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Since the outbreak of the war, Telfed has distributed over NIS 2.7 million to communities and individuals directly affected by the war. With numerous initiatives on the go, we are pleased to share some highlights from the past 2 months:

Supporting Evacuees Returning Home

In early March, we reached out to our Olim evacuees from the north, many of whom have begun returning home. Some families are waiting until the school year ends before making their way back, while others have already settled in, grateful yet unsettled. The calls and check-ins from Telfed have provided reassurance during this transition, as they balance the relief of returning home with lingering concerns about safety.

Bringing Comfort Through Acts of Kindness

In Jerusalem, a dedicated team of volunteers packed and delivered mishloach manot for evacuees, spreading warmth and care during this difficult time. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time and effort to making this happen – with a special thank you to Natanya Jawno and Roy Scher.

Cooking for a Cause

We recently hosted a special cooking class in Modi’in, honouring the late Sharon Glass Z”L, with all proceeds benefiting Lone Soldiers. Thank you to Ilana Kaye for sharing recipes and memories of Sharon with us. We continue to receive requests for supplies from both Lone Soldiers and Olim soldiers in financial need.

Helping Our Wounded Soldiers

Telfed continues to support wounded soldiers with severe multitrauma injuries facing a long road to recovery. These brave individuals were already facing financial struggles before the war, and now, with long-term hospitalisation and injuries, their challenges have only deepened. Our social worker has met with the wounded soldiers (or with their families, depending on the severity of their injuries) and, to date, Telfed has allocated over NIS 260,000 to help our heroes.  

Lending a Hand in Nir Am

Earlier this year, a team of volunteers traveled to Nir Am to help prepare a children’s house. It was a hands-on, rewarding experience, with volunteers working tirelessly to transform the space. Our partnership with Nir Am continues through our initiatives supporting children’s English learning, made possible by our PRAS students and the TECI (Teaching English Community Initiative) programme. We extend a special thank you to Estelle Treiwis for making this project accessible to this community in the Western Negev.

Supporting the Guardians of Hurfeish

When northern towns were evacuated, the resilient community of Hurfeish chose to stay and protect their homes. As the situation escalated, their security team urgently needed life-saving defibrillators, and we were honoured to provide them. During a recent visit, Telfed Chairman Maish Isaacson met with the head of the municipality to learn more about the Druze community and their commitment to the State of Israel.

Moving Forward Together

Numerous war relief projects continue, and we remain committed to supporting those in need as the situation evolves. Whether through financial aid, volunteer work, or community initiatives, we will continue to stand by our soldiers, evacuees, and resilient communities.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to these efforts – your support makes all the difference. If you would like to donate to Telfed’s War Relief projects, click here.

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In times of war, one might expect Aliyah numbers to decline. After all, who would choose to move to a country in conflict, surrounded by hostile neighbors? And yet, South African Olim are proving otherwise. Despite the challenges, Aliyah from South Africa increased by 15% in 2024, with over 300 South Africans making Israel their new home.

A striking trend within this growth is the rise in young Olim – those fresh out of high school up to age 30. These young adults see a future for themselves in Israel, and the momentum is only building. In January 2025 alone, 82% of South African Olim were between 18 and 30. Additionally, meetings with Telfed’s pre-Aliyah advisor reveal that 20% of potential Olim are currently students in South Africa, contemplating their next steps. Many are weighing their options: should they complete their degrees and then make Aliyah?

For those considering their future in Israel, the opportunities are vast. The country boasts a dynamic student life and world-class universities, with an increasing number of degrees available in English. On the employment front, Alan Lipchin, Chairman of Telfed’s Employment Committee, believes that now is the ideal time to make Aliyah. As he puts it, “The pathway to employment is different when you arrive as an individual versus as a family. When you’re young and single, with fewer responsibilities and less pressure, it’s a great time to take the leap.”

To support this influx of young professionals, Telfed recently hosted its first High-Tech Meet-Up, part of a growing trend in Israel’s thriving tech sector. New Olim were invited to network and hear from an industry expert about employment opportunities. “In Israel, it’s about who you know,” Alan emphasized. “Use your network to get the interview, and use what you know to seal the deal.” Beyond networking events, Telfed’s employment advisor connects new Olim with professional mentors in various fields.

