Study Declares Israel Leader in Volunteerism

In a study presented to President Yitzchak Herzog on Monday, the results of the annual survey on volunteerism in Israel showed that almost half of the population (42.5%) engage in volunteerism.

The poll was conducted by the National Council for Volunteering and the Hebrew University’s Center for the Study of Civil Society and Philanthropy with the help of the Welfare and Social Affairs Ministry and included 503 participants.

The study declared Israel as a leading country in the field of volunteering. Israel was followed by Canada (79%), Britain (63%), Australia (57%), New Zealand (51%), Switzerland (39.9%), the Netherlands (39%) and the U.S. (25%).

Sector-wise, the highest rate of volunteering was reported among the chareidi public (60%).

Most respondents said they preferred to volunteer in areas of welfare and assisting disadvantaged populations, followed by education, health, environment, religion, and social change.

Upon receiving the survey, Herzog said, “Today, perhaps more than ever, it is up to us to boost social involvement and choose to see what unites us and brings us closer, not what divides and separates us.”