International Volunteer Day, observed annually on December 5, is dedicated to honoring the work and contributions of volunteers of all ages around the world. This year, particularly against the backdrop of the challenges of this period, the volunteerism of senior citizens stands out, as they bring exciting and unique added value to society.
In the city of Ofakim, following the disaster that occurred on October 7, various initiatives were born as part of the “Restoring the Spirit” project, which aims to improve the residents’ sense of personal security, strengthen the city’s public space, and create a lively space. One of the most prominent initiatives is the municipal coffee cart – a food truck, which is operated by volunteer senior citizens and serves as a community and social meeting place.
A Little Bit About “Restoring the Spirit”
“The ‘Restoring the Spirit’ project is a long-term strategic move made by the Joint, which aims to strengthen personal and community resilience in communities that suffered severe and complex damage in the war or those that did not receive widespread support or a strong community infrastructure before October 7,” explains Yuval Friedman, the “Restoring the Spirit” project manager in Ofakim, on behalf of the Joint. “Each authority is assigned a project manager from the organization, who, together with the local authority and the community members, leads a process of mapping the unique needs of each authority. During this process, focused and high-quality programs are built in a variety of areas of life, such as education, employment and assistance to small businesses, welfare and community, with the goal of rehabilitating these communities and providing them with a stable infrastructure and community resilience that will serve them immediately and for many years to come.” The authorities participating in the program are: Ofakim, Ashkelon, Rahat and Nahariya in the north.
A Place for Meeting, Belonging and Activity
The coffee cart moves between the city’s neighborhoods, offering coffee and pastries, ” when the coffee is just an excuse.” The project aims to strengthen the sense of belonging and significance of senior citizens and create an active and meaningful social space for the city residents.
According to the JDC-Eshel “Map of Indicators for Optimal Aging”, ‘having a meaning’ is one of the three indicators of good aging, along with good health and financial resilience. If there is one thing that gives meaning to life, especially in old age, it is volunteering.
In this project, which is operated by the Ofakim Municipality in collaboration with the Joint Organization, the Metrowest Federation, the Nathan Association, the Urban Development Division, and the city’s Welfare and Social Security Division – veteran volunteers contribute their energy and experience to strengthening the sense of community and providing emotional and social support to those who need it, especially in these days.
International Volunteer Day is an opportunity to thank them and everyone else who dedicates their time and heart to helping others – and to see how such initiatives continue to make the Israeli society more cohesive.
