Who We Are
The mission of Volunteers for Israel is to connect
Americans to Israel through volunteer service.
We achieve this goal by partnering with military
and civilian organizations that enable volunteers to
work side-by-side with Israelis.
We promote solidarity and goodwill among Israelis,
American Jews, and other friends of Israel.
The program began in1982, during the first war with Lebanon, when civilian replacements were needed for thousands of reservists called to duty just as Israel's harvest season began. Israeli General Aharon Davidi sent emissaries to the United States to enlist volunteers to harvest crops and save the economy. More than 600 volunteers responded immediately.
Today, VFI programs maintain that pioneering spirit. Since 1982, more than 30,000 Americans have signed on to do civilian work on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) bases or to assist in nursing /retirement homes. Newer additions include a summer International Youth Program, an add-on to Taglit-Birthright tours, and other volunteer options. In the past five years alone, more than 5,000 people have gone on VFI programs.
No matter the task, the VFI focus is always to lend our hands and to assure Israel that she does not stand alone. VFI is a non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization.
