From Crisis to Growth – ESRA's Year in Review 2024

2024 challenged us all.

In the midst of pain and uncertainty, the ESRA family showed up — with heart, with strength, and with deep commitment.

"ESRA is a holistic lifeline, a safety net, and an anchor for Olim, deserving the President's Award for Volunteerism for its extraordinary contributions, especially in times of crisis."
— Adv. Avichai Kahana, Director General, Ministry of Aliyah and Integration

In 2024, ESRA invested NIS 11.8M in community impact — including NIS 2.75M from strategic partners and NIS 2.9M in volunteer contribution. Over 22,000 participations of English speakers benefited from our services, activities and programs, supporting their Aliyah from absorption to contribution.

We provided critical educational and social welfare support to 6,470 disadvantaged children, students, and war-affected families — a 29% increase from the previous year.

NIS 399,000 in direct financial aid was distributed to 240 affected families, bringing total aid since October 7 to NIS 702,000.

We hosted 40 expert-led webinars, emotional resilience workshops, and over 100 social and cultural activities, offering guidance, healing, and connection. Solidarity tours to the South united English speakers in powerful acts of community and compassion.

Our flagship Students Build a Community (SBC) project grew significantly. In 2024, 98 university students mentored 370 children, contributing 18,600 volunteer hours — a 51% increase from 2023.

This year, we integrated the English Tutoring Program (ETP) into SBC, creating a holistic support system. The results were powerful — 87% of participating children gained confidence and made social and academic progress. Our 98 students completed their academic year, many emerging as future-ready changemakers.

"Lior calls me his big sister. He says I'm the first to make him believe he's smart enough to achieve his dreams." — Shira, ESRA SBC Mentor

"Shira has been a blessing for our family. Lior smiles more, does better in school, and talks about becoming an engineer. I'll never forget what ESRA has done for us."— Lior's Mother

"When ESRA students walk into the classroom, everything changes. They bring energy, positivity, and a sense of possibility. The kids look up to them, and the impact is tangible." — Tal Levi, Principal, 'Hatomer' School, Akko

One of our most meaningful wartime initiatives was launching ESRA's Excellence STEM project in the North. This innovative program connects SBC graduates and 6th–8th graders from Akko and Haifa, opening doors to learning at the Technion and Intel — while improving STEM English with the help of ETP volunteers.

"ESRA's innovation, both in routine and crisis, significantly promotes education and resilience in Israeli society."
— Dr. Tziona Levi, Ministry of Education

Our volunteers, small staff, and dedicated partners made sure no one was left behind. They are the true heart of ESRA — working with grace, strength, and tireless devotion.

Under emotional and physical strain, they met war-affected families, heard heartbreaking stories, and showed up, again and again. We offered support through professional training, resilience programs, and leadership development. There's always more to do — we're committed to caring for those who care for others.

I am grateful, inspired, and learning from them every day — humbled and honored to serve alongside such extraordinary people.

In 2025, we remain committed to high-impact, sustainable projects that meet urgent and evolving needs. We will strengthen partnerships, fundraising, and infrastructure — maximizing every shekel and volunteer hour to serve the communities who need us most.

If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of — we welcome you.

2025… We are ready for you.

Sunny Marshansky, ESRA CEO

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