By: Nativia Bühler

In November, two groups of volunteers, from the United States and from nations across Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, came to Israel to serve in a season of national healing following the war. What united them was not the itinerary or the tasks, but a shared calling to stand with Israel in love and solidarity, and to be part of the work of restoration. Everywhere they went, they discovered that simple acts of service can bring hope, connection and healing, sometimes in ways far greater than the volunteers themselves expected.

Serving Israel Through Practical Help

The volunteers’ days were spent doing the most essential work: packing food boxes, sorting clothes, tending gardens and animals, preparing homes for Holocaust survivors, supporting farms, and caring for communities still recovering from the trauma of October 7. Volunteer service is practical, but its intent is to show solidarity and support for local Israeli communities.

“The most important moments weren’t about the tasks we did but about being present, speaking into lives,” reflected Leroy, one of the tour participants.

Community leaders like Peleg, [Please add title], spoke with gratitude: “I want to say thank you that you are here in Israel. ICEJ is a wonderful partner for all that the ICEJ does around the world and in Israel. I have such an immense respect for you all.”

Healing Encounters Across the Land

At the Agro Tech School, volunteers were welcomed like old friends. The scent of freshly tilled soil and ripening fruit. The excitement of the students was palpable. A volunteer from Kenya, Peace, told the students, “We are honored to be here. You risk your lives in daily life, and you keep this land alive.” Asaf, a farmer and trainer at the school, shared, “Thank you for your support – ICEJ is a true friend to our community.”

At the Dialogue for Life Farm, Sivan, who lost her nephew on October 7, explained her experience of seeing this support: “After the attack, I lost trust in people. But this farm and seeing you all here became part of my healing.” She added, “We were truly moved to meet all of you. Such a wonderful group of kind, generous and genuinely special people. Thank you for everything.”

In Kibbutz Be’eri, still bearing the scars of the attack, a community representative said, “You’re helping rebuild our home. ICEJ is our friend.” The sight of flowers blooming, construction underway and birds singing was a stark juxtaposition to the destruction. This was a powerful reminder of the resilience in Israel.

Cyndi reflected on their time in Be’eri and shared, “Today, we experienced much brokenness and difficulties by facing the devastation that was caused by Hamas. Yet I saw so much hope, determination in their eyes, and heard the hope in their voices. This day resembled ‘from brokenness to hope.’”

Tim also reflected through tears, “I feel like a weeping tourist. ‘Comfort, comfort my people…’ that’s what I came to do.” Peace added, “Everywhere we went, we saw resilience rooted in faith. We were like the two spies, bringing back a good report.” Sue, traveling after the passing of her husband, said, “We worked, prayed, laughed and cried together. I found new family here.”

Gloria summarized the spirit of the tours beautifully: “We became doers. Our hands spoke love.” Anthony added, “This was an eye-opener, unique and powerful.”

Witnessing the Blessing of Those Who Serve

The ICEJ aid team, who witnessed the volunteers day after day, were also moved: “To see all these volunteers leaving their homes and work, spending their vacations in the land, paying to serve, it touched me deeply.”

Across both November tours, volunteers brought encouragement to communities still walking through grief and restoration. In return, they witnessed the unshakable strength of Israel’s people: families returning home, youth choosing hope, survivors persevering and communities rebuilding with determination.

In fields and classrooms, in kibbutzim and kitchens, smiles and tears flowed in equal measure. Hands were dirtied with work; hearts were lifted in prayer. New friendships were planted like seeds that will continue to grow.

Barry Denison, Director of Finances at ICEJ USA, shared: “We want to see more Christians on a tour like this again in Jerusalem. There is nothing like experiencing the land, the people and the hope firsthand.”

As Sue summed it up, “I came to serve … and Israel served me back.”