ERAN is a lifesaving volunteer organization that provides mental health first-aid to all residents of Israel in emotional distress, by telephone and online via chat & WhatsApp, free of charge, anonymously and confidentially.
ERAN volunteers are attentive to every person in distress, providing anonymous psychological support and assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
To volunteer at ERAN, you need to speak, read, and write Hebrew fluently. The volunteer training is conducted in Hebrew only.
ERAN volunteers operate in 17 centers and branches across Israel and globally’ and as part of ERAN’s international activities, 3 branches and additional outposts operate in North America and Australia.
The volunteer training program at ERAN spans approximately 3-4 months and consists of both a group course and one-on-one guidance. The training is designed to equip volunteers with the resources needed to respond to individuals seeking ERAN’s support services, either by phone or through the online chat service.
Branches and Centers
Volunteers
Annual Calls
Annual Calls from Children and Youth
Calls with Suicidal Content
As the volume of calls to ERAN has increased, it has become exceptionally challenging to staff the hotline during the middle of the night, when many callers prefer to speak and get the support they need.
This is where Israelis living around the world get involved, and ERAN now staffs the phones lines during late night hours in Israel with Hebrew speaking volunteers living in North America, Australia, Asia and Europe.
These volunteers will undergo the special ERAN training and will provide a response to the people in Israel who call in for advice and support at night.
12 ERAN centers for phone support span the country from Karmiel in the north to Be’er Sheva in the south.
These are joined by 2 nationwide branches: the ERAN Plus branch, which began operations in 2023, and the Internet branch, which provides the association’s online support services.
Karmiel Branch
Emek Izrael Branch
Krayot Branch
Haifa Branch
Hadera Branch
Netanya Branch
Kfar Saba Branch
Tel Aviv Branch
Rishon LeTzyon Branch
Jerusalem Branch
Tsor'a Branch
Beer Sheva Branch
As part of ERAN’s international activities, 3 branches and additional outposts operate in North America and Australia.
Australia Branch
New York, USA Branch
Boston, USA Branch
Toronto, CA Branch
Florida, USA Branch
Las Vegas, USA Branch
Palo Alto, USA Branch
A woman called me to share that 28 of her friends were murdered in Kibbutz Be’eri. From the moment she got on the line, she couldn’t stop crying.
After the call, I wasn’t sure if I could continue my shift. But you search and find the strength within yourself to be there, to listen, to support, and to hug, hug, hug. I definitely cry after I hang up the phone.
Volunteering plants compassion and kindness in me. It’s a consistent and repeated practice of non-judgment and acceptance of uncertainty, without my ingrained need to solve, help, or “know.”
I’m developing and expressing my abilities anew each week. I have a deep appreciation and gratitude for the good in my life.
When I try to think about some of the best and most memorable conversations I’ve had, the common denominator for most of them is the truly open, heart-to-heart discussions.
These are conversations where I felt a connection was formed, leading to a discussion about the caller’s true, or authentic, self. And as always, the main thing is to listen.
I’m a US resident living in New Jersey, and I first encountered the ERAN organization several years ago. Even back then, I knew I wanted to contribute in some way, but I didn’t know how I could do that since I don’t live in Israel.
During a random conversation more than a year ago, I learned that ERAN recruits people from abroad to help with night-shift calls.
I thought this was a wonderful initiative and was personally happy that I could provide added value and help bridge the time gap during those hours.
Not only can I provide added value, but this framework also gives me a great sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. For me, it’s during the late afternoon, so it fits well with my lifestyle and career. It’s a win-win.
Additionally, the volunteers are supported with guidance, fascinating lectures, the Sunday newspaper (a weekly update), and continuous contact with the mentors. This makes me feel close even from afar.
I strongly encourage and highly recommend joining ERAN. The meaning and value are much more than just a shift; this is a life-changing organization. 💜
