Continuing the AMIT tradition of caring for those in the community, the 12th grade students at Yeshivat AMIT B’Levav Shalem in Yerucham are helping out during these dire times. This past Rosh Hashana marked the second coronavirus lockdown in Israel. Nearly all 60 12th graders answered the call to provide aid and comfort by volunteering; in this case, they packaged about 500 food baskets for the Yerucham elderly in need. These student volunteers embody the tradition of their town, located in the Negev and known for its strong bonds and caring community, whose members serve each other as well as the state.
AMIT students are steeped in this culture of altruism. “It was important for us to volunteer now more than ever, because today there are more families who are struggling financially, and the food baskets we packaged helped them during the holiday,” explained student Elkana Ruben, who participated in the food drive.
AMIT has stepped up with significant participation in Israel’s renowned citizen outreach. During the several coronavirus lockdowns, residents throughout the country have volunteered and come to the assistance of the millions of their fellow citizens who are struggling. In fact, the strong community connections in Yerucham, including cooperation among municipalities, have been in place long before the coronavirus. This has aided in the effectiveness of the AMIT students’ efforts to provide timely and meaningful help to residents in need.
It stands to reason then, as student Dvir Weiss says, “I am glad that I was there to help. I felt it was important because I knew it would make the elderly in Yerucham very happy to receive this warm gesture, especially in this difficult period.”
Students’ volunteer efforts are not just a one-time event. Rather, they are part of a larger initiative which began in 2020. These student volunteers work consistently to contribute to the welfare of others in their community. The chesed projects they undertake throughout the town are often initiated by the city council, which knows to reach out to the yeshiva when there is a need for assistance. The response from AMIT is always enthusiastic.
The entire student body at Yeshivat AMIT B’Levav Shalem in Yerucham has initiated other social projects. For example, in order to provide some fun and joy to mitigate the stress and isolation caused by the pandemic lockdowns, students recently helped package and distribute Monopoly games to Yerucham families.
These are challenging times for youth worldwide, and Israelis are no exception. Unable to attend school or participate in social activities due to the pandemic lockdowns, they are struggling. Yet AMIT students illustrate how they are channeling their energies for the good in giving back to their community.
Yair Averhami, the 12th grade homeroom teacher who works with Yerucham’s municipal youth coordinator on the AMIT volunteer efforts, explains the bigger picture using the example of the food basket drive. “We want to prepare the boys for life, to instill in them life skills such has mutual responsibility and looking out for one another. This project was uplifting and fun—exactly what the students needed.”
The connection of education and care for community is eloquently expressed by 12th grade student David Alkoby. “It is very important for me to volunteer. In my opinion, volunteering should be an integral part of a teenager’s life, a place to express all the values we are taught.”
