Volunteer in Israel

Israel needs you now

Want to support Israel by volunteering – but unsure where to start? Below is a Tool-Kit to aid volunteers from the British Jewish Community 

The Israeli people need us and the Israeli people want us. Let’s ‘step-up’ for Israel at this crucial time.

Many foreign agricultural workers left Israel after 7th October. Few have returned and crops remain unpicked or unplanted.

Across Israel many reservists have been called up, so this essential work remains undone in agriculture and across many aspects of Israel’s economy.

There are a variety of volunteering opportunities – with something for everyone: farming, cooking, delivering food, warehouse work, supporting displaced people, repairing and renewing infrastructure – and so much more!

Essential tool–kit to help Israel now
  • Book a Flight – At present El Al, BA and WizzAir fly direct between the UK and Israel. Virgin plans to recommence flights in September 2024. EasyJet has suspended flights until October 2024. To see if you are eligible for a discount with El Al, please contact isvoluk@gmail.com.
  • Book Accommodation – we recommend staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, from either, you can access a range of daily volunteering opportunities. Check:
  • Arrange Insurance – the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office currently advises against all but essential travel to Israel, so most travel and medical insurance policies will not provide cover. Providers such as Harel can fill some gaps (for example, see https://www.yedidim-health.co.il/tourists). More extensive – and expensive – options exist (contact brokers such as glenn.c@leagold.co.uk)
  • Join – Join the Israel Volunteer Opportunities Facebook group by clicking here – you will need to register to join
  • Select Volunteering Opportunities – we suggest ONLY planning a few days ahead. This way you’ll have a plan for the first few days, but the flexibility to add other opportunities as you share stories with other volunteers.

Some volunteering ideas follow….

Examples of how you can volunteer

Below is a shortlist of volunteering options and resources to consider:

UJIA and Birthright Israel are running an 8-day / 14-day volunteering programme based in Tel Aviv.

This will give you a unique opportunity to stand with the people of Israel during these difficult times and support them in areas including sorting, packing, picking, and distributing goods for civil society. You will volunteer during the week for between 4-6 hours per day.

Eligibility

  • Applicants between 20-40 years old – regardless of previous Israel Programme experience.
  • Preference to those who have already participated in Israeli programmes.
  • Identify as Jewish.
  • Basic knowledge of English.
  • Have a valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months after the program end date).

** Participation in this programme does not affect future eligibility for Birthright Israel programmes.

Click here to register

6 weeks volunteering programme in Israel. You can tailor make your 6 weeks, by choosing the location you would like to volunteer and the kind of volunteering.

4-week volunteering programme in Israel. 16 years old up to 50 years old. This opportunity is available for Masa alumni and parents of current or past Masa Fellows as well! Applications for the 4-week programme to open soon.

Eligibility: Individuals between 16-50, valid passport, and identify as Jewish and haven’t done a Masa programme before

Click here or email Lee at masauk@masaisrael.org 

Leket daily farming trips from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (transportation provided)

Tel Aviv click here. Jerusalem click here.

Leket Israel have long worked redistributing surplus food across Israel. In the current situation they have also taken on some of the agricultural responsibilities that have been abandoned by workers who are no longer available to pick and pack crops.

Volunteers who are in Israel are welcome to contact Leket and arrange sessions to help with their work.

For more information email Leket’s Volunteer Coordinator at michelle@leket.org.

Meir Panim provide cooked meals for those living below the poverty line in Israel. In response to the current crisis, they have been increasing their services to assist those Israeli’s internally displaced. They welcome volunteers who can help with cooking and distribution.

For more information please email info@meir-panim.org.il.

Keshet Israel can provide a full package of volunteering and engagement opportunities for groups of a minimum of 10 people.

Please contact Tami at Keshet Israel here.

The Volunteer Opportunities Facebook group has a comprehensive list of suggestions and opportunities – Volunteer Opportunities. Note you will need to register to access this page, and also, that some of the suggestions listed might be out of date.

Victim and Displaced People’s Support 

Eran’s Angels – distribution center in Ramat Gan (at Expo Tel Aviv – Building 1, level minus 1)

Click here for more details.

Tachlit, based in Jerusalem, packs and distributes food Sunday to Thursday to families in need (the poor, those with disabilities, soldiers and evacuees) register here or here.

Citrus & Salt (food preparation)

Please email salt@gmail.com or register for WhatsApp chat here

Extra Practical Advice and Tips
  • Once in Israel download the Home Front Command App for security alerts.
  • Buy an eSim package for your mobile phone (e.g. from Airalo) for cheaper internet access (download and set up pre-travel, and activate once you land).
  • Use tools such as Google Translate to translate if you aren’t fluent in Ivrit.
  • Get a Rav Kav card/account (like a London Oyster card) / for bus and train travel across Israel. You can get a card at Ben Gurion airport. Hiring a car opens up more volunteering options, but this isn’t essential, and parking can be hard, especially in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
  • Use Apps such as Call Bus or Moovit to easily plan your travel in Israel.
  • Consider setting up a Gett account (Israel’s equivalent of Uber).
  • GPS can be unreliable. Signals are sometimes scrambled to defend against potential missile and drone attacks (relevant if you consider hiring a car).

Please note that the purpose of this document is for UJIA to signpost volunteering opportunities and to share details of possible providers. UJIA is not responsible for their content and that resources shared on non-UJIA websites are subject to the discretion of those respective sites. Furthermore, UJIA does not explicitly endorse either the content or services of those referenced.

YOU WILL make a real difference while having an incredibly uplifting experience in Israel.

If you need help, email us at Isvoluk@gmail.com and we’ll aim to reply promptly.

Version: July 2024