Thousands of Israelis participated in some 8,000 volunteer activities on Tuesday, the 18th annual Good Deeds Day—an international initiative from Israel promoting giving and community building.
Businesswoman and philanthropist Shari Arison, who founded International Good Deeds Day in 2007, participated in the initiative in Petah Tikva, where she and other volunteers held activities as part of Bridge of Support for Israel, an initiative that brings together tourists and others interested in supporting Israeli troops.
Many of this year’s events, which coincided with the resumption of the war effort against Hamas in Gaza following a 58-day ceasefire, focused on addressing war-related issues.
In Ashkelon, which terrorists from Gaza have targeted repeatedly with rockets during the war with Hamas that broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, teenagers took part in renovating and revitalizing residential buildings, according to a statement by Ruach Tova, a nongovernmental organization that Arison founded and which has spearheaded activities on International Good Deeds Day.
In Israel’s north, volunteers focused on rebuilding homes and public spaces damaged by the conflict with Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah. In areas affected by Hamas’s attacks from Gaza, participants worked on refurbishing hit educational facilities. They also packaged food donations for reservists, hostages’ families and bereaved families.
In Yavne, a small city with a large contingent of immigrants from Ethiopia and beyond, a community event under the theme “Amplifying the Light” centered on fostering connections among diverse local populations.
In Tel Aviv, players from the Hapoel Tel Aviv soccer team volunteered with children with disabilities through the Chimes Israel organization.
Renowned chef Shaul Ben Aderet teamed up with reservists in Bnei Brak to prepare meals for the needy in partnership with the L’Sova charity.
Nearly 200 volunteers from various financial firms came together in Be’er Ya’acov near Rehovot to set up a therapeutic space at Merhavim Hospital, offering support for individuals coping with post-traumatic stress.
Several coastal communities undertook beach clean-ups. Others focused on elderly assistance programs and events meant to show appreciation for reservists fighting in Gaza or guarding other borders.
As in previous years, participants from dozens of other countries, including many Jewish community members, took part in community service projects focused on their immediate communities.
“The purpose of Good Deeds Day has always been to shine a light on doing good, connecting circles of kindness, and spreading positivity worldwide. If we think good, speak good, do good, and remain united, we can make the world a better place. Only together can we expand the circles of kindness,” said Arison.