Argentine volunteers help rebuild homes and hope in Israel

The group of volunteers spent the day clearing debris, cleaning, and restoring an elderly Israeli’s damaged home and garden.

By Etgar Lefkovits, JNS

A group of 30 young volunteers from Argentina joined the “Volunteer in Israel” initiative last week to help rebuild homes and restore hope in northern Israel.

The initiative is run by Birthright Israel and the Jewish Federations of North America.

The group traveled to Moshav Avivim, a community near the Lebanese border, to assist Shlomo Peretz, an elderly resident whose home was destroyed by Hezbollah rocket fire, according to a statement from Livnot U’Lehibanot (“To Build and Be Built” in Hebrew), an Israel-based nonprofit that works with the U.S.-based Jewish organizations.

For Peretz, who lives alone, it was the first time in two years that anyone had come to help him, according to the NGO.

Since the outbreak of the multi-front war triggered by the Hamas-led invasion of southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Livnot has led more than 350 rebuilding projects across Israel—including homes, kindergartens and community centers—while connecting Jews from around the world through meaningful service.

“Through my work with the volunteers, helping residents in both the Gaza Envelope and the north, I’ve witnessed the incredible power they bring—their energy, connection and excitement,” said Yishai Levi, a project manager at Livnot.

“Their joy and enthusiasm awaken residents and remind them they’re not alone in this long recovery,” he added.

The group of volunteers spent the day clearing debris, cleaning and restoring Peretz’s damaged home and garden.

“You are the first and only group that came,” Peretz told the volunteers, according to Livnot.

“Am Yisrael [The nation of Israel] should be proud of you. A rocket hit my house. I was saved by a miracle. I live alone, and now my home is a disaster. I couldn’t have done this without you,” he added.

The volunteers on the other hand expressed their urge to help. “Since Oct. 7, [2023,] we’ve felt an urgent need to be in Israel—to help in any way possible”, said Florencia Stivelmaher, one of the participants.

Volunteer Paula Vinocur added, “The volunteering experience with Livnot was extraordinary. We came to help, but we left feeling even more energized and inspired to keep giving.”

The Argentines have joined thousands of volunteers from all over the world to assist in Israel’s rehabilitation efforts.

“More than 17,000 volunteers have already stepped up through Volunteer in Israel to help rebuild and support communities across the country. Their commitment and spirit symbolize the best of our people—Jews from around the world coming together to rebuild Israel after the war,” Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, said in a statement.