In 2005, amid the heated controversy surrounding the Gaza Disengagement Plan in Israel, a group of young alumni from the Ein Prat Leadership Academy, led by their former counselor Eli Tsur, recognized the urgent need to aid the thousands of individuals impacted by the disengagement. Irrespective of their individual opinions about the plan, they embarked on a mission of solidarity and mutual responsibility.

 

Well aware of the government’s lack of readiness for the impending evacuation, their aim was simple: to offer support and comfort to the displaced as they coped with the complete disruption of their lives. Two days before the scheduled evacuation of Gush Katif and northern Samaria, the group headed to the temporary housing site in Nitzan and prepared to welcome the families. Driven by a shared vision and noble intentions, these young individuals set out with determination to make a difference in the world.

Armed with creativity and a deep love for Israel, they took over an office at the ‘disengagement administration,’ hanging up a sign that read “One Heart – Youth and Students for the Unity of Israel,” along with a phone number. Thus, One Heart was born.

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Between Tisha B’Av and Hanukkah, from August to December of that year, One Heart mobilized thousands of volunteers to assist the evacuees: they unloaded trucks, repaired homes, raised donations, organized youth activities, provided childcare services, and much more.

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In July 2006, during the Second Lebanon War, the Ein Prat Leadership Academy leveraged the existing infrastructure to aid Israel’s communities under fire. 1,500 volunteers rushed to provide essential assistance to residents in the north, delivering food, activating shelters, boosting morale, collaborating with local authorities, and more. This marked the beginning of One Heart’s role as Israel’s national crisis relief organization. 

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From 2007 to 2009, the organization extended its reach to the residents of Sderot and the Gaza envelope who were under heavy missile attack. Volunteers assisted in bomb shelters, worked together with the authorities to offer support to victims, held regular solidarity marches to boost national morale, and more.

Beyond its critical work in Israel, emergency One Heart missions have also been sent to assist in natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide, including floods in Serbia, hurricanes in the United States, and earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco.

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In 2021, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, One Heart established situation rooms across the country, mobilizing tens of thousands of volunteers for various missions: assisting the elderly, delivering food packages and essential medications, supporting Holocaust survivors and victims of terror, and more.

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In response to the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, One Heart sent an emergency mission to Ukraine, aiding refugees over nearly two years, while mobilizing 400+ volunteers and providing resources for the establishment of “One Heart Ukraine.”

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On the morning of October 7th, 2023, One Heart volunteers immediately set out to deploy 4 initial situation rooms. Within two weeks, this number swiftly grew to 16 headquarters established across the country. One Heart’s entire operation mobilized to offer nationwide civilian emergency response services, with over 50,000 volunteers stationed wherever needed: assisting evacuated families, helping farmers in the fields, aiding the spouses of reservists and permanent soldiers, and delivering comprehensive support at a dedicated center for the families of the hostages.

 

Since its establishment, One Heart has leveraged thousands of volunteers in various emergency situations. With a spirit of initiative and progress reminiscent of Nachshon ben Aminadav, the organization has continued to provide assistance in Israel and internationally. One Heart’s mission is steadfast: to build national resilience by mobilizing volunteers and fostering emergency preparedness. One Heart has touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals over the years, instilling hope and offering support to those in need, while representing the State of Israel and the Jewish people with courage and determination.