The Importance of Our Work
In these dark days, Israel faces its toughest battle yet. But even now, the strength of our people shines through. We're seeing it every day - Jews and Non-Jews coming together from around the world, lifting each other up when we need it most.
We're building something special here, together - a community that goes beyond borders, that turns shared pain into shared purpose. Whether it's finding the right volunteer opportunity, planning a trip to Israel, or just needing someone who gets it, we're here.
Together, we're writing a new chapter in Jewish history. One of unity, resilience, and unbreakable bonds.
Join us.
Be part of this story. Because in the end, it's our love for each other and for the State of Israel that will see us through.
Our Mission: Unite for Israel by joining a global movement of action and hope, volunteering and supporting during Israel's most challenging times. From something as simple as helping farms to rebuilding the kibbutzim, there is a role for everyone to help within their own capabilities. While still an ‘active’ war zone, Israel needs volunteers to keep the country moving forward.
What started as a humble endeavor to share volunteer opportunities has since evolved into something much larger and more impactful. The community is made up of like-minded individuals who all feel the pain Israel is experiencing and want to be a part of history during this very difficult time.
Our Goal: To be the guiding light for the nation of Israel and people around the world
Our Impact: Inspiring Others Through Global Volunteerism to Strengthen Israel
Since its creation, Sword of Iron has:
- Facilitated thousands of volunteer trips to Israel, connecting people to critical, hard-to-access areas of need
- Centralized volunteering efforts through a comprehensive database of opportunities, featuring real-time information that is updated hourly.
- Provided a platform for volunteers to share inspiring, life-changing experiences
- Strengthened bonds between the Diaspora and Israelis, creating deep personal connections among like-minded individuals globally
- Eased Israeli burnout by providing much-needed support while boosting the Israeli economy through volunteer tourism
Empowering Change: Our Initiatives
Volunteer Services
- Provide immersive volunteer opportunities and experiences to connect people around the world with the State of Israel in critical areas of need
- Offer volunteering options for short, intermediate, or longer terms, individually or as part of a group, without the need to join formal, fee-based mission trips
Hasbara/Advocacy
- Encouraging members to share real-time pictures and videos, we provide an authentic perspective that goes beyond conventional news reports.
- User-generated content to help potential volunteers envision their experience, creating FOMO, enthusiasm and empowering more individuals to visit Israel.
- Showcase the true impact of volunteering, inspiring others to follow in these footsteps and support Israel during challenging times.
Community Building
- Cultivating lifelong connections among people who share a deep commitment and connection to Israel
- Providing a collaborative platform where members can offer advice, ask questions, share experiences for travel plans and volunteer opportunities
- Uniting like-minded people who connect with Israel's challenges and aspire to make a meaningful impact during this historic time
Testimonials:
" If it wasn’t for you and this FB page I would never have had the most amazing experience of working with soldiers. I read the page everyday and bought myself a ticket and just came in May and September. I made so many lifelong friends on both trips." - Marilyn F.
"You have shown us all the endless opportunities to help the people of Israel and have created a special community." - Maya W.
"If It wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have had the most impactful, meaningful week of my life!" -Soshana S.
"I can’t begin to articulate my gratitude for what you have done; and enabled us to contribute and help our homeland and her people.... Of all my visits to Israel, this most recent one was the most impactful and meaningful experience of my life. Thank you for making it possible for all of us to connect with each other and deepen our bond with Israel." - Cathy C.
Why We Need Your Support / The Power of Your Contribution
As Sword of Iron evolves into a nonprofit, we're expanding our mission to create an even bigger impact. Our goals include boosting volunteerism in Israel, connecting Israeli NGOs with global supporters, bridging the gap between Israel and diaspora communities, and establishing a rapid response network for crises.
To achieve these ambitious objectives and continue building bridges between the global community and Israel, we need your help. Your contribution will enable us to:
Develop a State-of-the-Art Volunteer Platform: Create a user-friendly website that simplifies the search for volunteer opportunities and serves as a crucial database for emergency response.
Amplify Our Message: Invest in media tools for compelling ads, strategic PR, and professional video content to inspire more people to come volunteer
Education & Advocacy: Resources to launch an advocacy initiative around the world, creating educational material, events, build strong communities within communities - all to empowering people around the world to become changemakers.
Facilitate Impactful Experiences: Organize and lead group volunteer trips, corporate volunteer days, and personalized volunteer experiences that create lasting memories and real change.
Fuel Our Growth: Cover essential operational costs as we expand, including:
- Staff stipends to support our dedicated team
- Travel expenses for vetting high-quality volunteer opportunities
- Speaking tours to inspire more individuals to volunteer
- Professional branding and social media management
- Community-building merchandise
- Targeted outreach advertising to reach potential volunteers
With your support, we can do so much more. We can share the real, heartwarming stories of Israel that often go untold - everyday miracles, resilience and warmth that doesn't always make headlines. We're not just connecting people virtually; we're creating bonds that cross oceans, bringing our global family together in person to make a real difference.
This isn't just about building an organization, we’re creating a movement. Together, we can turn love for Israel into action, one volunteer at a time.
Podcasts:
News Articles:
About Us:
The Facebook page is run by the co-founders, Yocheved Ruttenberg and Yael YomTov Emmanuel, a founding member who has successfully placed thousands of volunteers since day 1, moderates the page and supports the volunteers. Sarah Emerson Helfand manages the volunteer database, manages the resource documents, and moderates the page. Ariel Boverman, a moderator on the page, handles daily interactions and helps manage resource documents while providing support to volunteers.
The funds are transferred through the Jewish Federation of North Jersey and then dispersed to Sword of Iron Israel Volunteer Opportunities
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions via facebook or Instagram (@swordofiron.israelvolunteer)