Volunteers of today, leaders of tomorrow

The Yoni Jesner Foundation was set up in memory of Yoni Jesner 19 of Glasgow Scotland, an inspirational youth leader and role model who was tragically killed in a suicide bombing on a bus in Tel Aviv Israel on 19th September 2002. The YJF uses Yoni’s legacy to inspire young people to do more and care more. Yoni-Jesner-2500x1458

Be inspired by Yoni's Aphorisms - his thoughts about life found in his rucksack on the day he died.

Don’t make out that something is very obvious or people will be scared to ask questions. Don’t wear your trousers to high up. Don’t argue a point, even if you are sure that you are correct.
Always say, ”I’ll have to check it out because you might be right”. Always push yourself to go out with friends, even if you can’t be bothered – you’ll be happy in the end. Sleep before a
test or exam. Never say ‘obviously’ or ‘of course’. The job always expands to fill the time at hand, so don’t be scared of assuming extra responsibilities. Learn from those around you. Always have a reasonable sum of money easily accessible. There is no surer way of gaining someone’s respect and admiration than by making them feel special. Always look for the good, both in people and situations. Don’t bore people by complaining and moaning to them about things. Go to people where they are, not where you want them to be. You can only give it
if you’ve got it. If you don't do it,
who will? Is it the situation that needs changing or is it you? Yoni on Bench

What We Do

Honouring Yoni's Memory Perpetuating Yoni's Life Values Following Yoni's Example The Yoni Jesner Awards
 

There is no feeling quite like knowing you have made a difference to someones life.

Sign Up Now! and we'll get you started on your volunteering journey Register YJ Awards

Discover More about the Yoni Jesner Award and what you can achieve Discover Marsha and Group

The Yoni Jesner Award in Numbers
1000's of hours

1000’s of Yoni Jesner Award students have given 100’s of 1000’s of hours of their time - You Can Too!

Participants must volunteer for a minimum of 20 hours to receive the Yoni20 award, 50 hours for the Yoni50 and 100 hours for the Yoni100.

Yoni20 Award
Yoni50 Award
Yoni100 Award

Giving is your superpower Start using it NOW!.

Be inspired by how Yoni focused on small ways of giving

 

From The Archive

 

A Mothers Journey

Retracing Yoni’s footsteps on the last day of his life and the emotional meeting with the Palestinian girl who received one of his kidneys

 

Beyond Hatred

Focusing on Yoni‘s family in the aftermath of his tragic death and how the donation of his kidney came about

Organ Donation

In his death, Yoni gave the gift of life to three people whose hope of living was quickly fading, two Jewish men and a 7-year-old Palestinian girl.

As a doctor, Yoni would have done everything in his power to save lives. This was the one final opportunity he would ever have to perform this mitzvah.

Marsha Gladstone: My Story

Watch this five minute synopsis of life after Yoni and Marsha meeting the Palestinian girl.

Visiting Yasmin

10 years on Marsha visits Yasmin again.

The Jewish perspective on Organ Donation is often misunderstood. In fact Judaism regards Organ Donation as a profound life-saving act.

One person can save 8 lives. De-mystifying 5 commonly held myths about Halachic Organ Donation

Marsha meets Adam Salt, father of 3 year old daughter Sadie whose kidneys were donated following her tragic death.

Organ Donation is the ultimate gift of life. Marsha speaks about the importance of Organ Donation and what the gift of Yoni's kidney has meant to the family.

 

For further information and clarification about Organ Donation from the office of the Chief Rabbi, please click below

Click here