Yocheved Ruttenberg

Co-founder of Facebook group “Sword of Iron”

A) What qualities make the nominee deserving of the Z3 Bridge Builder Award?

Yocheved has been a selfless force of good since October 8, 2023. She got on a plane a week after the October 7 attack to come to Israel from Dallas, TX to support her brother, a lone soldier serving in Gaza. She came armed with $17,000 worth of goods in 23 bags that she had raised on social media in that short week. What was supposed to be 2 weeks turned into 11 months (so far). She and her co-founder, Hagit, met through a drone collection for her brother’s unit and started a small Facebook group on November 12, 2023 meant to centralize volunteering initiatives in Israel post-October 7. Prior to that beginning, there were many Israeli whatsapp groups that had been quickly started to help various initiatives during those early days of the war. There was no centralized system, Hebrew and non-Hebrew speakers alike lucked into getting into one of these chats at random, and there were no resources in English.

The facebook group - Sword of Iron - Israel Volunteer Opportunities - slowly grew by word of mouth. As the war continued, more volunteers from both inside and outside of Israel needed a centralized place to find volunteer opportunities and they found it in SOI. It has grown to almost 37,000 members at the moment and continues to grow at a steady clip. It has brought together people of all Jewish denominations, many faiths, and countless nationalities and languages. The unifying factor in these 37,000 people - a deep desire to help. And prior to SOI, that desire may have remained just that, a desire. SOI facilitated the change to action.

Growing from 2 people to 37,000 did not happen overnight and did not happen without a tremendous amount of work. Ruttenberg has fully dedicated herself to this project, visiting volunteer locations personally, answering messages from members around the clock and organizing volunteer meet-ups. Of course, she can’t do it all herself and works with an international group of 5 women who help manage the group at this point. The group houses resources such as the Sword of Iron Big Spreadsheet which requires serious attention to take in all the volunteer opportunities listed, and the new as of this past summer “At a Glance” document, which at 14 pages is hardly short, but serves as an essential primer for those that want to volunteer in Israel during this time.

Yocheved has brought together 37,000 disparate people in the service of helping Israel during its tremendous time of need. A daily scroll through the group yields posts advertising a Kibbutz attached on October 7 seeking volunteers for clean up work, donations and packaged goods for displaced families are in need of sorting at the Tel Aviv Expo, sandwich making sessions for children of reserve soldiers and the soldiers themselves are taking place in Jerusalem and at a private home in North Tel Aviv, a therapist specializing in grief and loss is in Jerusalem for a month volunteering her time to set up visits with soldiers in the hospital and rehab, and too numerous to count opportunities to pick crops, and provide other much needed agricultural assistance to farmers desperate for assistance.

Many many people are eager to volunteer in Israel, but not everyone knows how to go about it or how to find an opportunity that fits both individual time frames, wallets, and physical abilities. The group’s members and resources serve to provide necessary information to volunteers, connect those volunteers with those needing volunteers, and centralize the list of needs so that it is a one stop shop for all things volunteering, including providing advice on topics such as flights, local medical insurance and apps for Israeli public transportation. Without this group, Israeli volunteers had to be lucky enough to find the right whatsapp groups that would provide them with the information they needed. And non-Israeli volunteers were being offered pricey volunteer missions that were out of reach for many who wanted to roll up their sleeves and help.
Yocheved has fueled the group’s growth with constant maintenance, along with 4 other volunteers who help run the group on a daily basis. There are countless testimonial posts on the page from volunteers from numerous countries and faiths sharing how the facebook group demystified the volunteer process and gave them the information and resources they needed to take the leap and fly to Israel. The group houses another spreadsheet where volunteers share their dates of service and contact information to foster connection and relationship building among the volunteers. Many have even reported finishing their volunteering with new lifelong friends.
Yocheved is laser focused on inclusivity and creating space where diverse voices can be heard and valued. She understands that building bridges within the Jewish community requires an inclusive approach that acknowledges and respects differences. Yocheved is collaborative and empowering, ensuring that all participants feel welcomed and encouraged to contribute. Her inclusive approach fosters an environment where people can come together, learn from one another, and work towards common goals despite their differences. Yocheved’s ability to unite such a diverse array of individuals speaks to her exceptional skills as a bridge builder and a leader who prioritizes understanding and cooperation over division.
Yocheved’s work during this time of Israel’s crisis has significantly contributed to building stronger, more connected Jewish communities and forging meaningful relationships across cultural and ideological lines. By creating this forum to allow for shared experiences, Ruttenberg has built bridges between individuals who might otherwise remain divided by geography, ideology, or background.
And her work goes beyond addressing immediate needs; it is about creating lasting relationships, fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration, and building stronger, more connected communities. Her initiatives have not only provided essential support to those in need but have also empowered countless individuals to become active participants. For these reasons, Yocheved Ruttenberg is a powerful example of what it means to be a true bridge builder within the Jewish community.