For those looking to enter Israel’s high-tech industry, a strong command of English is a major advantage. That being said, the more Hebrew you know, the better. Ulpan should not be underestimated – a higher level of Hebrew can open more doors, create more opportunities, and make daily life much easier. Alan stresses the importance of networking: ask questions, seek advice, and take risks. Aliyah is more than just relocating – it’s about shaping a future. And for young South Africans, that future is full of promise.

For more information, contact Telfed’s Pre-Aliyah Advisor, Sarah Berman, at aliyahprep@telfed.org.il.

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Telfed’s Samson SASI scholarship programme (South Africans Studying in Israel) provides South African students with the opportunity to study and volunteer in Israel and strengthen their connection to Israel through social activities. This year, we invited our SASI students to join us for a Shabbaton in the heart of the country, Jerusalem.

The SASI Shabbaton took began on Asara B’Tevet in Jerusalem, a fast day commemorating the 587 BCE siege of Jerusalem, which led to the destruction of the First Temple and the Babylonian exile.

Shabbat began with candle lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel, where we joined in singing and dancing. During dinner, two young ex South African Olim joined the group to speak about their Aliyah, their journey as Lone Soldiers and their powerful experiences from October 7th, emphasizing the enduring connection of the Jewish people to Israel.

On Shabbat morning, we explored Jerusalem’s rich history with tour guide Dani Weiss, visiting the Jewish Quarter, King David’s Tomb, Mount Zion, and more. Dani’s insights highlighted Jerusalem’s significance as Israel’s capital and a holy city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The Shabbaton was a time for connection, reflection, and a celebration of the resilience that continues to sustain the Jewish people. Thank you to our wonderful students and to Yael, our SASI coordinator, for a meaningful weekend.

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We are thrilled to announce the launch of Telfed’s PRAS community service scholarship programme for the 2024–2025 academic year. With 180 scholarships allocated to students at tertiary institutions across the country, PRAS continues to make a meaningful impact on Israeli society.

Each scholarship recipient commits to weekly volunteering, engaging with diverse individuals who benefit greatly from their time and care. Our students provide companionship to the elderly and assist new Olim in their integration journey, stepping in as a big brother or sister for young Olim. Scholarship recipients also volunteer with children and adults with special needs. These efforts not only enrich the lives of those they serve but also nurture a culture of empathy and responsibility among the students.

This year, we are proud to introduce several important and impactful additions to the programme:

Non-Profit Organisation Support

We have expanded our partnerships with other non-profit organisations, with a growing number of students now volunteering with youth at risk. Our collaboration with the Jerusalem African Community Centre continues, volunteering with refugee children from Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan, and we maintain our strong connection with the residents of Beit Protea. Through these partnerships, students provide companionship and foster meaningful connections, helping to alleviate loneliness.

Teaching English Community Initiative (TECI)

Led by education expert Estelle Treiwis, this project equips students with the tools and resources needed to teach primary school children how to read in English. This year, TECI expands its reach beyond the Ethiopian community. As part of our participation in the Jewish Agency’s C2G initiative, we continue to strengthen our bond with the community in Nir Am, where primary school students will learn to read under the guidance of PRAS students and the TECI programme. Additionally, the PRAS TECI programme has been extended to include the community of Nachal Oz.

Specialised Volunteering Roles

Our students are stepping up in unique ways to support victims of terror and wounded soldiers:

• A PRAS student has begun weekly volunteering on Saturday evenings with children from the Hostage Families Forum, providing much-needed distraction and comfort during incredibly challenging times.
• Another student is dedicating time to Beit Halochem in Haifa, offering support to wounded soldiers on their recovery journeys.
• Two additional students are focusing their efforts on supporting families from the north.

Guidance for Olim Drafting into the IDF

Ran, a PRAS student, continues to provide valuable information and advice to Olim who are beginning the IDF drafting process. He assists future recruits, Lone Soldiers, and current Lone Soldiers, offering guidance and support throughout their journey.

Telfed PRAS scholarship recipients embody a spirit of compassion and action, contributing to the betterment of Israeli society. As we embark on another academic year, we are proud of their dedication to making a meaningful impact and look forward to the continued success of this life-changing programme.

Meanwhile, Telfed’s scholarship team is reviewing all applications for financial need-based scholarships. Applicants will receive more information by February.

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Volunteers are the heart of our community, selflessly dedicating their time, energy, and talents to making a difference.

