We’re excited to be back — trips have resumed, and participants are already on the ground, experiencing Israel and loving it.
All programs operate under strict safety standards, in full alignment with IDF Home Front Command guidelines.
Volunteer In Israel trips are open to all Jewish adults, ages 18 to 50 years old
Birthright Israel welcomes Jewish adults from a wide range of backgrounds, including those from interfaith families. If your Jewish story is complex or you’re unsure about your eligibility, please review the full guidelines or contact us directly for a personal consultation.
Yes. However, preference will be given to those who have prior Israel experience.
No, you don't need to speak Hebrew but it's always a plus!
Overwhelming response and limited availability could mean you may be waitlisted for a trip.
To give yourself the best chance of securing a spot, be sure to complete your application as soon as registration opens. Your application must be fully completed, including submitting the required payment, which is *refundable if you do not participate and do not cancel after the deadline.
For updates on your status, you can follow up directly with your Trip Organizer.
*All payments are subject to a $25 non-refundable handling/registration fee
You can participate in more than one Birthright Israel Volunteer in Israel program, but only once per season. If you’ve already joined a program and used the subsidized flight, you won’t be eligible for another subsidized flight in the future. However, you’re still welcome to return for another experience by arranging and paying for your own travel to and from Israel.
Volunteer placements are assigned upon arrival to address real-time needs. You will work in groups for 4 to 6 hours daily in various hands-on roles. Activities include agricultural work (such as harvesting and sorting), packing and distributing supplies for displaced families and soldiers, and supporting social or environmental initiatives at hospitals, nursing homes, and local communities.
Yes. While there are no structured meetups, participants often meet Israelis during their volunteer work and in their free time.
Yes. There are no volunteer assignments on Shabbat, and you are welcome to observe Shabbat and Kashrut according to your own practice. For every group, we organize a Kiddush and a Shabbat activity. Synagogues are located near the housing accommodations. While we cannot guarantee that your roommates will share the same level of religious observance, we will do our best to match you accordingly.
Yes. You will have free time whenever you aren't volunteering or participating in scheduled programming.
Yes. Each group will have a dedicated Israeli Counselor upon arrival in Israel. They will be on-site to support you and manage all logistical issues.
Yes. You will participate in a virtual orientation before arriving in Israel, followed by an in-person orientation on the first day of the program.
In the event that the situation worsens, we will adjust the program as needed, including relocating the group if warranted.
Yes, all accommodations will have a safe room or a shelter within the building.
Yes. WIFI is provided in all housing accommodations. However, since WIFI may not be available at volunteer sites, a mobile phone with a data plan is required.
Transportation to all volunteer placements is provided. Please note that travel to these sites may take up to an hour in each direction.
Regarding airport transfers: We provide transportation to and from the airport for those on the group flight. If you are flying independently, you will be responsible for your own travel to and from the airport.
You are not required to use public transportation for volunteering. However, you are welcome to use it during your free time.
During the program dates, all participants are required to stay in the provided volunteer accommodations. If you are in Israel before or after the program, you are responsible for your own arrangements and are welcome to stay with friends or family.
Yes. You can extend your return flight beyond the 10-day Birthright Israel trip to join us. Please note that you are responsible for the flight extension and any arrangements during the gap between the programs.
The cost of the program is $250 USD, plus flight costs based on your departure region (see below).
Flight Prices
Additional Fees
Yes. However, if you fly at your own expense or have already received a subsidized flight, there is no reimbursement from Birthright Israel.
You are still required to pay the program fee.
If you cancel your trip within 65 days of your confirmed flight departure, your payment will be forfeited, including the cost of your flight if applicable
*For all trips departing in May, the deadline to cancel without penalty is 10 days before the scheduled departure date.
**For all trips departing in June, the deadline to cancel without penalty is 30 days before the scheduled departure date.
Full participation is mandatory, from the first official day through the final closing activities. You are required to be in Israel for the entire duration of the program. In the event of a personal emergency, any costs associated with an early departure (such as flight changes or transportation) are the responsibility of the participant.
Yes! Participating in this volunteer program will not disqualify you from a future Birthright Israel trip or Onward program, provided that all other eligibility requirements are met.
Yes. However, once the program ends, you are responsible for your own accommodations, health insurance, and general safety. If your program included a group flight, you may be eligible to change your return date for an additional fee. Read more.
Yes. We hope to provide additional volunteer opportunities in Israel in the coming weeks. If you cannot be accommodated on the program you chose, your Trip Organizer will reach out with new opportunities as they become available.
For information or organising a trip (for a group of 15+ people from a Jewish Federation, synagogue, school, or other Jewish organisation in the United States or Canada) - please contact alyssa.hartstein@birthrightisrael.com
