Volunteer in Israel with CESJDS
Following October 7th, volunteers worldwide have united around a collective effort to fill gaps and provide support.
Now, it's a new day in Israel, and the work to rebuild and repair Israeli society is just getting started. Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School invites our alumni community to rally support for the people of Israel while the needs are greatest.
Volunteer in Israel is a unique opportunity for can-do travelers seeking the opportunity to volunteer, reconnect, and renew together.
SUBSIDIZED
Covers 4* hotels, health insurance, breakfast daily & Shabbat meals
OPTION #1 | USE A GROUP FLIGHT
A $600 flight fee + $500 program fee applies
OPTION #2 | ARRANGE YOUR OWN FLIGHT
A $50 registration fee + $500 program fee applies
Upgrade from a double to a single room for a $125/night supplement
ELIGIBILITY
Identify as Jewish
Open to ages 21-50
SIGN UP
Registering is commitment-free, but space is limited | SIGN UP
Launch your registration for the CESJDS trip on the Birthright Israel site – it only takes a few minutes, and it's commitment-free
You'll need to pay a $50 Birthright Israel program fee to be accepted, a $550 fee if using the optional group flight and a $500 program supplement*
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
*THE SUBSIDIZED COST
Our CESJDS community experience has been enhanced above the basic Birthright Israel Volunteer program with upgraded hotels, additional meals, and programming. The full cost of the enhanced program is $1,100/person (including Birthright Israel's $50 registration fee and $550 flight fee).
OPTION #1 | Use the group flight from Dulles
Depart from Washington Dulles on July 5 and return on July 14.
Volunteers fly to Israel as a group but can extend their return flight (standard extension fee applies).
Flight cost is $550 – Volunteers pay an additional $50 non-refundable Birthright Israel application fee and a $600 supplemental 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 provided once confirmed for 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's arrival on July 6.
Leave the trip anytime after the group's departure on July 14.
Volunteers pay a $50 non-refundable Birthright Israel application fee and a $500 supplemental program fee.
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
4* Double Occupancy Hotels*
Volunteering Projects
Local Medical Insurance
Staff Escorts & Support
Airport transfers for volunteers on the optional group flight
Social, Cross-Cultural & Educational Activities
Breakfast Daily & Shabbat Meals
*Volunteers stay in accommodations with two travelers per room. Volunteers can upgrade to a single room for an additional fee of $125 per night per person.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to ages 21-50
Identifying as Jewish
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
Volunteer participation will not affect your future eligibility for Birthright Israel, Onward, or Masa programs
SAFE TRAVEL COMMITMENT
Since December 2023, we have hosted 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
MORE BIG ISRAEL OPPORTUNITIES
INTERNSHIPS
AGES 18-34 | 8 WEEKS
A resume-building internship program matching your skills and interests while sharing the joy and adventure of a summer or winter in Israel
SKILLS WORKSHOPS
AGES 18-35 | 4 WEEKS
Pick up a new skill – learn culinary, EMT, bartending, or AI design skills. Spend your off time enjoying the culture of Tel Aviv
TEACHING FELLOWS
AGES 21-35 | 10 MONTHS
Teach English and volunteer on this rewarding paid fellowship opportunity where you’ll pick up new skills and connect with Israeli society
BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL
AGES 18-26 | 10 DAYS
The gift of a free adventure is yours on a Birthright Israel trip with Israel Outdoors. Choose from a huge selection of dates, program options, and departure cities