History

For more than a decade, several major Jewish organizations have been exploring the possibility of taking a mixed group of Diaspora Jews and Israelis to a developing country to volunteer there. Forging a new agenda for the Jewish people around global social justice is one we hold dear, but not one we created. LIFE is unique in two respects. First, we are bringing the idea to realization - based on years of experience in adjacent fields and with the goal of creating a program of excellence. Second, we complement the Jewish peoplehood and international development agendas with the goals of leadership development, social change (connected to but broader than the development agenda) and a serious engagement with Judaism, Israel and Zionism.

The Partnership behind LIFE

Two Israeli organizations have come together to create LIFE, each bringing its unique expertise and vision:

Brit Olam - Based in Israel, Brit Olam mobilizes Israelis and Jews worldwide to put into operation programs designed to help communities in the developing world measurably improve their current circumstances. From the earliest stages of project development, Brit Olam works closely with local citizens and non-profit groups in target locations to create workable, community-based solutions that address specific predicaments. The process of project planning and on-the-ground implementation is also designed to enhance local capacities that result in durable capability. Brit Olam recruits, trains, and supports young men and women who volunteer to implement its projects. Brit Olam specializes in development work which is systemic, service-oriented (not focused on provision of food or goods) and which builds capacity. In some emergency and disaster environments, the movement also assists in short-term disaster-relief. For further information, see www.britolam.org.

B’Tzedek - growing in Israel since 2006, B’Tzedek has brought a new way of exploring and engaging with social issues to hundreds of youth and young adults. Combining active, hands-on involvement with a wide range of informal educational methods, B’Tzedek has helped young people move beyond the standard fare of direct-service - helping one-on-one – to access and impact the worlds of social change programs and policy. B’Tzedek has advised a national program of the JDC, worked with 300 students of the Ethiopian National Project, and implemented workshops for myriad organizations such as HUC-JIR’s special Mandel Fellows group in Israel. Beyond this, B’Tzedek’s most publically visible work has been with Israeli students on improving government policy in relation to Israel’s African Refugees. Yonatan Glaser, B’Tzedek’s Director, appeared in Israeli, American and French media, and on Israeli TV and radio as a strong voice for a more coherent, just and sustainable policy. For further information, see elsewhere in this website.