Making a Difference - Volunteer Opportunities in Israel

ESRA, focuses on the well-being of the English-speaking community in Israel and actively allocates its efforts and resources to meet the needs of communities, especially in Israel’s southern region. Also, ESRA is dedicated to educational projects that benefit school children, university students, and groups with special needs. Alongside this, ESRA’s welfare fund is a great resource, providing crucial financial support during times of war and crisis.

A nonprofit initiative providing a dynamic platform for educators eager to explore new horizons while contributing to educational equality. TALMA offers two distinct fellowships for English language instruction: a fully funded 3.5-week summer fellowship and a salaried 10.5-month full-year fellowship designed for young professional educators.

These programs not only afford participants international co-teaching experiences but also offer extensive professional development, leadership training, and the creation of an international educational network among peers aged 21-39. The Summer Fellowship includes airfare, local transport, accommodation, health insurance, meal allowances, and a rich program of workshops and cultural activities. The full year fellowship expands upon the summer experience with a monthly stipend, Hebrew classes, and further benefits.

BBYO warmly welcomes North American teens to explore and contribute to Israel through the BBYO Passport’s International Leadership Seminar Israel (ILSI) program. This 3 week summer program is designed for teenagers to immerse themselves in Israel’s profound history and foster a sense of family with diverse peers from North America, Israel, and Bulgaria.

Participants will engage in an array of community service projects across Israel, with the added incentives of scholarship opportunities and the possibility of earning school credit. Those interested in embracing this adventure can find more information and specific details through BBYO Passport’s resources.

English-speaking college graduates from around the globe are offered a unique opportunity to live, volunteer, and work in Tel Aviv or Jaffa, engaging in social action or coexistence projects. The programs, available for periods of either 5 or 10 months, provide a rich experience of cultural immersion and community service.

English B’Yachad offers experienced professionals the chance to apply their skills to meaningful volunteering roles within Israel. It creates a bridge between the expertise of North American Jewish professionals and the needs of Israel’s nonprofit sector, facilitating short-term assignments. Past volunteers have made significant contributions in various capacities, including as English teachers, accountants, grant writers, and medical staff at refugee clinics, meeting vital community needs.

For those looking for meaningful summer experiences, JDC Entwine introduces 11 diverse global volunteer programs as part of the Multi-Week Jewish Service Corp. These initiatives involve assisting at-risk youth, creating educational programs, managing Jewish summer camps, and building connections with different communities.

The Multi-Week Jewish Service Corp by JDC Entwine provides a valuable chance for young Jewish adults to connect with international communities through immersive volunteer experiences lasting from 3 to 8 weeks. Multi-Week Fellows work alongside local partners and experts in various fields to implement programs that address global issues.

The Ma’ase Olam program focuses on assisting at-risk youth in Israeli villages by teaching English and tackling the significant socio-economic challenges related to limited English proficiency, particularly in Israel’s peripheral areas. The Israel Teaching Fellows-Youth Villages initiative spans over 10 months and is designed for English-speaking young adults. Run by Ma’ase Olam-Masa Israel Teaching Fellows, the program aims to reduce the achievement gap in Israel by recruiting college graduates from English-speaking countries. Participants are involved in one-on-one and small group tutoring, supporting English educators, and leading English-themed activities in Israeli schools and youth centers.

Embark on an autumn adventure in Israel and join the grape harvest at the peak of the agricultural season. HaYovel invites participants to become part of this unique experience, where they dedicate 4-6 hours each day to assist local farmers in their vineyards.

After a day’s work, participants can look forward to extraordinary off-the-beaten-path tours that provide opportunities to connect with the local community and engage with inspiring speakers. Beyond the fulfilling volunteer work, this journey offers a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty and culture of Israel, creating lasting memories and meaningful connections.

WWOOF connects volunteers seeking immersive experiences on organic farms with those eager to share their lifestyles, learn new skills, and welcome volunteer assistance. These opportunities span diverse regions, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania.

Hosts within the WWOOF network generously offer food and lodging, fostering an environment where volunteers can fully engage in the world of organic and biological cultivation and farming. In return, WWOOF Volunteers provide hands-on support and share a genuine interest in gaining knowledge about organic agriculture and sustainable living practices.

WWOOF operates as a network made up of various national organizations, each with localized expertise and up-to-date information about WWOOF volunteering opportunities in their respective countries.

