(live here) – In the post-October 7th world, when soldiers return from battle with physical and mental injuries, there are those waiting for them at home not only by family members, but also by a dedicated group of engineers, professionals, and heartfelt volunteers. They come to make the home accessible, to make it a safe and comfortable place, and to provide hope.
Engineers Without Borders, an organization that until recently operated mainly in international arenas in Africa and Ukraine, changed direction in one day. On October 2023, 200, just two days after the severe Hamas attack, an emergency project was established in Israel to provide homes for the wounded IDF. Since then, the project has recruited over XNUMX volunteers, all of whom work on a fully voluntary basis with one goal: to make the difficult journey of the wounded soldiers and their families, and even evacuees who have recently begun returning to their homes in the north, even a little easier.
The project is headed by Galit Burk, a producer and project manager from Haifa. She began her journey with the project as a volunteer, but quickly realized that the scope of the needs and complexity required professional management. Without hesitation, she took command.
In an interview with Live, she shares: "When we realized how many soldiers are being released from the hospital and arriving at homes that are not adapted to their new situation, we realized there is no time to wait. In the hospital, everything is accessible, there is assistance and systems, but at home? It's suddenly narrow toilets, stairs, an inaccessible bathroom. Little things that are an impassable wall for them. This is where we came into the picture."
In simple but inspiring words, Galit describes the activity. Installing handrails in toilets and showers, building access ramps, lowering shelves, moving furniture – every little thing that can allow for movement, independence, and most importantly, a little peace of mind.
Immediate response – not instead of the state, but alongside it
"We are not replacing the Ministry of Defense or renovating homes," Galit emphasizes. "Our goal is to provide a quick response. A soldier leaves the hospital? We are there within a few days. We arrive with a certified accessibility consultant, inspect the home, and if necessary, send volunteers with the right tools to make the basic adjustments."
Volunteers come from all walks of life - engineers, architects, carpenters, electricians, and even private individuals who are willing to simply come and help. Everyone shows up, sometimes even on Fridays and Saturdays, to make sure that the soldier really has a place to return to.
The North is awakening – and the needs are increasing
With the gradual return of evacuees to their homes, the association identified another urgent need: an elderly population, sometimes in a nursing home or with serious medical conditions, who are returning to homes that are not adapted. There, as in the south and center, volunteers are volunteering to help.
"In Haifa," says Galit, "there was an incredible response. We closed the list of local volunteers within days. But the needs never stop. Every donation, every assistance, every connection helps us to continue operating."
Recognition from the President – and gratitude from the people
On June 15, 2025, the “Access Without Borders” project will be awarded the President’s Volunteer Award. The highest honor in Israel for volunteer activity. But for Galit and the team, the real award comes every time – when a soldier opens the door of his home and sees that he has not been forgotten.
"In the end, we don't just make the house accessible," says Galit, "we give the soldier back a sense of value, respect, belonging. We remind him that he is not alone."
To donate or join: "Engineers Without Borders Association - Israel" 058-6677130
Amazing project! Exciting to see how the community is rallying to help