The city of Jerusalem this year is an all-time record with more than 50,000 volunteers. More than 12,000 girls and boys volunteer regularly in the city.

Mayor Nir Barkat will give the outstanding volunteers the Mayor’s award for their contribution to the city’s society.

The city of Jerusalem is a leader in the number of volunteers: This year, Jerusalem broke all-time record with more than 50,000 active volunteers in the city.

According to the municipality’s data, this is a 25% increase in six years, since in 2011 there were about 40,000 volunteers in 400 volunteer organizations and today more than 50,000 volunteers work.

The increase in the number of organizations and volunteers in Jerusalem is evident in all areas of life, community assistance and welfare, health, immigrant absorption, environmental protection, rescue organizations and emergency assistance. Volunteer organizations also report an increase in the number of volunteers from eastern Jerusalem who work in MDA, ZAKA, and United Hatzalah, in the areas of resource mobilization and more.

In addition, many girls work as part of the national-civic service at the Alyn Hospital, in the public health services of “Tipat Chalav”, in the special education schools, in community centers, and in the “Ousim Shalom” (Social Association) NGO.

Mayor of Jerusalem, Nir Barkat will award the Mayor’s Award to outstanding organizations and volunteers throughout the capital for their contribution to the city’s residents on Sunday, 22 Cheshvan in the Jerusalem City Council Hall, Safra Square, Building 1, 6th Floor.

The ceremony will be held in the presence of the Chairman of the Mayor’s Award for Organizations and Volunteers Rabbi Michael Melchior, Chairman of the Council of Volunteer Organizations, Mr. Avraham Hoffman, Head of Community Administration at the Municipality – Gil Ribush, Director of Shaare Zedek Medical Center Prof. Jonathan Halevy and supervisor of the field of volunteering in the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ms. Ruchama Nagar.

Among the winners this year comes the mayor:

Beit Hagalgalim – The Jerusalem House that serves as a treatment center for children and youth with special needs. Daniel, a former member of the “Guts” group of the House of Wheels, is a volunteer for several years in the youth group.

As part of his volunteer work, he encourages young students and is a source of inspiration for determination and success. Daniel won the silver medal in the wheelchair basketball tournament at the 20th Maccabiah and is currently a student of Arabic and Middle Eastern studies at Bar-Ilan University and continues to volunteer.

Daniel’s exciting story is proof that volunteering over time contributes to change of perceptions, responsibility and caring, reinforcement of image and self-worth, because by virtue of his contribution draws strength at the same time serves as a model for admiration and imitation among the boys.

Recipients of additional certificates: Shaare Zedek Medical Center – Volunteer Service, Bank of Israel employees – Volunteering Forum, Sexual Violence Victims Support Center, the Animal Welfare Association, mother to mother and more.

Mayor of Barkat “The tremendous volunteering figures in Jerusalem are very exciting but not surprising. The city of Jerusalem is blessed more than any other city in Israel in the spirit of communalism, voluntarism, caring and love of others, which is reflected in the large number of volunteers who work tirelessly every night. I am proud of the good people from all walks of life and of all the sectors that contribute to society every day. Giving the Mayoral Award is our humble way to thank all the good people who are engaged in giving.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)