Taglit Birthright Israel Birthright Israel Onward Volunteer In Israel Birthright Israel Excel Birthright Israel Beyond
Background image Background image

Am I eligible?

Volunteer In Israel trips are open to all Jewish adults, ages 18 to 50 years old

How does Birthright Israel define ‘Jewish’?

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.

Can I participate if I've never been to Israel before?

Yes. However, preference will be given to those who have prior Israel experience.

Do I need to speak Hebrew?

No, you don't need to speak Hebrew but it's always a plus!

What are the steps to get accepted?

After submitting your application, you will be invited to an interview. If accepted, you’ll receive a notification from the Trip Organizer you applied with and be asked to pay a non-refundable program registration fee.
The order of the process may vary by Trip Organizer.

If I've already been on a Volunteer in Israel Program can I go again?

Yes, but you will not be eligible for the flight portion of the program and will have to make your own way to and from Israel. You must have a valid passport valid for at least 6 months prior to departure.

What kind of volunteer work will I be doing?

Placements are assigned upon arrival to meet real-time needs. You will volunteer in groups for typically 4–6 hours a day in hands-on roles. Activities range from agricultural work (harvesting and sorting) and packing and distributing supplies for displaced families and soldiers, to social and environmental initiatives with hospitals, nursing homes, and organizations like Venatata, MeLaVaV, and Yozmat Hoenergia

 

Where can I learn more details about the specific volunteer placements?

Examples of volunteering types (subject to change):

  • Logistical Centers: Packing food, clothing, and essential supplies for displaced families, security services, and civilian needs. Potential partners: Pitchon Lev, Latet, Leket Israel.
  • Agriculture: Assisting farmers with harvesting produce to prevent waste and support communities in need. Potential partners: Hashomer HaChadash, Leket Israel.

Will there be an opportunity to meet Israelis?

Yes. While there are no structured meetups, participants often meet Israelis during their volunteer work and in their free time.

Will I be able to observe Shabbat and Kashrut?

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.

Will there be free time?

Yes. You will have free time whenever you aren't volunteering or participating in scheduled programming.

Are there staff on the program?

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.

Will there be an orientation?

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.

What will happen if the security situation worsens during my stay?

In the event that the situation worsens, we will adjust the program as needed, including relocating the group if warranted.

What are the accommodations like (sharing space)?

Standard accommodation is provided at no additional cost and consists of triple-occupancy hotel rooms. If you prefer to upgrade, the following options are available:

  • Double Room: Upgrade to a double-occupancy room for an additional $25 USD per night, per person.
  • Single Room: Upgrade to a private single room for an additional $100 USD per night, per person.

Will the accommodations have a safe room?

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

Will there be access to WIFI?

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.

What transportation will be provided once I arrive in Israel?

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.

Can I take public transportation?

You are not required to use public transportation for volunteering. However, you are welcome to use it during your free time.

I have friends or family in Israel, can I stay with them?

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.

Can I extend my 10-day Birthright Israel tour to join this program?

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.

What is the cost of the program?

The cost includes a $50 USD non-refundable registration fee and depends on your departure region:

  • $300 USD: European gateway airports.
  • $600 USD: Other gateway cities.
  • $950 USD: Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand.

COMING SOON: Revised Program Costs

Effective February 16, 2026, updated program costs will apply. 

Program Fee

  • $250 + flight (if applicable)

Flight Prices

  • $300 USD – departures from Europe
  • $900 USD – departures from Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand
  • $700 USD – departures from most other cities

Additional Fees

  • All payments are subject to a $25 non-refundable handling/registration fee

Cost applicability:

  • The updated pricing applies to all applications with payment submitted on or after February 16, 2026, regardless of when the application was started.

     

What does the cost cover?

  • Round-trip airfare (from designated cities, once per person).
  • Housing accommodations.
  • Transportation to and from volunteer placements.
  • Health insurance (please note this does not cover pre-existing conditions) 
  • Organized activities.
  • Breakfast or a modest stipend of $100 USD per week for food.

Can I arrange my own flight?

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.

What happens if I need to cancel?

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

What happens if I need to leave the program early?

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.

Will I still be eligible for a Birthright Israel trip or an Onward program?

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.

Can I stay in Israel after the program is over?

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.

Can I still volunteer if my preferred track is full?

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.

No results for ""

Find Your Perfect Program

View Programs