B) In what ways has the nominee demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to their work in bridging divides?

Yocheved Ruttenberg has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to her work in bridging divides through her tireless efforts to unite people from diverse backgrounds for common causes. The Sword of Iron facebook group reflects her profound dedication to fostering understanding, collaboration, and solidarity among diverse communities of volunteers. Her work in Israel during this time of crisis provides a compelling narrative of how one person’s vision and action can build stronger, more connected Jewish communities and facilitate meaningful relationships being formed across cultural and ideological lines.

Yocheved’s leadership in the realm of volunteer coordination and community mobilization is evident in the creation of one of the highest profile resources created to organize and lead volunteer efforts that support Israel during times of crisis. The “Sword of Iron” initiative is so successful because of its grassroots nature that connects volunteers with opportunities to support Israel and its citizens, ranging from providing aid to frontline communities to supporting displaced families. Her leadership in this initiative showcases her ability to galvanize individuals from around the world to take collective action in support of a common cause. Her efforts have not only provided tangible support to those in need but have also fostered a sense of global solidarity and unity among people who might otherwise remain divided by geographical, cultural, or political differences.

In her co-founder role, Yocheved is careful to ensure that people of all backgrounds feel welcome and empowered to contribute. Her ability to navigate, unite and galvanize diverse groups is a testament to her exceptional leadership skills and her understanding of the complexities of identity, culture, and conflict. Her work is not merely about providing volunteer opportunities or matching opportunities with volunteers; it is about creating lasting relationships and fostering a culture of empathy and collaboration that transcends boundaries.

The impact of Yocheved’s work is also evident in the personal stories and testimonials of those who have participated in her initiatives. As reported in many articles and podcasts, many individuals who volunteered in Israel and found their volunteer opportunities through the Sword of Iron Facebook page have described their experiences as life-changing. These testimonials highlight her ability to inspire others to go beyond their comfort zone and engage with the world in a more open, compassionate, and proactive way.

In a very real way, Ruttenberg's initiatives have provided critical support to communities during times of need, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to critical humanitarian work. Her efforts to mobilize volunteers and resources have addressed immediate needs as well as contributed to the long-term resilience of communities.

In conclusion, Yocheved Ruttenberg has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to her work in bridging divides through her innovative initiatives in volunteerism, community engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration. Her ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds for common causes, particularly in times of crisis, reflects her deep dedication to fostering understanding, empathy, and solidarity. Yocheved’s work is a powerful example of how one person's vision and leadership can make a significant impact in building bridges, breaking down barriers, and creating a more inclusive and united world. Her initiatives have not only provided critical support to communities in need but have also inspired countless individuals to engage in bridge-building efforts within their own lives and communities, further amplifying the impact of her work.

C) How has the nominee's work impacted the Jewish community and beyond?

Yocheved Ruttenberg’s work has profoundly impacted the Jewish community by fostering unity, solidarity, and a deeper understanding across diverse groups. Through the “Sword of Iron” volunteer group, she has created a platform for Jews worldwide to connect, engage, and collaborate. This resource has provided a platform for participants to have transformative experiences, encouraging them to see beyond their divisions and work together toward common goals. By bringing people together to volunteer, learn, and support Israel during times of crisis, Yocheved has strengthened communal bonds and inspired a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among Jews of various backgrounds and denominations. Her emphasis on inclusivity and dialogue has promoted greater empathy and mutual respect within the Jewish community, making her a powerful force for unity.

Beyond the Jewish community, Yocheved’s efforts have also bridged divides on a broader scale by fostering cross-cultural understanding and cooperation. The initiatives that she shares have often included opportunities for participants to engage with diverse communities in Israel, providing a more nuanced perspective on the complexities of the region. By encouraging these interactions, Yocheved has helped to break down stereotypes and build more informed and empathetic relationships between different groups. Her work exemplifies the power of grassroots efforts in creating ripple effects of understanding and collaboration, demonstrating how dedicated leadership can bridge divides not only within a specific community but also across cultural and ideological boundaries globally.