Clearing the Rubble in Beit Shemesh: Volunteers Assist in Damaged Homes (Photos)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 03/08/26

The operation, launched with the support of the Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund, involved dozens of volunteers from the pre-military preparatory programs of the Halutz Organization, who arrived in Beit Shemesh specifically to help clear rubble and damaged items from homes affected by recent attacks.

Beit Shemesh, Israel - Mar. 8, 2026 - Within less than 24 hours of the request, last week teams of volunteers from the Halutz pre-military programs in Mefalsim and Yad Mordechai set out to assist families in Beit Shemesh whose homes had been damaged. The initiative was carried out with the support of the Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund and in cooperation with the Halutz Organization.

On Wednesday of last week, the Kibbutz Movement volunteer center received a request to help clear rubble and damaged items from apartments affected by the Iranian attack. By the next day, Thursday, teams of volunteers were already on site.

Approximately 20 volunteers from the Dror preparatory program arrived in the city via special transportation from the Gaza Envelope area and were assigned to homes that had been damaged. The volunteers worked inside the apartments, carrying out initial cleaning and rubble removal: clearing broken glass, removing damaged windows and tracks, and sealing openings with thick plastic sheeting and appropriate tools. In addition to the volunteers, representatives of the Kibbutz Movement assisted in coordinating the activity on the ground, as well as in providing equipment, donations, and logistics.

The Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund supplied the volunteers with work and protective equipment, including drills, gloves, and safety glasses, and also assisted in transporting the rubble to designated disposal sites.

On the very first day of the operation, the volunteers were able to assist 5–10 homes. During the day, many additional requests for assistance were received from other affected households, and another team of volunteers is expected to be dispatched to Beit Shemesh in the coming days.

Neri Shotan, CEO of the Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund: "This operation highlights just how central volunteerism is to the heart of Israeli society. When homes are damaged and immediate support is required, the swift organization of volunteers makes emergency assistance possible. The Kibbutz Movement Rehabilitation Fund plays a critical role in supporting these activities, including transportation of volunteers, provision of work and protective equipment, and other essential resources. Without these donations and resources, this rapid assistance would not be possible. It is important to us that every family feels they are not alone and that every damaged home receives prompt and proper care. This is our commitment, both as a fund and as a society."

Shir Goren, Director of Community Engagement and Volunteer Infrastructure at the Kibbutz Movement:
"Upon our arrival in the neighborhoods, we saw residents at a loss and chaos caused by the physical damage from the missiles in older buildings, many of which were already in poor condition. Clearing the damaged items—glass, windows, and rubble—was particularly difficult because many buildings lacked elevators. Every apartment we worked in was treated with complete sensitivity toward the residents and full responsibility for their belongings. Every home tells a story, and we felt that we were acting with purpose and meaning for the residents of Beit Shemesh and for Israeli society as a whole. It is a privilege to be part of this aid, and we will continue to do so as long as we can."

Shira Lustig, preparatory program instructor:"I arrived with 17 participants to volunteer in Beit Shemesh, accompanied by Shir Goren from the Kibbutz Movement. We entered damaged homes, where windows were broken and rubble was scattered everywhere, and began working. Among other tasks, we sealed windows and cleared the destruction from the apartments. We felt that we were contributing and joining the national effort, and that our work made a meaningful impact both for the home front and for the country."

The operation is expected to continue in the coming days, aiming to expand assistance to additional homes in Beit Shemesh and ensure damaged apartments are cleared and safe for residents.