After Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, Elisha, 38, wanted to help the country recover. Born in Montreal, Elisha grew up and attended university in Canada but has lived in Baltimore, Maryland, for over a decade, and is the father of three kids under 11. His first volunteer trip to Israel took place in April 2024, when he signed up for an Onward Israel program.
“Through Onward Israel, I was able to participate in a short-term volunteering opportunity, but as soon as I returned to the US, I began to look for ways to go back to Israel, this time for a longer period,” remembered Elisha. “I really loved that experience but wanted to be able to get more involved in volunteering in a meaningful way.”
Elisha’s search led him to discover Masa Volunteers. In the wake of October 7, Masa Israel Journey (founded by The Jewish Agency) established Masa Volunteers to offer Jews around the world wanting to aid in Israel’s recovery the opportunity to come to Israel for 4-6 weeks to volunteer. For individuals aged 18-40, participants will engage in hands-on volunteering ranging from food packaging to agricultural work, and more, and including with Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national emergency service.
Despite having no real medical background – he’s worked as a Mashgiach (Kosher supervisor) in Baltimore kosher restaurants, as a teacher, and as a financial planner – he was drawn to the opportunity to volunteer for six weeks with MDA through Masa Volunteers.
As part of the Haifa-based cohort, Elisha and his fellow 16 participants took part in an EMT course during the first two weeks of the program and went to an MDA center to get training. Besides studying for the EMT exam, Masa also arranged for volunteers to go on a few trips around Israel and gave them opportunities to meet with other Masa participants in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
“This program really makes you feel like you’re living in Israel vs just visiting and are able to have meaningful interactions with Israelis and the community,” Elisha explained. “We’re spending a lot of time with Israelis, working alongside and serving them.”
After everyone passed the EMT exam, they began working three eight-hour shifts per week, with the ability to pick up extra shifts if they wanted. From calls of car and motorcycle crashes to kitchen accidents and more, Elisha has responded to a variety of emergencies during his shifts.
“We’ve been able to make a real difference as we respond to calls riding in ambulances for our shifts and drop patients off in hospitals, and it’s clear we are filling a need,” shared Elisha. “People are so grateful and shocked that we are here and they feel really supported that we’ve come to Israel to help. This program has been so impactful for me and one of the best trips of my life.”
