Volunteer

Volunteering In Israel

WUJS Israel Hadassah

WUJS Israel Hadassah runs 5 and 10 months program for Jewish college graduates from around the world between ages 21 and 35. The program offers specialized tracks: Jerusalem Learning, Intern Jerusalem, Arts Program, Peace & Social Justice, and Intern Tel Aviv.  WUJS participants up to age 30 qualify for grants from the Israeli government’s Project MASA.  For more information, go to www.wujsisrael.org

AMIRIM

A summer volunteering program in Israel for college students and young professionals ages     18-27. The participants live in Jerusalem, in Arad or beside Tel Aviv and volunteer for non-profit organizations four times a week, explore the Israeli landscape through weekly day trips and discover Israeli culture & society through different educational and cultural events. For more information, go to www.amirimisrael.com

Mahal2000

In 1948, approximately 3,500 overseas volunteers came from 43 different countries to defend and fight for the nascent State of Israel during its struggle for survival and independence. They were known as Machal. Most were World War II veterans whose military experience and skills were of decisive importance in helping to shape the newly emerging Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Today, this tradition continues with Mahal2000, a program enabling young overseas Jews to volunteer for service in the Israel Defense Forces, followed by a commitment to Jewish community service in their country of origin.

Mahal Volunteer website

Ambulance Volunteer Program: Magen David Adom

The Magen David Adom volunteer scheme is an exciting two-month program for those interested in learning first aid, and getting hands-on experience in Israel. Volunteers spend nine days learning basic first aid, and the Hebrew vocabulary that is needed to work on an ambulance. For the rest of the time, participants in the program ride ambulances, and help out with real medical emergencies, contributing to Israel whilst enjoying a fascinating experience. From working as a steward at football games to helping evacuate the wounded from the Versailles wedding hall collapse tragedy, MDA volunteers have a varied and exciting time.

Magen David Adom volunteer website

Marva

Marva is a program for those interested in experiencing, in some way, what it is like in the Israeli Army. Marva participants stay on army bases, learn about the Israeli Army, learn how to use weapons, go on marches and hikes, and generally complete something akin to ‘basic training’. The program is conducted in Hebrew, and so is a good way to become more familiar with the language. Participants need to be physically fit, as Marva is no picnic.

Marva (Jewish Agency website).

Israel Professional Internship Program

For those interested in experiencing ‘everyday life’ in Israel, the Jewish Agency is able to arrange internships in a variety of interesting organisations. Depending upon background and experience, interns might be placed in hospitals, schools, hi-tech companies – anywhere related to their profession. Whilst perhaps more difficult socially than programs that are more group based, the Internship Program is a good way for those who feel brave to get to know the real Israel.

Internship Program details.

Kibbutz Ulpan

Kibbutzim are collective settlements, where members of a community share a certain (usually quite high) proportion of their wealth to promote the common good. Although many kibbutzim are increasingly run according to free-market lines, many people still like to volunteer on kibbutz, return to the land (or the factory, or the dining room), and learn Hebrew. Kibbutz Ulpan can be a good way to learn Hebrew, because there are opportunities to actually use new words at work (depending on the job, of course). Generally a very cheap and easy way to get to Israel, and spend five months learning the language.

Kibbutz Ulpan details.

WUJS Arad

Arad is a beautiful, tranquil and safe town surrounded by wonderful desert scenery. It is home to a great progam that was started by WUJS. WUJS Arad is an educational scheme that teaches university graduates Hebrew, Jewish history, Judaism, and about Israel. In addition to study, there is a three-week work placement, that is supposed to expose participants to life in Israel. The WUJS Arad program also offers a variety of tiyulim (trips) around Israel.

W.U.J.S Arad website.

Elsewhere on the Internet
AJ6 Guide to Volunteering in Israel
Hitchhikers Guide to Israel Programs