Israel Archives • Love Does

Love Does Impact in the Holy Land

Love Does — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 18:56:19 +0000

When we opened our after-school program in the Holy Land in 2023, our dream was simple: to create a safe place where kids from all backgrounds could learn, grow, and thrive. Two years later, that dream has become even more meaningful.

Amid the heartbreak and heaviness of war, the school has become more than classrooms and lessons, it has become a family. A place where love shows up when it’s needed most.

We are humbled and proud to share that 100% of the students who started with us are still with us today. For children carrying struggles far bigger than schoolwork, this consistency is a victory worth celebrating. It’s possible because of teachers who show up every day with open arms, helping their students not only succeed in their studies but also heal, hope, and believe in themselves again.

This after-school program is more than education, it’s love in action. Every story of improvement, every small success, every bright smile is proof of that.

Watch this video to see the impact firsthand:

Thank you for helping create a place where kids don’t just show up to school, they stay, they grow, they shine, and they are loved.

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Love Does Camp for Kids from Gaza

Love Does — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 20:30:43 +0000

“We can’t say we love the children of Gaza and not do anything for them, because Love Does.”
Samar, Country Director

In that spirit, we’re hosting a camp for a group of children from Gaza who are currently receiving medical care at a hospital in Amman, Jordan. These students were evacuated and are currently residing at a hotel with very little to do during recovery. We saw this as an opportunity to host a Love Does camp in July that we hope will turn into a future school for the children of Gaza. Through education and recreation, we hope to send a message of peace that these kids, like any other kids, deserve to enjoy life, play, sing, dream and live peacefully.

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-The Love Does Team

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Holistic Education in the Holy Land

Love Does — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:12:03 +0000

As tensions in northern Israel continue to escalate this week, Samar, our Country Director for Israel, shared the following update:

“We have sirens several times, day and night in Nazareth. Things are getting worse regarding the war and we received new instructions not to hold any educational activities, especially if we don’t have a safe area. Our students will continue with lessons through Zoom.”

Our after-school program in the Holy Land remains committed to supporting students. When in-person sessions are possible, we offer direct help, and when safety concerns prevent us from being there, we provide remote learning opportunities to ensure continued support. Earlier this summer we launched the “A Book for Each Student” campaign with great excitement, ensuring every family received at least one book per child. About 20 children eagerly requested books, and many asked for backpacks due to the high cost of supplies and financial strain from the war and rising prices. Our afterschool program returned from summer break on September 2nd and was lively with kids and parents picking up supplies.

At the after school program, we don’t just focus on homework; we take a holistic approach that considers students’ psychological well-being and financial needs. Our work goes beyond education—it’s about transforming lives and helping them improve not just academically but beyond.

To learn more, tune in to The Love Does Podcast on 9/30 to hear from Samar. We recognize that current events evolve daily within Israel. This podcast was recorded in early September.

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Hear from Samar, our Country Director in the Holy Land

Love Does — Thu, 30 May 2024 17:58:24 +0000

In a conversation with Samar, our Country Director in the Holy Land, we asked for stories of the students in the after school program. She replied, “It is hard to find a specific story, not because there is no impact, but vice versa. We see the impact of our work every single day, reflected in the smiles on the children’s faces as they enter our doors. This place isn’t just a school; it’s their haven, their safe space. Our relationship with the students goes beyond the typical teacher-student dynamic – we’re a family”.

We are so grateful for Samar and the ways she courageously leads, allowing the students to feel safe and secure in the presence of the school.

Learn more about our programs here.

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-The Love Does Team

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Holy Land Update

Love Does — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 19:22:42 +0000

Many of you have asked about how our friends in The Holy Land are doing. The situation grows increasingly intense near our after school program, and we are in constant communication with our country director, Samar. She has been tirelessly preparing and delivering educational care packages for our students so they know they are being lifted up and cared for during this difficult time as they’re unable to attend school at the moment.

We appreciate the concern and support. Your donations will go directly towards helping the students and staff in our school.

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– The Love Does Team

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Israel Update & Q2 Impact Report

Love Does — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 17:18:00 +0000

We opened our doors for the After School Program in Israel on March 22nd, welcoming our first students and ended the year at capacity. In a high conflict area, opportunities for supplemental education gives hope and peace in an otherwise restless and volatile environment. The program is already proving crucial for students’ overall academic performance and wellbeing. Feedback shows the kids are doing well and are experiencing a safe and loving atmosphere. The parents are thankful to have their children attend. We are brainstorming ways to expand in the upcoming year so more students can be included.

Ramzi, a shy and smart boy, joined in May. Despite his shyness, he showed potential and improved in his performance each day. But more importantly, after two visits, his teachers noticed a difference in his behavior. After three weeks, Ramzi started getting better grades and his personality changed. His mother expressed gratitude for the impact Love Does had on his life, stating that he is now happier and more focused.

With summer underway, our amazing team in Israel is planning activities which aim to empower the kids in the program and promote fun. We are also very excited to establish a library to enhance children’s reading, comprehension, writing, and imagination skills.

Thanks for being love in action.
-The Love Does Team

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Also check out our Q2 Impact report to learn more about our programs around the world.

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Just Launched: Love Does School in Israel

Love Does — Thu, 04 May 2023 16:44:11 +0000

We’re so excited to share the news of the grand opening of our Love Does school in Cana of Galilee, Israel. We have been working on this for quite some time. Israel is of major significance to 3 monotheistic religions with multiple claims to the same capital city which have resulted in conflict for thousands of years.

We believe “education wrapped in love,” as described by the school’s director, Samar, will give students of all faiths and backgrounds an opportunity to further their education studying side by side, in a healing and encouraging way.

In honor of the grand opening, we planted an olive tree which represents peace. 180 new friends from all over the world traveling with Bob Goff stopped by during a recent trip to leave words of encouragement to these promising students because that’s what love does.

-The Love Does Team

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