit organization that offers high quality immersive service learning programs in Israel that are community based and unique in their depth and sustainability. The organization was founded by Dana Talmi, who returned to Israel after several years of working with American Jewish World Service. Her work with AJWS exposed her to the methodology of service learning and Yahel was created out of a recognition that similar in depth, community based and high quality service programs should exist in Israel as well. In the fall of 2010 Yahel launched its first program in Gedera together with Friends by Nature. Six pioneers came together for 5 months and most of them decided to stay on for an additional semester. That first year Yahel also ran its first Alternative Break program as well as a teen program with camp Tawonga.

 

Since that first year, Yahel has increased its programming significantly each year and has run programs in 13 different communities around Israel: Gedera, Yavneh, Rishon LeZion, Arad, Be'er Sheva, Yerucham, Netivot, Kiryat Gat, Jerusalem, Haifa, Yaffa, Lod and Mrar. Over 300 participants have taken part in Yahel programs and are now part of the Yahel alumni network.

 

Mission

Yahel’s mission is to respectfully assist communities in Israel while inspiring young adults to live a life of civic engagement.

 

Goals of Yahel

1. To inspire the next generation of change-makers with meaningful ties to Israel. Informed by their values, these alumni will become agents for social       change in Israel and their home communities.

2. To redefine Israel-Diaspora relationships, rooting them in shared values and a joint commitment to pursuing social justice, ultimately strengthening Jewish peoplehood.

3. To play a key role in strengthening marginalized communities and in promoting a thriving, just and democratic Israeli civil society.