Building global support for Israel and the Jewish people.

Chaim and Deanna Malespin at Ramon Crater Israel

Early Life and Immigration

Chaim Japheth Malespin was born in the United States and moved to Israel as a teenager. He made aliyah (immigration to Israel) in 1999 at the age of 15, relocating with his family. His family’s decision to settle in Israel was motivated by a belief in the prophetic “restoration” of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland. Growing up in the Galilee region, Malespin personally experienced the challenges faced by new immigrants – learning Hebrew, adapting to a new culture, and finding community – which would later shape his life’s work.

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"Even after his compulsory service, he continued to serve as a reservist in Yahalom, contributing his skills to Israel’s security when called upon."

Chaim Malespin at Rafah Beach (IDF Special Missions)

Military Service

After finishing high school, Malespin entered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the mid-2000s. He served in the IDF’s elite Combat Engineering Corps, specifically in the Yahalom special commando unit. Yahalom is an elite engineering unit specializing in explosives, countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and destroying terror tunnels. Malespin saw active duty during several major military operations (“enemy incursions”) during that period. Over the years, he rose through the ranks within this elite unit. Even after completing his compulsory service, he continued to serve as a reservist in Yahalom, contributing his skills to Israel’s security when called upon.

Chaim and the head of the municipality of Tiberias, and the leadership team from the Ministry of Aliyah and Absorption, at the grand opening of the Aliyah Return Center's new free clothing distribution center.

Education and the Aliyah Return Center

Following his military service, Chaim Malespin pursued higher education. He attended the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya, now known as Reichman University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy, graduating in 2013.

That same year, drawing on his personal immigration experience and passion for helping others, Malespin teamed up with partners to found the Aliyah Return Center (ARC), מחסה הארץ המובטחת, in Israel’s Galilee region. The Aliyah Return Center was established along the Jordan River in 2013 as a humanitarian organization focused on assisting new olim (Jewish immigrants) with the difficult process of integrating into Israeli society.

Malespin took on the role of Director of Operations and later became Chairman of the Board, overseeing the ARC’s programs and growth. At the Aliyah Return Center, Malespin helped transform a former boutique hotel into a facility that provides assistance to new immigrants. The organization later began a massive $5 million renovation project that lasted six years, during which Malespin teamed up with the Jewish Agency to develop a vibrant campus for new immigrants and international volunteers.

Since then, the center has expanded its work throughout the country, with a special focus on the Galilee. It provides practical support to immigrants, including temporary housing, Hebrew language classes, job-training assistance, and community activities, helping ease their integration into Israeli life.

Under Malespin’s leadership, the ARC, along with the Israel advocacy organization and registered charity נאמני הגליל (Faithful Galileans), became a hub for international support for Israel. The organization invites volunteers and interns from around the world to “Participate with Israel.” These interns take part in service projects throughout the Galilee and are trained to become effective “ambassadors for Israel” when they return to their home countries.

By fostering these connections, Malespin’s organization serves as a bridge between Israel and supportive communities abroad, in line with its goal of bringing Israel and the nations together to work for Zion’s sake.

Chaim Malespin and Moshe Arbel (Minister of the Interior of Israel)

Philanthropy

Chaim Malespin has contributed significantly both to Israeli society and to global Nations and Israel relations through his work. Some of his key contributions and achievements include:
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‍• Helping Immigrants find their footing in areas such as housing, employment, language acquisition, and social integration. This practical assistance helps fulfill Israel’s biblical ethos of welcoming exiles back to their homeland, an effort Malespin views as part of “Israel’s Great Restoration” process.
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• International Volunteer Engagement: Malespin has been instrumental in training and mobilizing countless international volunteers over the years in support of Israel. Under his direction, the Aliyah Return Center’s internship program brings young adults and the “young at heart” from various nations to work in Israel and learn about Jewish history and culture. These volunteers not only lend a helping hand on the ground in countless ways, but also return home as informed advocates for Israel. This initiative has cultivated a global network of “ambassadors” for Israel worldwide, amplifying understanding and goodwill between Israel and the nations.
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• Bridge-Building and Advocacy: A hallmark of Malespin’s career is building bridges between Israeli Jews and Christian supporters of Israel globally. Being a Jewish believer himself, he often shares the biblical perspective on Israel’s rebirth and destiny with primarily International audiences, strengthening faith-based support for Israel. He frequently speaks at all manner of events, campaigns, conferences, and community gatherings internationally to promote solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. He has also been featured as a guest on numerous network television programs where he discusses the significance of aliyah and current events in Israel. Malespin’s efforts in Nations and Israel engagement earned him recognition as one of the “Bridgebuilders” – top activists fostering cooperation and community building. His charismatic advocacy has helped unite people of different backgrounds in support of Israel’s peace and prosperity.

Chaim Malespin writing a Torah scroll receiving the honor with fellow combat soldiers at the Gaza border

Personal Life

Chaim Malespin’s professional work is closely tied to his personal life. He is married to Deanna, who is originally from Canada, and they reside in the Galilee, not far from the Aliyah Return Center’s base. Together, they are raising three children. Malespin often speaks about the importance of leaving a legacy for the next generation and living out the biblical injunction to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Through his military and humanitarian roles, including more than 20 years of military service and nearly two years of continuous deployment during the Swords of Iron War, Chaim Malespin exemplifies a blend of patriotism, faith, and compassion, making him a notable figure in Israel’s contemporary and developing story.

Chaim Malespin and Natan Sharansky

Contact Chaim

Email

workingtogetherforisrael@gmail.com