In the heart of Jerusalem, a new chapter has begun for 95 young women who have come to Israel from around the world to dedicate a year or more of their lives to National Service. Nefesh B’Nefesh (NBN) has inaugurated its Bnot Sherut Bodedot Residence, a state-of-the-art housing complex designed to give lone National Service women a true home, a built-in community, and the support they need as they volunteer in Israel’s hospitals, schools, nonprofits, government institutions, and more.
Lone Bnot Sherut are young women serving in Israel’s Sherut Leumi (National Service) who have no immediate family in the country. Every year, more than 200 of them arrive from abroad, driven by a passion for Israel and a commitment to contribute to Israeli society.
“This new initiative is intended to accompany, support, and empower these young women as they give back to the country through their National Service,” said Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, co-founder and executive director of NBN. “The Nefesh B’Nefesh Bnot Sherut Residence is more than just a place to live – it’s a place to thrive. We are thrilled to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment where these young women can grow spiritually, emotionally, and communally while helping serve our country.”
Until now, many of them faced the challenges of navigating Israeli bureaucracy, finding housing, and building social networks on their own. The new residence directly addresses these needs, providing both comfort and community.
The residence offers 50 fully furnished apartments equipped with modern appliances, secure entry, laundry facilities, and communal lounges. On-site staff is available to provide guidance and assistance, while amenities such as a gym and social spaces ensure that residents can relax and connect.
But perhaps most important is the community itself. Residents partake in shared Shabbat meals, holiday programming, weekly Torah lessons, and extracurricular activities ranging from educational workshops to fun nights in. They also benefit from a Hebrew integration program to help them strengthen their language skills and deepen their connection to Israeli society.
Tony Gelbart, chairman and co-founder if Nefesh B’Nefesh, emphasized the broader vision: “These volunteers are dedicating one to two years of their lives to serve the State of Israel without family nearby. By creating a supportive community under one roof, we are giving them the tools and encouragement they need not only to succeed in their service but also to feel that they are truly at home in Israel.”
The project was launched in partnership with Israel’s leading National Service organizations: Bat Ami; The Israel Volunteer Association; Aminadav; Shilo; and Shlomit. Leaders see it not just as a solution for Jerusalem but as a potential model for other cities across the country.
“This residence is giving me a sense of community and making me feel more integrated into both my service and Israeli society,” said Molly Heifetz, a Lone Bat Sherut from Chicago now volunteering with United Hatzalah. Malia Isacowitz from Australia, serving at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, said: “The apartments are beyond beautiful, and I feel very privileged. I’ve already made friends here, and now I have friends from around the world.”
For Nefesh B’Nefesh, the residence represents both a recognition of service and an investment in the future. “These young women left their homes and families abroad to serve the Jewish people here in Israel,” said Reuven Pinsky, director-general of the National Civilian Service Authority. “It is inspiring and heartwarming to witness their Zionist spirit.”
As the 95 residents settle into their new home, they are beginning a year of challenge and growth. They will serve in hospitals, kindergartens, community centers, and emergency organizations, places where their work has an immediate and lasting impact. And at the end of the day, they will return to a place designed not only to house them but to sustain and uplift them.
For these Lone Bnot Sherut, Jerusalem is now more than the city where they serve – it has truly become home.
This article was written in cooperation with Nefesh B’Nefesh.