Let’s talk about how communities rise to support their people in times of need.

Specifically, let’s talk about how local community organizations and Indigenous nations do this work, not just as theory, but as daily practice. One example is Kerem House, a nonprofit organization in Israel that mobilizes volunteers to meet community needs. Another example is the Chickasaw Nation, which supports its citizens through extensive health, housing, education, and social programs while also encouraging service to broader communities.

Both examples reflect a simple principle: indigenous communities survive when people show up for each other.

Kerem House has been active in Israel’s volunteer sector for some time, but the organization’s role has become especially visible since October 7 and during the recent Iranian missile attacks. In both moments, the organization focused on something simple, but essential: connecting volunteers with people who needed help.

When I spoke with Daniel Gindis, director of Kerem House, I specifically asked about the organization’s response during the June 2025 Israel-Iran war, or the Twelve-Day War.

“There was a lot of uncertainty in the beginning,” he told me. “Then there were attacks in Tel Aviv, specifically down the street from us, and we started posting about helping older people manage apartments that had shattered glass, even before we understood the scope.”

Kerem House began posting volunteer opportunities almost immediately, directing people to places where help was needed.

“Within the first day we had tens and........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)