Volunteering Abroad

Volunteer service is an important and rewarding way to give back to our Jewish community. There are some wonderful opportunities to do so abroad. Listed here are just a few of the amazing volunteer opportunities that are available. For more information on volunteering in Israel, and how to obtain a scholarship to help you attend, contact us at Israel [at] JewishInSeattle [dot] org.

In Israel

There are many rewarding opportunities in Israel for volunteers of all ages and skill sets. Below are some particularly unique opportunities.

For Adults

Volunteer at army bases or hospitals

Volunteers for Israel offers the opportunity to get an insider's view of the culture, lifestyle, and pulse of Israel. VFI helps place people on army bases helping in non-combat areas and in hospitals.

Livnot U'Lehibanot - To Build and Be Built

Livnot U'Lehibanot is a community service and hiking program in Northern Israel that runs in partnership with the Jewish Agency. It is a fusion of hiking, volunteering, experiential seminars, identity and spirituality workshops and community in an integrated Israel experience for young Jewish adults ages 21 - 30 who wish to use some of their Israel Trip to give back to the community. The program is located in the northern town of mystical Tzfat, the center of Kabbalah. The challenging hikes (2 - 3 per week) could include a night hike to an ancient synagogue, a three day sea-to-sea hike, and an overnight desert experience. Volunteering could include: A Crusaders Fortress Park Preservation Project and excavating 16th century Tzfat buildings. The subsidized programs cost $100/week and include accommodations and two meals per day. There is more detailed information about the programs is at www.livnot.com.

WUJS Israel Hadassah

WUJS Israel Hadassah - WUJS Israel Hadassah runs 5 and 10 months program for Jewish college graduates from around the world between ages 21 and 35. The program offers four specialized tracks: Jerusalem Learning, Arts Program, Peace & Social Justice, and Intern Tel Aviv. WUJS participants up to age 30 qualify for grants from the Israeli government's Project MASA. For more information, go to www.wujsisrael.org

for young adults

Are you a college student or young professional (age 18-30)? There are many fantastic volunteer programs that will allow you to help Israeli communities in need while meeting like-minded young adults and experiencing all that Israel has to offer.

Magen David Adom Ambulance Volunteer Program

The Israel Experience's Magen David Adom Ambulance Volunteer Program is a great opportunity for those who like excitement! You'll spend two months in Israel learning first aid, then traveling around the city in an ambulance, responding to emergency calls. No prior medical experience is necessary, but you must have a working knowledge of Hebrew. Open to those age 18-25.

Amirim

Amirim is a summer volunteering program in Israel for college students and young professionals ages 18-27. The participants live in Jerusalem, in Arad or beside Tel Aviv and volunteer for non-profit organizations four times a week, explore the Israeli landscape through weekly day trips and discover Israeli culture & society through different educational and cultural events. For more information, go to www.amirimisrael.com.

Israel Ba Lev

Betar Zionist Movement's Israel Ba Lev offers not only volunteer opportunities but an educational component where you'll study Zionism, the IDF and immigrant absorption. You'll spend five months in Israel with other young adults from all over the world. Open to those age 17-24.

GoEco Volunteer Programs

GoEco Volunteer Programs allow you to volunteer in Israel and discover up-close the amazing cultural and natural diversity that has followed this land since biblical times. With GoEco you can fulfill an eco-tourism internship in the ancient city of Nazareth or rehabilitate animals in the vast Arava desert. Dreamt of diving in the vast coral reefs of the beautiful Red Sea? Come to volunteer in Eilat as part of the conservation effort. Become a contributing member of a community on an eco-friendly kibbutz, learning sustainable living and practical ecology. GoEco provides you with a selection of excellent, yet affordable social and wildlife volunteer projects in Israel as well as abroad. Projects start off with an exciting GoEco orientation in Jerusalem and travel is possible on days off.

Around the World

The American Jewish World Service provides unique opportunities to learn, work, serve and travel in Africa, Asia and the Americas. By partnering with grassroots community-based groups, volunteers experience firsthand the power of people creating change.

Jewish Federations of North America has mission opportunities through various Jewish Federations.