One of the most significant challenges in this new reality, is how to support the elderly who are often alone in their homes, anxious and scared of the life-threatening coronavirus. Some of them suffer from pre-existing health conditions which can cause them serious complications if they contract the virus. These people need support, food, medication and other items which they cannot themselves retrieve from outside of their homes.

Birthright Excel, the entrepreneurship, leadership and business program of Birthright Israel, put out a call to action from its Community Fellows across North America and Israel, as present and future leaders to develop initiatives which meet the new challenges faced by the spread of coronavirus. Lior Avisar and Maya Klein, two active members of the alumni community rose to the challenge and together with Birthright initiated the project ‘Door to Dor,’ with ‘Dor’ meaning ‘generation’ in Hebrew.

‘Door to Dor’ is a service for the elderly who are unable to leave their homes due to being self-quarantined and the threat that the coronavirus outbreak poses to the elderly. The project, launched this week has already recruited more than 500 volunteers who will pick up prescription medicine, groceries and any other products that elderly people in their communities require.

Using protective equipment, the volunteers purchase the products and drop them off at the person’s front door – so there is not physical contact or risk. An envelope with the money for the items purchased will be waiting. The volunteer then leaves the building, and calls the elderly person to confirm that everything was delivered properly. 
The service is now available across Israel: https://www.door2dor.co.il/