VFI’s mission is to connect Americans to Israel through volunteer service. The primary goal of VFI is to ensure that the IDF is as prepared and ready as possible, in a time of need. This volunteering is very important to the infrastructure and systems of the IDF. VFI volunteers enable Israel to use its resources in the most effective way possible by taking some tasks that IDF soldiers would otherwise have to do, off of their plate and allowing them to do more critical tasks. VFI volunteers do civilian tasks on the bases. When we started our partnership with Hillel three years ago, we offered them everything in our traditional volunteer program, plus special accommodations for their students so it is truly a tailor-made experience. VFI ensures that the Hillel student volunteers from a university are all placed on the same base and have the same madrichot. Trips usually take place for one or two weeks over winter break, spring break, or during summer vacation, so students do not miss classes. VFI supports the Hillels with recruiting and marketing materials, as well as pre-trip orientation resources. Finally, we are able to tailor the evening programs to the interests of the students and in some cases, help plan Shabbat programs before and after the volunteer week. It is a natural fit for students who want to experience more of Israel and make a difference. The program is open to both Jewish and non-Jewish students. This allows Jewish student leaders at Hillel to build meaningful, personal relationships with non-Jewish student leaders on campus and to show them Israel first-hand. Many of our student volunteers have returned to their campuses more inspired and motivated to advocate for Israel. They become active in the pro-Israel groups and rise as leaders on campus including organizations that the Milstein Family Foundation supports such as AEPi, CAMERA, Hasbara Fellowships, IAC, JNF, SSI, StandWithUs, Taglit-Birthright Israel and others. Although we are delighted with the success of the program, VFI is currently a relatively small non-profit, almost completely volunteer-run, and is unable to continue and grow this pilot program with internally generated funds. VFI turned away interested Hillels this past year due to a lack of funding and will eventually have to cut back or end the program without additional financial support.  This is where you come in!  With a donation to VFI we can increase participation to truly make a difference both in Israel and on our College campuses.  When students come home they will be involved in creating content on their trip for their college publications and social media pages.  Another goal that comes from this is to combat anti-Israel rhetoric that has been on the rise across college campuses.