To all the amazing volunteers in our organisation and beyond, we thank you for your generosity and commitment.

Click here for a message from Telfed CEO Dorron Kline.

We asked some Telfed volunteers to share highlights or meaningful moments from the past  year:

As a Telfed volunteer and Chairman of the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror Committee, I’ve visited many shiva houses since October 7. This is something I never imagined I would have to do on such a broad scale. From Hispin to Ashdod, I’ve sat with Olim families who have paid the ultimate price. We have a responsibility to remember their loved ones.  ~ Barry Kornel

Fallen Soldiers: Shoam Moshe Ben Harush Z”L, Daniel Shimon Perez Z”L, Yaron Eliezer Chitiz Z”L, Ido Aviv Z”L, Regev Amar Reef Z”L, Nitai Metodi Z”L and Netanel Pessach Z”L.
Victims of Terror: Saar Margolis Z”L, Marcelle Taljah Z”L, Roi Popplewell Z”L and Nadav Popplewell Z”L.

That we have the ability to celebrate an event in our “own backyard” is so meaningful. It was a privilege to attend the braai for South African and Australian soldiers at the Telfed Amishav buildings earlier this year. It is so important to celebrate them, and express our thanks for everything they do to protect us. We’ve had many tenants over the years who have served and are now fully integrated, and those who’ve served over the past year have received amazing support from their neighbours. It is wonderful to see our tenants helping each other. Another highlight of the past year was our ability to offer short term rental apartments to soldiers and displaced families directly affected by the war. That we have the capacity to do this is exceptional. ~ Allan F

I’m always inspired by the great community and cooperation that exists in the Telfed buildings. They celebrate chagim together and many smachot. It’s great to see that Telfed enables this warmth and friendliness which the tenants enjoy. ~ Barry Cohen

It has been a very challenging year, but I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to volunteer in different projects with both veteran and new olim. It was very meaningful for me to be able to reach out to people who have been evacuated from their homes, both in the north and the south. Visiting injured soldiers in hospital and trying to figure out how we can help was difficult yet rewarding too. I feel honoured to be part of an organisation which is making such a difference. ~ Batya Shmukler

When asked to share a single highlight from my volunteer work at Telfed over the past year, I found myself reflecting on the countless impactful projects, events, and meetings I’ve been privileged to be part of. How could I possibly choose just one? Telfed’s unwavering dedication to supporting the Southern African community, our courageous soldiers, and the people of Israel – both before and after the tragic events of October 7th – is truly extraordinary.

To honour this request, I’ve chosen to highlight one initiative that deeply touched my heart: our outreach to the resilient community of Kibbutz Nir Am, located just 2 kilometres from the Gaza Strip. In the aftermath of October 7th, Telfed recognized the urgent need to stand with this special community as they embarked on their journey of recovery and renewal. For 10 long months, evacuees from Kibbutz Nir Am had sought refuge at the Herods Hotel in Tel Aviv, yearning for the day they could finally return home.

When that moment came, Telfed’s devoted volunteers and staff -spanning all ages – rallied together with love, energy, and determination. We packed up the ganim at the hotel and prepared the kindergartens and communal spaces back at the Kibbutz, striving to create a warm and welcoming environment for the residents as they made their long-awaited return.

This initiative is just one example of Telfed’s tireless efforts to restore, uplift, and rebuild our precious country and support communities devastated by the events of October 7th. I feel profoundly grateful to play even a small part in this vital work, and I am inspired every day by the resilience and strength of the people of Israel. ~ Debbie Dash, Telfed Vice Chairman

The Jerusalem Coffee has had quite a few events since our inception. It’s difficult to isolate the most memorable of them! What has been remarkably rewarding is the new friendships that have been formed!  Originally, we thought this would be a group for Olim chadashim, however, Olim vatikim are as involved and enthusiastic, enjoying the connection with ex South Africans! ~ Eileen Fridman, Judy Levin, Thelma Schwartz,  Karen Sacks and Melanie Piha.

Thank to you all our Coffee Club volunteers around the country!

