VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL WITH REFORM JUDAISM
In response to October 7th, Israelis united around a collective volunteering effort to fill gaps in society. The work to rebuild and renew is just getting started, and Stephen Wise Free Synagogue's Amplify Israel initiative invites Reform Jews around the world to rally your support for the people of Israel, in the land of Israel while the needs are greatest.
Volunteer in Israel is an 8-day trip for can-do travelers seeking the opportunity to volunteer, connect, and renew together.
SUBSIDIZED
Covers accommodations, programming, health insurance, some meals, supporting staff
OPTION #1 | USE A GROUP FLIGHT
A $250 USD program fee and $700 USD flight fee applies
OPTION #2 | ARRANGE YOUR OWN FLIGHT
A $250 USD program fee applies
ELIGIBILITY
Identify as Jewish or live in a Jewish home
For age 26-50 travelers
Most prior Israel programs are okay
Open globally to conversational English speakers
SPACE IS LIMITED – SIGN UP NOW
*IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DATES
The dates listed above are being finalized and are subject to slight changes. Upon registering, we will email you a formal trip offer, which will allow you a chance to review the final trip dates prior to accepting a spot.
*IMPORTANT NOTE FOR TRAVELERS FLYING ON OWN
When registering, you'll need to select a gateway airport even if you don't want a group flight. You can indicate your plan to travel on your own later in the registration. The dates above indicate the group flight's departure date.
Registering is easy and commitment-free, but spots are limited. Take the first step!
Choose your preferred trip and follow the link in the trip dates table above to launch your official registration
When registering, you'll need to select a gateway airport even if you don't want a group flight. You can indicate your plan to travel on your own later in the registration.
You'll need to pay a $250 Birthright Israel program fee once you've been accepted and a $700 flight fee if using the optional group flight
We'll follow up with an interview, discuss next steps, and get you ready for this important journey together
We'll send you a planning guide to arrange your travels and help you get ready with a pre-trip orientation session
OPTION #1 | Use an optional group flight
Volunteers fly to Israel as a group but can request to extend their return flight (standard extension fee applies).
Flights cost $700 USD – on top of the $250 USD Birthright Israel program fee.
The group flight can be canceled for a full refund up to 65 days in advance, after which it is non-refundable.
Exact flight details will be made available once confirmed on a trip. Volunteers arrange their own travel to the gateway airport.
OPTION #2 | Arrange your own flights
Land in Israel by the time of the group flight's arrival on the arrival day. The arrival day is typically the second day of the program.
Leave the trip anytime after the group flight departs.
Volunteers pay a $250 Birthright Israel program fee, refundable up to 65 days before the group flight departs.
THE EXPERIENCE
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer ~4-6 hours per day when/where it's needed most. Example projects may include renewing damaged communities in the north or south, assisting farmers who lost their workforce, and providing logistical support.
CONNECT
Visit the border communities, stand in solidarity with the families of the hostages, and get to know a group of Israeli peers.
EXPLORE
Most evenings and weekends are yours to discover Israel on your own
INCLUDED
Shared Accommodations*
Volunteering Projects
Local Medical Insurance
Staff Escorts & Support
Social, Cross-Cultural & Educational Activities
Breakfast daily and Shabbat dinner
Volunteer in and visit the impacted border communities
*Volunteers stay in accommodations with three travelers per room. Volunteers can upgrade to a single room for an additional fee of $100/person/night. Volunteers traveling with a companion can upgrade to a double room for an extra fee of $25/person/night.
ELIGIBILITY
Open globally to ages 26-50
One year removed from high school
Identify as Jewish / Live in a Jewish home
Conversational in English + possess a passport
Most prior Israel program experience is OK
Volunteer participation will not affect your future eligibility for Birthright Israel, Onward, or Masa programs
NOT AGE ELIGIBLE?
All ages and backgrounds are invited to join the volunteer movement in Israel. Explore these options for travelers of all ages and for high school teens (subsidized).
Safe travel during a time of conflict
While these remain difficult days in Israel, we are hosting thousands of can-do volunteers responsibly – and we'll continue to do so as long as we are confident in being able to provide a safe and meaningful experience. Rest assured, we provide 24 x 7 staff supervision, all of our accommodations are equipped with safe rooms, and we travel together as a group for organized programming.
Overview & Eligibility
Logistics & Policies
Volunteering & Schedule
Volunteer in Israel is a joint initiative of Birthright Israel and the Jewish Federations of North America
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