Volunteer in Israel with UJA Connect

IMG_7343 (2)
MAY 11-21, 2026 | UJA CONNECT

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. Birthright Israel and UJA Connect invite you to rally your support for the people of Israel, in the land of Israel, while the needs are greatest.

Volunteer in Israel is a unique 10-day opportunity for can-do travelers seeking to volunteer, reconnect, and renew together.

SUBSIDIZED

Covers accommodations, flights, transportation, meaningful volunteering, health insurance, select meals

OPTION #1 | USE A GROUP FLIGHT

A US$700 flight fee + US$250 program fee applies

OPTION #2 | ARRANGE YOUR OWN FLIGHT

A US$250 program fee applies

Opportunity to extend in Israel after the trip – standard extension fee applies

ELIGIBILITY

Identify as Jewish

Open to adults ages 18+

SIGN UP

Space is limited | SIGN UP

SPACE IS LIMITED – SIGN UP NOW

READY TO GO?

Launch your registration for the Toronto UJA Connect trip on the Birthright Israel site – it only takes a few minutes, and it's commitment-free

You'll need to pay a US$250 Birthright Israel program fee* to be accepted and a US$700 USD flight fee if using the optional group flight

A team member from Israel Outdoors will 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

OVERVIEW  |  FLIGHTS  |  SIGN UP  |   DETAILS  |   FAQS

PUT YOURSELF IN THE PICTURE!

OVERVIEW  |  FLIGHTS  |  SIGN UP  |   DETAILS  |   FAQS

TAKING FLIGHT

OPTION #1 | Use the group flight from New York

Depart from New York on May 11 and return to New York on May 21.

Volunteers fly to Israel as a group but can extend their return flight (standard extension fee applies).

Flight cost is US$700 – Volunteers pay an additional US$250 Birthright Israel program fee.

The group flight can be cancelled 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 May 12.

Leave the trip anytime after the group's departure on May 21.

Volunteers pay a US$250 Birthright Israel 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
There will be ample free time to explore and visit your favourite spots!

INCLUDED

Triple Occupancy Hostels/Hotels*

Meaningful Volunteering Projects

Local Medical Insurance

Staff Escorts & Support

Airport transfers for volunteers on the optional group flight

Social, Cross-Cultural & Educational Activities

Breakfast daily & 2 dinners, including Shabbat

Volunteer in and visit the impacted border communities

*Volunteers stay in accommodations with three travelers per room.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to adults ages 18+

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

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.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Don't see the answer to a question on your mind? Contact us! We're here to get you there!

Overview & Eligibility

Logistics & Policies

Volunteering & Schedule

OVERVIEW  |  FLIGHTS  |  SIGN UP  |   DETAILS  |   FAQS

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