As a member of the Telfed Scholarships Committee, one of the amazing things I saw this year was how our PRAS students continued volunteering. We heard so many stories of students who managed to do their volunteer hours, and often went beyond what was expected of them, despite spending days, weeks and months in miluim. What an amazing generation of young people we have in our country. It is an honour to support their education. ~ Gabey Gordon

I feel deeply honoured to have supported our incredible soldiers by supplying them with essential gear. Their gratitude is truly humbling, especially considering the immense gratitude we owe them for their service. Thank you Telfed for making me a part of your amazing activities. ~ Lance Richard

It’s challenging to think of only one volunteering highlight of the past year. Every meeting with the evacuees left an impression on me. They so appreciated the visits, the calls from Telfed, the gifts and assistance. How Telfed cares for them and reached out to them in their time of need. During visits to wounded soldiers (at Rosh Chodesh breakfasts, Happy Hours or visiting individuals), it was remarkable to see how their spirits are so high. Being able to assist the hospitals with equipment to treat the wounded has been incredibly meaningful. It was amazing to meet so many Olim soldiers and Lone Soldiers at the Telfed braais for those who served in the war. My personal interactions with the families of our fallen heroes have left a deep impression on me. This year, I also had the unique opportunity to visit our oldest Olah, Adele, on her 110^th birthday. Thank you to all the Telfed volunteers who have done so much remarkable work for our Olim and for Am Yisrael.  ~ Maish Isaacson, Telfed Chairman

We decided to volunteer at Telfed calling ex-South Africans in the north who have been displaced from their homes due to the Swords of Iron War.  Each session proved to be uplifting and gratifying.  We called people whose lives have been turned upside down, either by having had to leave their homes, or living in quite untenable conditions.  Despite their difficulties, those who we spoke to were always grateful to know that they have not been forgotten, and amazingly they are all optimistic for the future. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this important project. ~ Moshe and Barbara Abramowitz

For me the most meaningful experience this year was having the privilege to represent Telfed at the Aliyah Shabbaton in SA this November. As a veteran Oleh with a long connection to Telfed and in my role as regional chairman in Jerusalem, I feel it is important to look at the broad picture focusing on Telfed’s mission, despite the difficult year with Israel still at war. The seminar was focused on professionally guiding, inspiring and encouraging, doctors, but not only, to begin the process of Aliyah. As I mingled with the couples and families at the seminar, who were considering or already planning their Aliyah, I thought of how fortunate and blessed I am to have made Aliyah many years ago, immediately after matriculating in Cape Town. All those attending the seminar are of a high calibre, and would be an asset to Israel, as proud Zionists and working citizens. I look forward to welcoming those who choose Jerusalem as their new home. I am grateful & honored to have been chosen to represent Telfed in promoting Aliyah to members of the warm Jewish community of South Africa, and knowing that Aliyah is in their minds and hearts. ~ Roy Scher

The year has been filled with so many wonderful, happy, sad, tragic opportunities to help out… but if I have to choose one, it would be the Telfed Annual Scholarship Ceremony, which was held in Tel Aviv earlier this year. In addition to the amazing students and coordinators, we heard from the Chitiz and Zimel families about their precious sons, Yaroni and Dor, who fell in defence of our beloved country. Both families are intimately connected to our scholarship programs and their intense grief moved us all to tears, their strength inspired us. ~ Shely Cohen

I contacted new Olim who had arrived in Israel in November and were staying in Harish. They wanted to get their Israeli Rav Kav cards but didn’t know where. We met at Karkur junction, and I helped them with this. Their satisfaction was clear from their smiles, and I was happy to help them. A few days later, they joined our monthly Telfed Coffee Time get together. I was so glad to see them, and wish them a successful Aliyah.  ~ Yael Bekker 

Thank  you to our regional volunteers around the country! We take this opportunity to extend our appreciation to a regional volunteer who (together with his wife) has been in close contact with the mother of a wounded Lone Soldier. We appreciate that you would like to remain anonymous but we are immensely grateful for your kindness.

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Our Tel Aviv Social Club recently came together to assemble beautiful Chanukah gift packs for injured soldiers. The evening was filled with fun, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose.

The gift packs, accompanied by letters from children, were later delivered to the soldiers by our amazing volunteers. Seeing the joy on their faces and their gratitude was truly an honour.

A big thank you to everyone who participated, and especially to our newest dynamic regional duo, Cherie and Dominique.

Interested in joining one of our social clubs across the country? Contact Michelle at volunteers@telfed.org.il for more information.

We look forward to continuing these meaningful gatherings in 2025 with our Olim communities across the country!

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