Help me volunteer in Israel

When war broke out on October 7th, 2023 with Hamas' horrific massacre at the Re'im music festival and subsequent slaughtering of people in their homes I had but one instinct - I need to go to Israel and help. I spent 10 months living in Israel from 2021 to 2022, teaching English in an underprivileged elementary school in the city of Petah Tikva. I now have a very deep and meaningful connection to Israel in the many friends I made while there. It is such an important place to me and watching this tragedy unfold from so far away has been a heartbreak day after day.

Unfortunately, I thought that my reality was that I have a life and responsibilities here in America and I can't abandon them for the foreseeable future in order to help during this crisis. But then a couple of weeks ago I received an email. Birthright Israel created a special volunteer program to bring people like myself to Israel for two weeks. Some of the work I might be doing would be taking part in food rescue operations, as well as sorting, packing, and distributing much-needed goods for the people of Israel, both civilians and the IDF.

This an amazing opportunity that provides housing, volunteer coordination, and transportation to and from volunteer sites. However, it does not cover the costs of a plane ticket or food. I can take two weeks off of work, but they will be unpaid. I have a very small amount of savings and a credit card. I am hoping with your help I won't have to completely deplete my account and max my card. I am humbly asking for your financial help so I can go to Israel and offer aid during this ongoing crisis. Even the smallest donation would be an incredible help and so appreciated. Thank you all so much.