Volunteering Saves from Loneliness and Strengthens Resilience

Ahead of a national recognition event for WIZO Israel’s volunteers, a new survey reveals: 93% of WIZO volunteers report that volunteering greatly enriches their lives, significantly reducing loneliness and boosting resilience.

Volunteering as a Lifeline

For many women across Israel, volunteering is not only an act of giving but also a source of meaning, community, and personal strength. A recent survey of nearly 1,000 WIZO Israel volunteers shows that while loneliness is typically high among older women, WIZO volunteers report an exceptionally low rate. An overwhelming 93% said their volunteer work provides them with structure, routine, and social connection—vital ingredients for mental health and resilience.

Half of the respondents noted that they have a family member serving in the IDF since October 7, and for many, volunteering during this period is both a national mission and a personal coping mechanism. Remarkably, 14% of volunteers joined in just the past year—evidence of growth and engagement even in times of crisis.

Celebrating the Heart of WIZO

On September 15, WIZO Israel, together with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (KKL-JNF), hosted a special recognition event at the Shuni Amphitheater to honor its volunteers. The event was attended by Ora Korazim, Chair of WIZO Israel, and Leah Fadida, Director of Public Relations at KKL-JNF.

Certificates of recognition were awarded to the volunteers of this year’s flagship program, “An Hour with a Child.” Unlike traditional tutoring, this initiative provides emotional and social support for children through ongoing, personal relationships with a dedicated volunteer throughout the school year. Carefully matched by educators to meet each child’s individual needs, the program currently involves 380 volunteers supporting 450 children in dozens of schools nationwide.

Who Are WIZO’s Volunteers?

The survey offers a clear profile of WIZO Israel’s volunteer community:

• 75% are women aged 66 and above
• 23% are aged 46–65
• 2.4% are under 45

This demonstrates both the strength of a seasoned generation of long-standing volunteers and the opportunity to attract more young women to join. In addition, hundreds of young people, including pre-army students, IDF soldiers, and high schoolers through social involvement projects, volunteer annually with WIZO, adding fresh energy to its activities.

Volunteers contribute across a wide range of fields: supporting women at critical life crossroads, assisting children and youth, leading groups for older women, and operating WIZO’s nationwide network of second-hand shops – “Bigudit”, whose proceeds fund programs for women, girls, and children escaping cycles of violence. Nearly half of all volunteers (44%) devote three to five hours every week to steady, ongoing service.

For many women, volunteering has become a central anchor after retirement. Sarah Reiner, a volunteer at WIZO Hadera who manages a community for women and children breaking free from violence (‘Safety Net community‘), explained: “Every time I see a woman we helped leave the cycle of violence, I know why I am here. On Sundays, after the meetings with the mothers and children from the Safety Net community, I come home exhausted, but I go to sleep with a song in my heart.”

Similarly, Frieda Horn, a volunteer at WIZO Herzliya, described the work as a source of belonging: “The work we do at WIZO makes me feel part of something bigger. Every time I see a woman who has broken free from violence, I know the effort is worthwhile.”

The Beating Heart of WIZO

WIZO Israel’s leadership stresses the centrality of its volunteers. Ora Korazim, Chair of WIZO Israel, called them “the beating heart of WIZO Israel. They strengthen Israeli society during its most difficult moments, while themselves gaining meaning, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. This is a community of women who inspire us all and demonstrate the unique power of volunteering.”

Her words were echoed by Leah Fadida, Director of Public Relations at KKL-JNF, who emphasized: “KKL-JNF is proud to stand alongside WIZO Israel in honoring these remarkable women who give their time and their hearts to strengthen children, families, and communities across the country. WIZO’s volunteers are an inspiration to us all—especially in these challenging times—and this partnership reflects the power of shared action for Israeli society.”

As the Israeli federation of World WIZO, WIZO Israel has been a cornerstone of civil society for more than 100 years. Through a network of 38 branches from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat, its 2,300 dedicated volunteers touch the lives of more than 25,000 people every year. Their work proves that volunteering is not only about giving to others—it is also a source of resilience, meaning, and hope.