This spring, the ICEJ welcomed friends from Sweden who came to complete renovations of the ‘Swedish House’ located in Kfar Galim in Northern Israel.
The house was originally built in 1958, during Israel’s formative years, and donated by a Jewish woman from Sweden. Though her name is lost to history, her generosity lives on in the form of a charming wooden building, in traditional Swedish style. The structure became known simply as the “Swedish House.” For decades, it served as the village dining hall, a gathering place where young immigrants found both nourishment and a sense of belonging.
Over the years, the building aged and eventually fell into disrepair, yet its walls remained rich with memory. Then, in a beautiful turn of events, Swedish volunteers arrived in 2023 to breathe new life into this house, rekindling not only the woodwork but also the friendship between Sweden and Israel.
This story begins with the current Ukrainian war, when, in the early weeks of the conflict, a group of Jewish teenagers fled their homes and arrived in Israel with almost nothing. ICEJ Vice President for AID and Aliyah, Nicole Yoder, saw how urgent their needs were when they first arrived at Kfar Galim. Hearing of these needs, ICEJ-Sweden national director Gitten Öholm joined Nicole in delivering new essentials like bedding and personal items to help the teens settle into their new home.
Soon after, Gitten Öholm and the ICEJ AID team visited the youth village to meet the director, Danny. As they walked the grounds, Danny paused before an ageing wooden structure and remarked, “We call this the Swedish House. Maybe you could find some people from Sweden to help renovate it?”
Gitten said in an interview, “I didn’t commit. I’m not a builder, and I wasn’t sure how I could possibly gather volunteers, let alone convince them to pay for their own flights to Israel and do manual labour. But I kept the idea in the back of my mind.”
Back in Sweden that summer, while representing the ICEJ at a Christian conference in Uppsala, Gitten shared the story with a man who worked for a construction company. His reaction was immediate: “We’ve been asking what we could do for Israel,” he said, eyes lighting up.
A year later, that question blossomed into action. Ten skilled Swedish workers, some retired, others sponsored by their company, flew to Israel to restore the interior of the Swedish House. The company even paid their salaries as they worked for four days straight, pouring their energy and expertise into the project.
Because of their hard work, the Swedish House has been transformed into a center for Kfar Galim’s 330 boarding students, many of whom come from difficult or traumatic backgrounds. Wrestling classes for the boys and dance therapy sessions for the girls now occur where generations once gathered to eat.
This year, a second team from Sweden arrived, comprising six dedicated workers, including three who had been part of the original crew. They completed the exterior renovations, working 12-hour days in the hot Israeli sun. Yet the joy of returning, being welcomed like family, and seeing the fruits of their labour made every moment worthwhile.
One special memory stands out. During their stay, 120 teens from northern Israel who had been evacuated due to the current conflict were also being hosted at the village.
While gardening one day, some of them approached and began chatting. The conversation turned to life and purpose. “They didn’t walk away,” said Gitten. “They listened. Some even accepted a hug.”
That evening, village director Danny hosted the team for dinner. With emotion in his voice, he said, “This was the best night I’ve had in a long time. To be with you, to feel the love and see the work you’ve done, that was the greatest gift.”
This incredible renovation shows how practical service, and long-term partnership can impact the people of Israel. The restored Swedish House is now once again serving youth in Israel as a place of growth, resilience, and hope.
You, too, can make a tangible difference for the people of Israel. Consider joining the ICEJ’s next Hands-on Serving Tour and be part of a team of international volunteers bringing hope, healing, and practical help where it is needed most.
Thank you for supporting the ICEJ’s vital work in Israel through your prayers and giving. Your generous giving to our ‘Renew and Rebuild Israel Fund‘ significantly impacts the lives of Israelis.
