Aminadav is an Israel-based non-profit organization which supports army-age religious women in Israel who have chosen to do national service instead of serving in the army. It is one of six organizations through which it is possible to sign up for service. There is a seventh organization, the Society for Social Equality and National Service, which serves the Arab population of Israel.
History
Aminadav was founded in 1990 as a means to place young women who have received army exemptions in volunteer positions throughout Israel. Instead of serving their country as soldiers, they serve as volunteers in welfare settings such as old age homes, schools and hospitals. The women commit to working full-time for between one and two years.
There are 35 coordinators found in every major city or region in Israel. Each coordinator takes responsibility for about 40 volunteers throughout their one or two years of service. There is also a national coordinator serving the 35 regional coordinators.
Services
The regional coordinators offer the girls weekly group meetings as well as individualized counseling. Lectures and workshops cover religious issues or other issues. Aminadav also provides its volunteers with housing nearby to their volunteer jobs. Monthly stipends are also provided to cover meals and travel expenses. There are quarterly full-day seminars which offer professional enrichment workshops. Once a year the volunteers are taken on a weekend getaway as a way to say thank you for their service.
Recruitment
Representatives from Aminadav visit high schools throughout Israel to explain the benefits of national service and the options available for job placement.
Partners and projects
Israel Elwyn and Mosaic
In 2014 the Israeli National-Civic Service Administration asked Israel Elwyn to run a professional support program to provide services to other non-profits which in turn give support to volunteers with disabilities. The program they created is known as “Mosaic” and its purpose is to prepare young people for employment after they leave national service. Aminadav is one of the three organizations which work with IE and Mosaic.
Bishvil Danieli
On July 29, 2015 Bishvil Danieli was established in memory of Danieli Sonnenfeld by her parents, Rachel and Elio Moti Sonnenfeld, who was killed in a car accident several months before at the age of 20. The non-profit organization takes “at risk” girls and helps them become productive citizens who are capable of giving support to others when they conclude their service.
Vehadarta
The National Council for Advancing the Status of the Elderly in Israel, known as Vehadarta, gives support to the elderly population in Israel, insuring that they are respected and integrated into all walks of society.