Kibbutz Ulpan‘s 5 month program is an immersive Hebrew language experience combined with work and volunteer opportunities. Tailored to individual interests, the program offers traditional, academic, and religious-focused learning across various kibbutzim. The program fosters a vibrant, shared learning environment for Masa participants and new immigrants.

Yad LaKashish is dedicated to creating meaningful employment opportunities and a warm, welcoming community for hundreds of underprivileged individuals. Volunteers at Yad LaKashish enjoy a wide range of social and financial benefits, including perks like a monthly bus pass, daily communal meals, and dental care subsidies. For the elderly individuals served by Yad LaKashish, many of whom are distant from their families, this community offers a profound sense of belonging.

Hadassah-Israel, a volunteer-driven women’s organization, has chapters and groups across Israel. Their mission is to improve the quality of life in Israel, focusing on healthcare, education, immigrant integration, women’s issues, and at-risk children. They organize annual conferences, health studies events, and national meetings that facilitate meaningful discussions and social connections among members from across the country.

Yad Sarah, a long-established organization, provides medical equipment to those in need. Their volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, ages, and socio-economic statuses. Whether you can volunteer for 2 hours a week or commit daily, their wide range of services ensures that everyone can make a meaningful contribution. Yad Sarah offers training, guidance, and a strong sense of community. Their volunteers also enjoy special social and cultural activities.

The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind is committed to enhancing the lives of the visually impaired in Israel. Their mission is to offer increased mobility, independence, self-assurance, and companionship through the dedicated support of guide dogs meticulously trained in Hebrew to navigate Israel’s unique and demanding environment. Established in 1991, the Israel Guide Dog Center extends its services to benefit the 24,000 blind and visually impaired citizens of Israel. It proudly holds the distinction of being the sole internationally accredited guide dog program in the country. Please note that this volunteering opportunity is exclusively available to individuals who are permanent residents of Israel.

The Israel Dog Unit (IDU) offers a unique opportunity for volunteers to become part of an essential search and rescue effort. Volunteers at IDU are provided with the training required to work with search and rescue dogs, enabling them to contribute to the crucial mission of locating missing persons in collaboration with the police. This volunteering experience not only equips participants with valuable skills but also allows them to make a significant impact in their community by helping to save lives. By dedicating their time and efforts to this noble cause, volunteers at the Israel Dog Unit play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens. Volunteers at the Israel Dog Unit play a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens, including victims of the October 7th attack.

Through a wide range of volunteer opportunities, ELWYN provides support to individuals with disabilities, empowering them to lead fulfilling lives and actively participate in their communities. Volunteer activities include assisting with vocational training, recreational activities, and providing essential companionship. Israel ELWYN offers a welcoming environment for volunteers to make a meaningful impact while fostering understanding and acceptance.

Dedicated to improving the lives of people with severe disabilities, Aleh Volunteering provides a wide range of opportunities for volunteers to make a positive impact. Whether you’re interested in engaging in creative activities, assisting with therapies, or simply sharing meaningful moments with these exceptional people, Aleh Volunteering offers a warm and welcoming environment to contribute your time and compassion.

ADI- Negev-Nahalat Eran is a cutting-edge rehabilitation village for individuals with severe disabilities, and volunteering here offers a chance to be part of a transformative journey. From assisting with therapies, organizing events, or simply sharing your time and compassion with residents, ADI-Negev-Nahalat Eran welcomes volunteers with open arms. Joining this community means playing a vital role in enhancing the lives of those with disabilities while forming lasting connections and creating cherished memories along the way.

AKIM is an organization dedicated to fostering a more inclusive society for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteering with AKIM offers a unique opportunity to be part of a movement that advocates for equal rights, opportunities, and acceptance. This includes assisting with educational programs, promoting awareness campaigns, or engaging in exciting activities to empower individuals with disabilities; AKIM Israel welcomes your involvement.

Make a difference in the battle against hunger by volunteering at Pantry Packers in Jerusalem for a day. Each month, Pantry Packers focuses on providing food and household essentials to Israel’s most disadvantaged families and elderly citizens. From their packing facility in Jerusalem, the organization welcomes visitors and tourists to unite in this admirable mission by helping pack essential food items destined for those who require assistance. Volunteer slots are available for families and larger groups, ensuring a meaningful experience for all.

Leket Israel, the National Food Bank, leads the way in food rescue initiatives in Israel. What distinguishes it from other organizations committed to assisting the less fortunate in Israel and worldwide is its unique focus on donating nutritious food. This rescued food is subsequently distributed to those in need through collaborative partnerships with nonprofit organizations.