About the Organization

Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the world.

We are the leader in one-on-one mentoring -- developing caring relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Israel recruits and supports long-term mentors who meet weekly with children, ages 5 through 18, from isolated single-parent homes.

Organizational background

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Israel was founded in June 2003 and is an affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters International (www.bbbsi.org) and sister to the 103-year-old program in the U.S.A. (www.bbbsa.org).

The Big Brothers Big Sisters model came to Israel initially in 1973, opening in Haifa in that year and in Jerusalem in 1984. The Jerusalem program, which functioned for more than a decade, closed officially in 2002. In 2003, a group of laypersons and professionals founded a new non-profit organization, which was officially recognized as the Israeli affiliate of Big Brothers Big Sisters International.

What we do

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Israel recruits and supports mentors who commit to meeting weekly with a child from an isolated single-parent home over an extended period of time.

What makes Big Brothers Big Sisters of Israel unique?

  • We provide Big Brothers and Big Sisters with on-going professional support and training
  • Volunteers do not receive any financial remuneration for their time
  • Children and their families are not charged for the service we provide 

Why is one-on-one long-term mentoring important?

There is a new reality in Israel. More and more children and teens grow up in single-parent homes, without extended family or close friends. An influx of single-parent immigrant families and the rising divorce rate have all contributed to this new reality. A lonely child lacking a support network may become depressed and vulnerable to negative influences.

While no one can replace a parent, an ongoing one-on-one relationship with a caring, responsible adult can take the edge off loneliness and be a source of stability, guidance and modeling crucial to a child's healthy development.