The path to a better society starts here
About us
An Israeli humanitarian-social organization operating in Israel and around the world, HelpUp is a public benefit company that was established in 2016
HelpUp grants humanitarian aid to marginalized populations in Israel and around the world, to create an impact in the fields of medicine, water, education & schooling, food security, sustainability & the environment, agriculture and economy.
The organization maintains & develops a wide volunteer network that is based on heterogeneous delegations, whose purpose is to create a connection between different communities and sectors from all ends of the spectrum in population.
Organization’s vision:
“Improving social conversation by strengthening the field of volunteering, which is a significant tool in strengthening the relationship between the citizen and his community and by that, strengthening the volunteer’s sense of competence”
Since 2016 we have been sending out volunteer missions to both Africa & Israel, we have an extensive network of volunteers operating in diverse areas nationwide.
Matityahu Samimi-Golan
Entrepreneur and businessman, Chairman of Qwater Solutions that specializes in the development of systems and solutions for people in emergency crisis in the fields of water & food, and also is involved with startup companies developing water technology innovations.
In addition, is socially active at a number of nonprofit organizations, and is a board member of the Association for Citizen Empowerment.
Serves as a colonel (Reserves) after serving for 25 years in the Israeli Air Force, with his last position being the Commander of the School of Air Defense.
Itay Matityahu, Chairperson & Founder
40 years old, an accountant by profession, serves as the Deputy Mayor of Rishon LeZion. Currently devotes his time to giving back to the community and is socially active in a variety of public positions in the city: Head of Youth & Young Adults, is the main contact for the reception of Ethiopian immigrants, is the Chairman of Affordable Housing and is the Director and Chairman of HR & Finance Committee at the city’s Economic Company.
Itay is married to Or, and the father of Daniel, Yuli and Ella, serves as a captain (Reserves) in the Magshimim unit. In the past, served as the Deputy, Chairman and Executive Director of the Students’ Union at the College of Management, and as the spokesman of the Taub Center for Research of Social Policy in Israel.
Itay established HelpUp In 2016 after reading the results of a survey on OECD countries, showing that the percentage of volunteers from Israel was relatively low compared to other countries in the world.
Since then, the organization has developed, grown and expanded its activities in Israel and Africa.
Erez Bar Haim
33 years old, married with two children, lives’ in Lod and is the Director of the department of Youth and Young Adults in the municipality. Holds a bachelor’s degree in Publications, & Marketing Communications and is currently completing a Master of Public Policy.
In the past, served as a consultant for a Member of the Knesset and as a Strategic Marketing consultant for a variety of large companies.
Pnina Mizrahi
a resident of Rishon Lezion. A social activist works for the advancement of women. A member of the General Assembly of “Equal Work” Haletz who works for gender equality in the labor market.
Manages together with my husband Sharon the company Yosemite Ltd
Mother of three adult children
Dor Haim
Dor Haim, 36 years old, an Israeli citizen living in Florida, USA. Former chairman of the Student Association of the College of Administration and currently a real estate developer in various countries and the owner of several companies in the field of culture, among others “One Of Us”.
Holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and management
Has been with the organization since its foundation
Our professionals, heads of the fields who accompany us 365 days a year, volunteer wholeheartedly, advise us and guide our helpers:
Yarin Nona, volunteer, head of Marketing and Social media
25 years old from Rishon Lezion.
Student of politics, government and management at Ben Gurion University in Be’er Sheva.
Yarin is a social activist and serves as the chairperson of the Rishon Lezion youth and young people committee, in the past she managed the Maccabi youth movement in Rishon Lezion.
Dr. Lee Yaari, Volunteer, head of medical missions
Orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports injuries, 44.
Volunteers at HelpUp since 2021.
Why am I at HelpUp?
“A dream come true – combining my medical world with the desire to share knowledge, help and collaborate with doctors and patients from developing countries.”
Sharon Lewin Cooks, Volunteer, head of nutrition field
Clinical Dietitian, 50
Volunteers at HelpUp since 2021.
Why am I at HelpUp?
“We are a global village, connected to each other much greater than meets the eye. Giving a hand to those in need is a great privilege. Just the fact that you traveled to a far corner of the world, and looked at a child, who comes from a different background, at eye level, gives hope and opens a chain of goodwill – that will eventually come back to us.”
Anat Brasist, Volunteer, advisor to medical missions
Anat Brasist, 58 years old. Married, mother of 2 daughters and grandmother to her granddaughter. Lives in Moshav Bitzeron.
Nurse 37 years.
She works at Tel Hashomer Hospital in the Infection Prevention and Control Unit.
Has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and education.
Graduated from basic courses in integrated intensive care, treatment management of heart failure patients and infection prevention.
In July 2023 I participated in a volunteer mission of Help Up in Tanzania, and in July 2024 in Uganda.
Oshrat Goren, Volunteer, head of renovations
Owner of a DIY workshop, 51.
Volunteers at HelpUp since 2023.
Why am I at HelpUp?
“I believe that humans are meant to be a supportive community, on its various levels, and that our social accountability is extensive and global.”