Dear Surfers,

Today, there is a consensus that we must recruit ourselves towards changing the current reality and try to institute a new social agenda; through change and a turn about in a number of areas. Along side the splits and rips existing today in the Israeli society, there are many in it that care for one another, for their neighbors and wish to change the situation, but need motivation to do so. “Ruach Tova” is the address for encouragement and initiative. It is also the address to create a body of volunteering and giving, in all levels and factions, through giving to the community, which brings together, and implements the wishes and abilities of contributing time, qualifications, wishes and giving for the sake of giving to people who need assistance, support, strength and empowerment.

Our lives are like a long bus. There are people who step onto it and on the first step are rushing the driver to go, because they're on it. Others ask the driver to wait a little because there are those who haven't made it yet or need help. The concern that should accompany each and everyone of us isn't just for “me” but also for those who surround us. If there will be solidarity here, man to man, man to his environment, we can create a better society.

As someone who grew up in a work weary family, with no father, poverty and difficult livelihood, I know what neediness is. Feeling thus, I feel a moral obligation to the society that took me out of that situation and into a situation of wellbeing, I've searched for a way to give back to society in the path of giving and volunteering, entrenched in everyday routine. Man is the creation of his environment and as such has many powers and forces that he can give to others that cannot, those who need assistance and support, those who, against their will, have been hurled into such crisis.

Out of this feeling and obligation to act, I met Irit Atzmon, who founded the association “Ruach Tova” and since we joined together we've broadened and expanded “Ruach Tova”, aspiring to assimilate the spirit of volunteering and giving into all of Israeli society and to widen the circle of volunteers, by making volunteering an accessible thing to each and everyone of us, in any place, at every age.

I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to thank Shari Arison and the Ted Arison Family Foundation. The foundation, which was founded in 1993 by the business man Ted Arison z"l and his daughter Shari Arison, greatly supports "Ruach Tova", as part of its belief that giving, based on three values: charity, kindness, and Tikkun Olam, will help create a meaningful change, encourage excellence and social responsibility, and will create a better society. Thanks to the great kindness of the foundation, "Ruach Tova" can continue its hard work and influence.

From the day “Ruach Tova” was founded, we meet thousands of ordinary people every day. People who through their giving are enriched, no less than those who need it. With the help of their contribution they are making the Israeli society a better, more caring society. They fulfill in practice the sentiment - “Man to man is man” and implement the verse: “All of Israel are responsible for each other”.

Yours with great friendship,

Rafi Elul

Chairman “Ruach Tova”