Editor’s Note: The following article by Lisa Looney is about her recent eight-day Volunteer Birthright Israel program in Israel. She is a longtime community volunteer and serves as Co-Chair of the Israel and Oversees Committee on the Federation Board of Directors. 

By Lisa Looney

On October 8, 2023, I immediately knew I wanted—and needed—to go to Israel. I wanted to offer my time and energy to help Israel through an unimaginable period and, in whatever small way I could, help rebuild.

This past week, I finally got my chance.

Birthright Israel recently expanded its volunteer program beyond its traditional age cap with a pilot initiative for adults ages 50 to 70+. Partnering with the incredible Swords of Iron Volunteer Corps, about 30 volunteers, ages 52 to 82, spent up to six hours each day volunteering throughout Israel.

We came to work—and we did.

We made more than 2,000 schnitzel sandwiches on challah for IDF soldiers serving on the borders of Gaza, Syria and Lebanon. We met with the family of a fallen soldier and honored his memory.

With Leket, Israel’s leading food-rescue organization, we picked raspberries on a moshav just 50 meters from the Gaza border. The daughter of the farm’s owner told us, “You are a part of the story of our survival.” I will never forget those words.

With Malalav, we planted new garden beds designed to create peaceful spaces for people experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Injury. I was struck by the intentional use of the word injury rather than disorder: an injury can heal.

One evening, we served dinner to nearly 100 IDF soldiers at one of Israel’s largest bases. We ate, danced, hugged and thanked these incredibly young men and women who are carrying such an enormous responsibility.

Our final day took us to Lod, where we volunteered at a senior center serving a diverse community of Israelis and Arabs, including seniors who had made aliyah from Ethiopia, Nepal, Europe and elsewhere.

But perhaps the most meaningful part of the trip was the people I encountered.

I was especially grateful to reconnect with Noga, whom I met in February during the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond mission to our sister region, Hadera-Eiron. We have stayed in touch, and this week she brought two of her three children to meet me.

That moment captured what Israel means to me.

It is the people. The connections. The resilience. The willingness to show up for one another.

I went to Israel because on October 8, 2023, I knew I needed to do something. I returned home knowing that showing up really does matter.

Sometimes it means making a sandwich for a soldier, picking fruit near the Gaza border, planting a garden, serving dinner or simply sitting with someone who has experienced unimaginable loss.

Israel doesn't just need our thoughts and prayers. It needs our presence, our support and our commitment.

I am grateful that I finally had the opportunity to show up.