Volunteer Programs

For more information about volunteer programs, see: www.masaisrael.org

Sar-El Volunteers for Israel
Sar-El, the National Project For Volunteers for Israel, accepts volunteers ranging in age from 17-80+ to work on IDF military bases throughout the country. IDF support duties are varied and can include working in warehouses, machine shops, in food preparation and maintenance, repair and inventorying of equipment. Working alongside regular soldiers, volunteers help Israel shoulder its defense burden. The program fosters a cultural and educational exchange between the Diaspora and Israel while contributing to its economy. The program also includes evening activities including lectures, discussion groups, and some limited touring.

Recently, Nefesh B’Nefesh entered into a cooperative arrangement with Sar-El to facilitate volunteer opportunities for recent and veteran olim on IDF bases. For more information about this organization, please see Nefesh B'Nefesh - Sar-El Army Volunteers or see the Sar-El Website: www.sar-el.org

Kibbutz Volunteers
The volunteer program is a unique program that offers the opportunity to live and work within the communal Kibbutz environment. The volunteers work 8 hours a day 6 days a week. In return they are offered free accommodations in the kibbutz, sharing a room with between 2 and 4 people (depending on kibbutz and season), 3 meals a day, free laundry service in the kibbutz's common laundry and pocket money each month. In addition to this, the kibbutz organizes tours for the volunteers. Generally, the kibbutz offers work in three different categories: agriculture, tourism, the services and other different kinds of work. For more information about this organization, please contact: www.kibbutzprogramcenter.org

Livnot U'Lehibanot
Livnot U’Lehibanot is an Israel Experience Program for young Jewish people who have little background or affiliation with Judaism or their Jewish communities. As part of the programs, Livnot participants volunteer in a variety of community service projects in Tzfat and other areas of Northern Israel. Individual volunteers are welcome to join the Livnot volunteers in renovating and restoring local parks, excavating archeological ruins of Tzfat, renovating apartments of elderly and disabled residents and working in soup kitchens, libraries, old age homes and other venues in Tzfat. In Jerusalem, Livnot volunteers can join the Livnot work crews that repair and paint apartments of disadvantaged residents of Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem. For more information, contact laurie@livnot.com or call 04-692-4427.

Magen David Adom
Magen David Adom provides emergency services throughout Israel and works with its volunteers to provide effective first-aid treatment. The volunteer program allows you to be part of this mission. University students spend two incredibly exciting and satisfying months gaining hands-on experience giving first-aid and emergency care, while experiencing "real life" in Israel. Fore more information about this organization, please contact: http://www.mdais.com/

Project Otzma
OTZMA is a service-based leadership development program offering young adults ages 20-26 the unique opportunity to contribute and acquire an in-depth understanding of Israel and the Jewish people. Otzma participants gain an "insider's" perspective while working and learning in three consecutive and distinct tracks, including immigrant absorption, areas of urban renewal, social service work experiences and kibbutz. For more information about this organization, please contact: www.ujc.org

Kedma Para-Medical Clown Interns
Kedma trains a select group of overseas students to become para-medical clown interns. Inspired by Dr. Patch Adams (who is considered the father of clown doctors), this project aims to create a new type of experience for volunteer and patients at hospitals. For more information about this organization, please contact: www.kedma.org

Sherut La'am
The Sherut La’am Program is a unique six month volunteer and educational opportunity that allows participants to explore their field of interest through work experience and seminars. The program is designed for young adults ages 18-30 who have studied for at least one year in an institute of higher education and who have a basic knowledge of Hebrew. Participants are placed in a variety of organizations and settings according to their particular areas of interest and background. The program is divided into tracks whose joint focus is social and community contribution and the betterment of society and environment. For more information about this organization, please see the Jewish Agency website.

Yad Sarah
Men and women from all walks of life, young and old, rich and poor, from every religious and ethnic background, give of their time to volunteer at Yad Sarah, whether for two hours a week, or on a daily basis, or what have you. The variety of things that Yad Sarah does, the spectrum of help we give, lets each person who wants to help - find an area of volunteering that suits him or her. Yad Sarah gives its volunteers ongoing training, guidance and a feeling of belonging to one big, warm family. There are also special social and cultural activities for volunteers. Thousands of people find challenge, satisfaction and pleasure in volunteering at Yad Sarah. For more information about this organization, please contact: www.yadsarah.org

Project Shinui
Merkaz Hamagshimim Hadassah’s Project Shinui is dedicated to helping the young English-speaking Immigrant or potential immigrant find his or her place in Israeli society, through education, cultural opportunities, activism, volunteerism and the creation of a strong social network. As part of its assistance to organizations working for social change, Project Shinui offers a volunteer clearinghouse through which qualified volunteers are matched with appropriate organizations. Volunteers placed by Project Shinui work side by side with Israeli activists, learn and apply professional skills, and gain firsthand knowledge of the complexities and challenges facing Israeli society. Volunteers are also invited to participate in workshops that supplement the volunteer experience as well as provide access to other volunteers who have similar interests. Matching is based upon the skills and interests of the volunteer and organizational needs. Project Shinui volunteers vary in age and level of experience and volunteer full-time, part-time, and even a few hours per week. Among the fields we work with you can find coexistence, women, health, community building and many more. For more information about this organization, please contact: deena@themerkaz.org

Because We Care at Kfar Hayarok: Professionals ages 21 to 30 volunteer their time to help make a difference at an agricultural boarding school. For details, see Because We Care at Kfar Hayarok

Machal - Volunteers in the IDF
Mahal IDF programs of 14 ½ months (or 18 months including 3 months IDF Ulpan). Mahal-IDF-Volunteers.org assists young Jews from all over the world to volunteer for the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). For more information, see: Machal - Volunteers in the IDF

Israel offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in addition to those listed above. For more information on other volunteer initiatives please contact: guidance@nbn.org.il.

Nefesh BNefesh

Volunteer Programs