Volunteer in Israel with Jewish Federation Bay Area

We offer two flight options..

OPTION #1 | Use the group flight from Newark

Depart from SFO on March 21 and return to SFO on March 30.

Volunteers fly to Israel as a group but can request to extend their return flight (subject to availability & standard extension fees apply).

Flight cost is $1,200 – Volunteers pay an additional $1,300 program fee.

Exact flight details will be provided once confirmed for a trip. Volunteers arrange their own travel to the gateway airport.

Seats cannot be selected nor upgraded.

*Volunteers who have previously participated in a Birthright Israel Volunteer program and received a flight subsidy/reimbursement are not eligible for the group flight.

OPTION #2 | Arrange your own flights

Land in Israel by the time of the group's arrival on March 22.

Leave the trip anytime after the group's departure on March 30.

Volunteers pay a $1,300 program fee.

You can cancel your trip for a full refund up to 65 days before your trip departs, after which the payment is non-refundable. An additional $25 USD application fee also applies and is non-refundable.

*Group flight times and dates are subject to change.

We provide transportation to/from the airport for those on the group flight. Additionally, transportation is included to the volunteer placements and any additional touring or programming activities. Please note that travel to volunteer placements may take up to an hour in each direction.

Yes, you can extend your group flight return date beyond the 10-day Birthright Israel tour dates and attend this volunteer experience. You will be responsible for making the flight extension arrangements and making arrangements between the two programs if there is a gap.

Yes, there will be WIFI access in all housing accommodations that we provide. There may not be WIFI access at the volunteer sites, therefore a mobile phone with data is required.

Participation in all organized programming is mandatory, from the arrival day – through the closing session on the final night.

In the event of a personal emergency, costs associated with leaving early (flight changes, transportation, etc) are the responsibility of the participant.

Yes, there is no volunteer work on Shabbat, and you will be able to observe Shabbat and kashrut according to your practice. There are synagogues in the area of the housing.

NOTE: We can't guarantee that your roommates will share the same level of observance, however, we will do our best to match you accordingly.

Basic health insurance is included in the program fee. You will need to show proof of additional health insurance for pre-existing conditions not covered by the health policy.

Basic health insurance will not cover injuries directly connected to the war, however the State of Israel by law does cover such damages for anyone legally in the country.

NOTE: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your Israel travel costs.

Yes, all accommodations will have a safe room or a shelter within the building.

During the dates of the trip, volunteers are required to stay in the official program accommodations. If you are in Israel before or after the program begins and ends, you are responsible for your accommodations and can choose to stay with friends or family.

Yes, but keep in mind that you will be responsible for your own accommodations, health insurance, and general welfare once our program has ended.

Contact us ASAP and we will work with you to find a solution. We do recommend flying with EL AL Airlines or Arkia Airlines for maximum reliability during this time.