Young Jewish trekkers raise £57,000 for wounded Israeli veterans on Everest challenge

A group of young Jewish Londoners has raised more than £57,000 for wounded Israeli veterans and Jewish community initiatives after completing a challenging trek to Everest Base Camp.

The Spark x Shevet Everest Base Camp Expedition surpassed its £50,000 target, attracting support from 418 donors and raising £57,181 for Shevet Foundation and Spark YJP.

The expedition saw 13 participants spend 10 days trekking through the Himalayas in support of Shevet Foundation, an Israeli charity that helps seriously injured IDF veterans rebuild their lives through adventure-based rehabilitation programmes.

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Half of the funds raised will support Shevet’s work with wounded veterans, while the remainder will help fund Spark YJP’s activities for young Jewish adults in London.

Spark YJP is a London-based network for young Jewish professionals founded in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks. Co-founded by Rabbi Meir Levin, the organisation says it has engaged more than 1,000 young adults through social, educational and community events aimed at strengthening Jewish identity and connection.

Speaking to Jewish News, Levin said the group had felt a strong connection to the veterans supported by Shevet.

“I think these are young people, often our age,” he said. “In a very different life, we could be in the same situation as them. They are the ones who have ended up on the front lines, putting their lives in danger for Israel. That was something we really resonated with.”

He said Everest was chosen because organisers wanted a challenge that reflected the charity they were supporting.

“We wanted to do something challenging,” he said. “Being on the biggest mountain range in the world was awe-inspiring, yet quite brutally difficult.”

The altitude proved one of the toughest obstacles.

“The oxygen, the altitude, it was really tough,” he said.

Alongside the physical challenge, participants took part in daily Jewish learning sessions and spent Shabbat together on the trek.

One of the most memorable moments came when the group unexpectedly met several Israelis travelling in the region, including a first responder who attended the Nova music festival massacre on 7 October.

Levin described the encounter as a matter of “Divine Providence”. He said the unplanned meeting led to meaningful conversations and friendships.”

Participant Sasha Meir, 26, described the experience as “incredibly enriching”.

“It brought together spiritually minded, Jewish, and adventurous individuals in a unique environment free from distractions of everyday life,” she said.

“By focusing on a shared challenge, we were able to connect more deeply with ourselves, build meaningful relationships with new people, and strengthen our sense of Jewish community and identity.

“It also allowed us to understand the importance of the charity we were raising money for, as it seeks to empower veterans by getting them involved in similar adventurous challenges,” she said.

“We met different Israelis on the way, who shared their experiences of fighting on 7 October, which made the purpose of the trip even more meaningful.”

Eyal Yarimi, chairman of Shevet Foundation, said the fundraising success would help the charity expand opportunities for wounded veterans recovering from life-changing injuries.

“The success of the Spark x Shevet Everest Base Camp Expedition represents far more than a fundraising achievement,” he said. “It is a powerful reminder to the injured veterans we support that they are not alone, and that people around the world stand beside them on their journey of recovery and rebuilding their lives.”

He added: “Every pound raised helps create opportunities for wounded IDF veterans to participate in transformative rehabilitation programmes through sport, adventure, and challenge.”

The expedition raised £57,181 from 418 donors, exceeding its original £50,000 target by more than £7,000.