When Gil Reuven signed up to volunteer at Chimes Israel through the FIDF Impact! Scholarship Program, she expected to fulfill a community service requirement. What she didn’t expect was a year that would leave a deep and lasting imprint on her heart.
Gil spent the year volunteering at Chimes Israel’s employment center in Kfar Saba, where adults with disabilities engage in meaningful daily routines.
“It’s a magical place,” she said, “with amazing people—both the staff and the trainees.”
She joined the center each week throughout the academic year, from morning until late afternoon. From the moment she arrived at 9:00 a.m., Gil was fully present.
“I’d walk in and immediately be met with smiles and warmth from every direction. I’d start by saying hello to everyone and checking in. Giving them that little bit of personal attention was always important to me.”
Her role was to support the staff, participate in daily center activities, and create a positive and respectful environment. “I tried to bring calm and order, so the experience would be better for them,” she said. After lunch, she often helped run creative activities, crafts, holiday-themed projects, games, and music.
“Some days we painted or solved puzzles, other times memory games, clay crafts, or holiday-themed activities. We’d finish by putting on their favorite songs and dancing.”
Gil built strong relationships with both the team and the participants. One person stood out in particular: Mali.
“We had a very special connection,” she shared. “She always took part in the activities I organized, and we talked and laughed. Even when she needed encouragement to get involved, I felt she appreciated me, and the relationship between us meant something to her. It meant a lot to me, too.”
“Volunteers like Gil bring energy and kindness,” said Maayan Maor, Chimes Israel’s Volunteer Coordinator. “From the very beginning, Gil came with an open heart and a sincere desire to help. She became a part of the team and a meaningful presence for the people we support.”
“I had never been exposed to people with disabilities before,” said Gil. “I wasn’t sure how I would manage. But from the first day, I felt completely at ease. It just felt natural. They give so much love. All they want is to be seen, heard, and treated like anyone else.”
She described her experience as one of the most meaningful in her life.
“I received so much from them, simple, genuine kindness. I learned that I’m capable of more than I thought, and I’ll carry that with me forever.”
Chimes Israel CEO Jorge Zimmermann reflected on the importance of volunteers at Chimes Israel.
“Volunteers are a vital part of our community,” he said. “They bring new perspective, presence, and care. Gil’s experience shows just how powerful a year of service can be for both the giver and the receiver.”
Gil is already making plans to return. Her message to others who might be hesitant is simple: “Even if you’re nervous, give it a try. Within an hour, you’ll understand, and you won’t want to leave.”
Gil came to volunteer at Chimes Israel through its partnership with The FIDF IMPACT! Program. The Impact! Program honors Israel Defense Force veterans by supporting their academic studies and encouraging community service. Since 2002, it has awarded scholarships to over 21,000 honorably released soldiers, who have contributed more than 7.5 million volunteer hours across Israel.
Scholars give back to their community by volunteering with organizations like Chimes Israel for 130 hours each year. The program not only helps veterans pursue higher education but also builds a strong alumni network that supports personal and professional growth long after graduation. Through this partnership, Chimes Israel welcomes dozens of dedicated volunteers like Gil each year.
