Between Jaffa and Agripas street in Jerusalem there is the famous shuk “Mahane Yehuda market”.The market, which began operating in the 19th century, has always been the central food market for the city’s residents.

Last year, I lived in the Nachlaot area which is really close to Mahane Yehuda market and it was one of my favorite places to hang out with friends. Every weekend, especially on Thursday and Friday, the atmosphere starts to change as people come to shop in preparation for Shabbat. Throughout the crowd, you see young people wearing yellow T-shirts. They are volunteers who help older people carry their baskets home.

This project was founded by Yakir Partush, a student in Jerusalem. He had the idea to start this unique volunteer opportunity when he offered an elderly women help carrying her bags home. Even for him, her bags were heavy and when he asked her why she didn’t ask for help, she told him: “she wasn’t comfortable asking for help from people who were rushing home for Shabbat”.

The project has continued to grow. Every Thursday you can see the magic of the volunteers giving back and doing good work as they help the seniors carry their shopping bags home. In turn, the volunteers enjoy hearing life stories and having memorable intergenerational experiences.

Want to see more? Click here to watch the full video about the amazing activity.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnd5tknMuRg&feature=youtu.be