“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 to help them improve their English conversation and reading skills. The program starts in November and is organized by Chabad Richmond, in partnership with Israel Connect and the Israeli Ministry of Education. It entails a commitment of 45 to 60 minutes once a week for the school year.
“We welcome retirees or any adults who have free time each week to volunteer with the Israel Connect program. No previous tutoring or teaching experience is necessary and the curriculum is provided,” said Shelley Civkin, local Israel Connect coordinator. “If you’re an adult fluent English speaker, have basic computer skills and own a computer with a camera, that’s all you need.”
Volunteers do not need to speak Hebrew and can tutor from anywhere. Basic training and technical support are available. A criminal background check is necessary for all tutors and will be arranged through Israel Connect.
Time preferences of volunteer tutors/mentors will be coordinated beforehand and Zoom sessions take place in the morning between 5 and 10 a.m. Vancouver time, any day between Sunday to Thursday. Sessions take place the same day each week.
“Israel Connect asks for a minimum commitment of one school year, in order to ensure consistency for the students,” said Civkin.
There are currently 36 local volunteer tutors/mentors participating in the Israel Connect program, and 1,000 tutors/mentors throughout North America. Chabad Richmond is looking to increase its number of tutors, since the need in Israel continues to grow.
“It’s a really practical and impactful way for community members to support Israel and build bridges between diaspora Jews and Israelis, and it’s especially important now,” said Rabbi Yechiel Baitelman, director of Chabad Richmond. “You will be doing a mitzvah, while investing in the future of Israel and its young people. English proficiency will give the teens an advantage in accessing post-secondary education and getting better jobs. Helping students improve their English empowers them to reach new heights.”
Having good English skills removes the most significant barrier to social and economic mobility in Israel.
“Most volunteers enjoy helping their Israeli students and many develop a lasting bond with them. It often goes beyond simply tutoring the curriculum, with tutors and students having conversations on all sorts of topics, and it 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.”
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 students and tutors to learn something new about Israel at each lesson.
“Several tutors have visited their students on trips to Israel and keep in touch beyond the school year. Life is all about building relationships, and Israel Connect is the perfect vehicle to do that,” said Baitelman.
To register, go to chabadrichmond.com/israelconnect. For more information, contact Civkin at 604-789-5806 or civie1956@gmail.com. Start date is the week of Nov. 8.
If you can’t participate as a tutor, consider financially supporting the Israel Connect program. A donation of $180 covers overhead costs for things like technical support, staffing and other administrative costs – per volunteer – for a full school year. However, all donations are welcome. To support the program, call Chabad Richmond at 604-277-6427 or email admin@chabadrichmond.com.
– Courtesy Chabad Richmond
