2025 Wrapped Up
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
As this year closes, I keep thinking about how movements begin. It starts with people. People who decide to act with courage and take part in something very important - the future of Israel. That’s the secret sauce to our community. It’s the passion our community members have for Israel.
Sword of Iron Israel Volunteer Corp is proof that when thousands of people choose purpose something extraordinary is created. This year, our community grew to 47,000+ people on Facebook and over 3,500 newsletter subscribers. We received our official 501(c)(3) status, completed Season 1 of our podcast, and reached thousands through global speaking events. We matched more than 45 volunteers with mentors, placed volunteers at Shabbat meals, and awarded $24,000 in scholarships to 36 recipients. Our first 50+ Birthright Israel Volunteer pilot trip filled immediately, with more than 750 people on the waitlist. And through powerful tools such as story telling and local events, we enabled hundreds to volunteer, connect, and do good for Israel.
None of this would be possible without the people behind the scenes.
To Yael Yomtov Emmanuel, the mother of all volunteers and founding member thank you for putting your entire heart and soul into our community. Ariel Boverman, Brad Solomon, and the many others who work tirelessly to help make this happen. Thank you for taking part in this very important work with passion and grit. We couldn’t do what we do without you all.
And to every volunteer, thank you for showing up again and again. You’re the reason this movement continues.
To our donors: none of this exists without you. Your generosity keeps us going - the mentorships, the meals, the scholarships, the programs, the partnerships, the impact. You’ve helped thousands of people step into Israel with purpose. You invested in the future of Israel and we are forever grateful for you!
In 2026 we have even more of a responsibility to keep growing. More trips. More opportunities. More global connection. More impact.
Thank you for helping build a global movement of doing good rooted in courage, service, and unity.
Happy new year! May this year bring you all purpose, meaning and be your best year yet!
Yocheved Ruttenberg
Founder & CEO
"Turning passion into action"
