If you’re asking, “What can I do for Israel?” consider joining Israel Connect, a program where local adult volunteers connect, one-on-one, via Zoom, with Israeli high school students who want to improve their English conversation and reading skills. The program starts up again this fall, organized by Chabad Richmond in partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Education.
There are currently 47 Metro Vancouver-area volunteers participating in the Israel Connect program as tutors/mentors, and Chabad Richmond is looking to increase that number, since the need in Israel continues to grow.
“We’re looking for volunteer retirees, seniors or any adults who have some free time to join the Israel Connect program. No previous tutoring or teaching experience is necessary and the curriculum is provided,” said Shelley Civkin, the local Israel Connect coordinator. “If you’re an adult fluent English-speaker, you have basic computer skills and you own a computer with a camera, that’s all you need,” she said.
Volunteers do not need to speak Hebrew and can tutor from home. Basic training and technical support are available. Time preferences of volunteer tutors/mentors will be coordinated beforehand and Zoom sessions take place in the morning between 7 and 10 a.m. Vancouver time, any day between Sunday to Thursday.
“Israel Connect asks for a minimum commitment of one school year, in order to ensure consistency for the students,” said Civkin. Sessions are once a week for 45-60 minutes, at the same time each week.
“It’s a very practical and impactful way for community members to support Israel and build bridges between diaspora Jews and Israelis,” said Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman, director of Chabad Richmond. “You’ll be doing a mitzvah, while investing in the future of Israel and its people. Plus, proficiency in English will give them an advantage in accessing post-secondary education and getting better jobs. Helping students improve their English inspires them to learn and grow, while empowering them to reach new heights.”
Israel Connect is now the largest external provider of services to Israel’s Ministry of Education, slowly removing the most significant barrier to social and economic mobility, focusing on teens from less advantaged neighbourhoods.
The curriculum consists mainly of a tour of Israel, focusing on the wealth of historical, cultural and biblically significant cities and sites. It’s not uncommon for both the students and the tutors to learn something new about Israel at each lesson.
“Most volunteers really enjoy helping their Israeli students and develop a lasting bond with them. It often goes beyond simply tutoring the curriculum, and turns into friendship and mentorship,” said Civkin. “This kind of one-on-one tutoring makes a huge difference in their lives, both educationally and personally. It gives them a feeling of confidence that they can converse in English without being judged or marked. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that you’re doing something tangible to help Israeli students better their lives.”
Civkin said several tutors have visited their students on trips to Israel and keep in touch beyond the school year.
To volunteer, or for more information, contact Civkin at 604-789-5806 or civie1956@gmail.com.
For anyone who can’t participate as a tutor, Chabad Richmond welcomes financial support for the Israel Connect program, which covers overhead costs like technical support, staffing and other administrative costs. To support the program, call Chabad Richmond at 604-277-6427 or email admin@chabadrichmond.com.
– Courtesy Chabad Richmond