Volunteer Programs

One great way to help you in your decision on making aliyah is to come here and volunteer. There are some great volunteer programs throughout the country which are geared toward internationals. If you are serious about aliyah, however, it is important for you to try to minimize the effect of the euphoria of being in Israel so that you can judge it fairly.
Remember the grass is always greener on the other side and you need to ask yourself if the small things that bug you while you volunteer will turn into big things when you make aliyah and how you can deal with them.

MDA

Magen David Adom gives you the chance for the experience of a life time with the Israeli Ambulance service volunteer program. After completing a short basic first aid course you will be taken out on actual emergency calls and you will assist paramedics and other medical staff in treating injuries. For more information please visit the magen david adom web page. http://www.mdaoverseas.com/

Sar El

Sar El gives you a chance to volunteer on an army base for a period of around three weeks (with the option of doing longer). You will be assisting with day to day tasks allowing giving soldiers more time to perform their other duties. You will also given lectures on numerous topics concerning Israel and Jewish issues. For more information please see the sar el website at http://www.sar-el.org

Kibbutz Volunteer Programs

Ever wanted to live on a kibbutz and experience kibbutz life? Want to find a way of experiencing Israel cheaply? Then consider volunteering on a kibbutz. As a kibbutz volunteer you will be provided with three meals a day and a place to live. In return you will work for 8 hours a day 6 days a week in one of the kibbutz industries. During your time on the kibbutz you will have the opportunity to experience kibbutz life and culture. As a kibbutz volunteer don't expect the residents of the kibbutz to befriend you automatically. After years of seeing volunteers come and go some may prefer to stay distant rather then make friends with you only to have you leave in a few months. For this reason if you want to become friends with the residents of the kibbutz you will have to put in the initial effort. For more information please visit the kibbutzim site at http://www.kibbutz.org.il/eng/ and click on the kibbutz program center

For additional information on volunteering in Israel you can visit The National Council For Volunteering In Israel webportal, ivolunteer at http://www.ivolunteer.org.il/Eng/