Not All Heroes Wear Capes - Some Wear Purple Vests

Photos by Sandra Broza

What if helping others was easier than you think? What if, with just a few simple tools and a little heart, you could make a real difference in someone's day, or even in their life?

ESRA, Israel's English-speaking partner of the national PurpleVest Mission, together with Access Israel, brought that idea to life through an inspiring hands-on training session. The goal: to prepare volunteers to assist the elderly and people with disabilities - not just in times of crisis, but in everyday moments of kindness.

Participants didn't just listen - they experienced. They practiced guiding someone who is blind, learned to communicate with a person who is deaf, and discovered how to offer support rooted in empathy and respect. But more than anything, they left with open eyes, full hearts and a renewed sense of purpose.

"Working side by side with people living with disabilities changed how I see inclusion. It's not about feeling sorry for someone - it's about learning how to truly stand with them."
— ESRA Volunteer

"Hearing firsthand from people with disabilities opened my eyes. Accessibility isn't only about ramps and elevators, it's about awareness, understanding and humanity."
— Training Participant

"The test of any society is how it treats its weakest members."
— David Ben-Gurion

Through the Purple Vest Mission, ESRA continues to build a network of English speakers across Israel who care, act and are ready to help, ensuring no one is left behind. Because when compassion meets action, everyone benefits.

Want to be part of something bigger?
Join the movement in your area because helping others starts with you.