VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL
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. We 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 an ~8-day trip for can-do travelers seeking the opportunity to volunteer, reconnect, and renew together.
SUBSIDIZED
Covers accommodations, programming, health insurance, some meals, supporting staff
OPTION #1 | USE A GROUP FLIGHT
$950 USD flight & program fee from N. America
$550 USD flight & program fee from Europe
OPTION #2 | ARRANGE YOUR OWN FLIGHT
A $250 USD fee applies
AGES 18-50*
Trips are typically formed with similar age groups
*View alternative open-age subsidized Volunteer in Israel trips
ELIGIBILITY
Identify as Jewish
Most prior Israel programs are okay
Open globally to conversant English speakers
SPACE IS VERY LIMITED FOR THE SUMMER SEASON – SIGN UP NOW
TEL AVIV BASE
Our flagship volunteer experience – Pitch in when/where it's needed most, and return daily to our base in central Tel Aviv
JERUSALEM BASE
Pitch in when/where it's needed most, and return daily to our Jerusalem base – celebrate a traditional Shabbat together
REFORM JUDAISM
The Amplify Israel initiative invites Reform Jews worldwide to rally for the people of Israel on this Tel Aviv-based program
VOLUNTEER+ OPEN AGES
A volunteer experience for ALL ages with enhanced hotels, additional meals, and more non-agricultural volunteering
VOLUNTEER WITH PRIDE
Volunteer alongside fellow LGBTQIA+ travelers and connect with Israeli peers on this Tel Aviv-based program (July 2-10, 2026)
2026 PROGRAM DATES
NOT ELIGIBLE FOR A SUBSIDIZED VOLUNTEER TRIP?
All ages and backgrounds are invited to join the volunteer movement in Israel. Explore these options for travelers of all ages and for high school teens (subsidized).
Your part begins by launching your registration using the trip dates table above...
Choose your preferred trip and follow the link in the trip dates table above to launch your official registration
When registering, you'll need to select a gateway airport even if you don't want a group flight. You can indicate your plan to travel on your own later in the registration.
You'll need to pay a $250 USD Birthright Israel program fee to be accepted and a $700 USD* flight fee if using the optional group flight
*300 USD for European group flights
We'll 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
CANCELLATION TERMS
The $250 USD Birthright Israel program fee is refundable up to 65 days before the program start date; after that, it is non-refundable.
An additional $25 USD application fee also applies and is non-refundable
The optional group flight fee is also refundable up to 65 days before the program start date; after that, it is non-refundable – see flight details.
The cost to volunteer in Israel is free – and flight support is offered to help get you here!
OPTION #1
USE A GROUP FLIGHT
Flights are offered from select cities. Volunteers fly to Israel as a group but can extend their return flight (standard airline extension fee applies).
Flights from N. America cost $700 USD, and group flights from Europe cost $300 USD. Volunteers opting for the group flight can cancel up to 65 days before departure for a full refund; after that, the flight fee 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
FLY ON YOUR OWN
Land in Israel by the time of the group flight's arrival. The arrival day is usually the second day of the program.
Leave the trip after the group flight departs. However, if the group flight associated with your trip departs at 3:00am or earlier, then no hotel is included on the preceding night, regardless of whether you are using the group flight option.
Volunteers pay a $250 USD Birthright Israel program fee, refundable up to 65 days prior to departure.
IMPORTANT: When registering, you'll need to select a gateway airport even if you don't want a group flight. You can indicate your plan to travel on your own later in the registration.
THE DETAILS
Find out what to expect on our classic Volunteer in Israel trips below. We also offer an enhanced Volunteer in Israel+ alternative open to all ages (a $613 program supplement applies).
THE EXPERIENCE
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer ~4-6 hours per day where it's needed most. Projects may include renewing 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 Israeli people, and get to know a group of Israeli peers.
EXPLORE
Most evenings and weekends are yours to discover Israel on your own
INCLUDED
Shared Accommodations*
Volunteering Projects
Local Medical Insurance
Staff Escorts & Support
Airport transfers for volunteers on group flight option
Social, Cross-Cultural & Educational Activities
Meals vary by Program – the minimum is breakfast daily
*Volunteers stay in accommodations with three travelers per room. Volunteers can upgrade to a single room for an additional fee of $100/person/night. Volunteers traveling with a companion can upgrade to a double room for an extra fee of $25/person/night.
ELIGIBILITY
Open globally to ages 18-50*
One year removed from high school
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
*View alternate Birthright Israel-subsidized volunteer trips for all ages and a BBYO-sponsored volunteer trip high school-age teens
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.
Overview & Eligibility
Logistics & Policies
Volunteering & Schedule
A joint initiative of Birthright Israel and the Jewish Federations of North America
Israel Outdoors also extends special appreciation to these programmatic partners for their additional support:
MORE BIG OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU!
ONWARD INTERNSHIPS
AGES 18-35 | 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
ONWARD SKILLS WORKSHOPS
AGES 18-35 | 4 WEEKS
Pick up a new skill – learn culinary, EMT, or bartending skills. Spend your off time enjoying the culture of Tel Aviv
MASA ISRAEL TEACHING FELLOWS
AGES 21-35 | 6 or 10 MONTHS
Teach English and volunteer on this rewarding paid fellowship opportunity where you’ll pick up new skills and connect with Israeli society
CLASSIC BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL TRIPS
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