Israel Martis: The Heart Behind Burohelp, Helping People with Compassion and Empathy!
Recently, our very own founder and CEO, Israel Martis, sat down with Elin Manuel Castro Sánchez, the First Secretary of the Embassy of the Dominican Republic to the Kingdom of The Netherlands, for a candid and heartfelt conversation about his journey and the inspiration behind Burohelp. In this interview, Israel shared his personal life experiences and his passion for helping others overcome the type of challenges he once faced.
From Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to the World: Israel’s Journey
Born in Santo Domingo, Israel moved to Aruba at the age of four before eventually settling in the Netherlands in 1994. Like many of us who’ve moved to a new country, Israel dealt with a lot of changes—new culture, new language, and a whole lot of paperwork! It was this experience that planted the seed for what would eventually become Burohelp.
In the interview, Israel reflected on how difficult it was to navigate life in the Netherlands as a newcomer. "When I arrived here, I encountered many cultural differences and language barriers. I knew if I was struggling, others must be too," he said. That's when the idea of Burohelp started to take shape—a platform to make life simpler and more comforting for everyone.
The Birth of Burohelp: A Platform for Everyone
Burohelp didn’t start out as the global platform it is today. It began as a smaller initiative aimed at helping fellow Dominicans navigate local bureaucratic systems. But Israel quickly realised that these struggles weren’t limited to one community. People from all backgrounds were facing challenges, whether they were from outside of Europe, locals to the country, or even other countries in Europe.
Israel explained, "We all face the same obstacles when we move to a new country—whether it's dealing with unfamiliar institutions or figuring out where to get the right information. That’s where Burohelp comes in, to connect people with the support they need, quickly and compassionately."
Today, Burohelp has expanded beyond the Dominican community to help people worldwide, bridging gaps in understanding and empowering them to thrive in their new environments.
Making a Global Impact, One Solution at a Time
What started as a simple idea has now grown into something much bigger. Israel shared how Burohelp is gaining recognition, not just in the Netherlands but across Europe. Whether it's assisting refugees, partnering with universities, or collaborating with corporations, Burohelp is touching lives everywhere. The platform is now global, operating in over 180 countries, helping people with everything from legal paperwork to finding a sense of belonging in new communities.During the interview, Israel shared a touching story about helping a fellow Dominican woman who was overwhelmed by a paperwork mishap. It was in these small acts of kindness that the vision for Burohelp became even clearer—creating a service that allows people to ask for help without hesitation and at no cost.
CSR and the Role of Businesses in Burohelp
With the European Union’s new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) legislations, companies are now required to give back to the communities that serve them. For many organisations, this may seem like a daunting task—but it doesn’t have to be.
As Israel mentioned, “Giving back could be as simple as offering a day of service. Imagine calling on employees to help someone paint walls or assemble furniture—tasks that might be nearly impossible for a person with disabilities—or helping a migrant navigate paperwork or translate a document they can’t read.”
Burohelp offers businesses an easy way to comply with these new CSR mandates. Instead of employees wondering how to contribute or searching for opportunities, companies can connect with Burohelp to make a direct impact, whether through helping people with bureaucratic tasks, offering translation assistance, or even just lending a hand in everyday challenges.
It’s not just about meeting bureaucratic requirements. Burohelp connects people who need assistance with real-life obstacles—helping them feel supported in their new communities, giving companies a way to make a meaningful difference, and promoting the empathy and compassion needed to create stronger, more inclusive societies.
A Call for Compassion and Empathy
As the interview wrapped up, Israel shared a powerful message: “Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s a way to show that you’re open to connecting and growing stronger.”
At Burohelp, that’s what we’re all about—offering a helping hand when it's needed most and creating a space where everyone feels supported.
So whether you’re new to a country and unsure where to start, or you're a company looking for ways to make an impact, Burohelp is here for you, just as Israel envisioned all those years ago. His journey is proof that when we lead with empathy, we can make a real difference in the world.
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