Planting Hope in Sha’ar HaNegev: San Diego Volunteers in Israel 

After October 7, a wave of solidarity swept across the Jewish world. People didn’t ask whether they should help; they asked how. In response, Birthright Israel launched Volunteer in Israel, a partnership with Jewish Federations of North America that brings Jewish adults ages 18 to 50 to Israel for an eight-to-ten-day experience centered on hands-on support for communities in need.  

From February 10-18, 2026, 25 members of the San Diego community took part in that mission through a partnership between Jewish Federation of San Diego, Birthright Israel Volunteer, and Israel Outdoors. The delegation traveled to Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister region, where the impact of October 7 is still deeply felt and rebuilding continues.   

Each day, participants volunteered for four to six hours supporting the region’s most urgent needs, from assisting local agriculture and food recovery efforts to restoring shared spaces throughout the kibbutzim. Every project offered a tangible way to stand with the people of Sha’ar HaNegev, helping strengthen their path forward as residents work to return home and rebuild with dignity.  

Participant Shani Avshalomov reflected on the depth of connection forged through the experience: 

“The group I was with showed up fully. People paused their own lives to stand beside a community that feels like family. The gratitude from residents and workers was humbling, but the truth is we received just as much as we gave. It left me grounded and deeply moved. Tired in the best way. Proud. Being part of something this meaningful, this human, felt like a blessing.” 

For many in the group, the week was both powerful and purposeful. As participant Jared Desind shared, it was “an extremely powerful experience and a great way to give back to the Jewish world.” 

Another participant reflected on the emotional range of the trip and the lasting impact it left behind: 

“During my travels on the Birthright Volunteer trip with Jewish Federation in Israel, I experienced both moments of darkness and light, of sadness and joy. Discussions with tour leaders, locals, as well as fellow participants contributed to my ever-evolving understanding of history and modern-day life in the region. At the end of the journey, my commitment to and love for this special and holy land was stronger than ever. Am Yisrael Chai!” 

One participant also shared how the experience deepened her understanding of life in Israel after October 7: 

“The trip was absolutely incredible, and so much more fulfilling than I expected. I learned a lot about life post-October 7 and got to give my time and energy in a way that actually made an impact. We toured much of the south, which I don’t think I would have done on my own. We visited sites of the October 7 attacks and met Israelis who were directly impacted. We also got to see some of what Israel is doing to support those affected, and saw firsthand what true resilience, strength, and hope look like. I could go on, but I’ll just say that it was the trip of a lifetime, and I’m leaving feeling inspired and ready to be more confidently Jewish.” 

Beyond the daily projects, the week reinforced the enduring partnership between San Diego and Sha’ar HaNegev. Ours is not a one-time connection, but a relationship built on shared responsibility and mutual care. Showing up in this moment of rebuilding was a continuation of that commitment, deepening ties that have connected our communities for years.  

The experience also allowed time to explore and experience Israel beyond the volunteer sites. Shared meals, conversations with residents, and moments spent seeing the landscape firsthand added dimension to the week, creating space not only for service, but for connection, reflection, and pride. The balance of meaningful work and meaningful presence made the experience both impactful and personal.  

For those who joined the trip, the impact will extend far beyond the eight days spent in Israel. Relationships were strengthened, perspectives broadened, and a shared commitment to Sha’ar HaNegev reaffirmed. They returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and a connection that will endure.