Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing For The Program
- You benefit from our more than 25 years of experience sending American volunteers to Israel.
- By living and working with Israelis, you become an "insider" and discover Israel as no tourist can.
- Our year-round programs are relatively low cost and fit your schedule.
- You'll meet and form friendships with people from all over the world who share your love and concern for Israel.
- VFI's IRS status as a 501(c)(3)--a not-for-profit organization-means your application fee and some of your transportation costs may be tax deductible. Be sure to speak with your accountant.
- Our experienced regional representatives have visited Israel many times. We are readily available to answer your questions and share tips about travel and sightseeing. All you have to do is ask!
- We provide a take-along Program Handbook written for our volunteers. It will serve as a handy resource guide throughout your stay.
- You will get more than you give, knowing you've made a personal difference--and you'll have fun too!
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The IDF program is open to:
- volunteers 17 (15-16 with a parent or guardian) and older. There is no maximum age limit.
- those who meet the physical and psychological requirements outlined in our application packet
- both Jews and non-Jews
The Nursing Home program is open to applicants under 65 who have some fluency in Hebrew and can make a minimum 4-week commitment. Other Special Programs have their own requirements. Please consult the individual program website.
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Our IDF Base Program is well suited for those traveling solo. Because it is a group experience, you will meet and form friendships with your fellow volunteers from diverse backgrounds and locations. Volunteers tend to travel together on weekends, so no one need worry about being left out. Your madrichah can help with weekend plans.
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If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.
To enter Israel, you must have a passport valid for at least six months after your departure date. Therefore, for a typical 3-week program, you should have 7+ months remaining on your passport.
For most U.S. citizens, a tourist visa is not required unless you plan to stay in Israel longer than 90 days.
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After you are accepted to the program, you are responsible for booking your flight to Israel and filling out the Travel Form that is part of your application package. Of course, you will want to compare prices. We recommend that you consult with a local travel agent or check online for a complete list of the airlines that fly into Ben Gurion Airport. Many volunteers use El Al, the national airline of Israel; US Airways; Continental; Delta; Air Canada; British Airways; and Air France.
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Volunteers are required to have insurance that will cover any medical expenses incurred while on the Sar-El program. Check with your U.S. insurance company first; many will reimburse you-upon your return-- for out-of-pocket expenses abroad. Medicare will not cover you in Israel.
Volunteers who need additional medical coverage or want travel insurance often use the following companies:
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For your personal security and convenience, we strongly recommend that you have a cell phone during your stay in Israel. If you need to rent a phone, you may contact these companies recommended by our volunteers:
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On the IDF Base Program, you will be given work clothes for during the day. In the evening, casual attire-jeans, shorts, t-shirts-- is appropriate. You will receive a detailed packing list of all needed supplies from your regional representative.
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On The Program
VFI is a non-profit organization chartered in the U.S. that recruits, processes, and assists volunteers for Sar-El programs prior to their departure. Sar-El is an Israeli non-profit that administers the IDF Base and Nursing Home Programs in Israel. Pamela Lazarus is the Sar-El coordinator.
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Your regional representative will give you written instructions about where to meet your group in Ben Gurion Airport. In addition, you will have a VFI Program Handbook with further information.
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You do not need to speak Hebrew for the IDF Base program. Your group will be assigned English-speaking soldier(s) who will be responsible for you at all times and who will translate as needed. You will learn some basic Hebrew terms to use on base, so be sure to approach the soldiers and try out your new vocabulary. If you want to improve your Hebrew conversation skills, consider registering for our Ulpan Program.
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Be prepared for an adventure! Living conditions are much more Spartan than you are accustomed to at home, but you and your fellow volunteers will have fun adapting and finding ways to make the barracks more comfortable. Detailed information about base conditions, meals, and laundry can be found in our VFI Program Handbook.
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The following policies are strictly enforced:
- no proselytizing
- no drug and alcohol use
- no photographing on base without permission
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On IDF Base Programs, you will be off the base from Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning. During that time you are free to visit friends and family, tour, and spend time with your new VFI friends.
Some conveniently located, moderately priced hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem offer discounts to Sar-El volunteers. Your regional representative or the Sar-El coordinator can give you a list. In addition, the IDF operates a no-cost hostel, Beit Oded, in Jaffa. You may stay there if space permits. Your group leader (madrich/madrichah) on the base must be notified of your intention to stay at Beit Oded early in the week.
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After You Return
VFI is an all-volunteer non-profit organization. We are supported financially through application fees, donations, and from the sale of VFI Journals, Tribute Cards, and other items. Visit our Donations page to see how you can help.
We are also supported by a hard-working corps of dedicated alumni throughout the country. They give their time, energy, and enthusiasm to help us recruit and assist new volunteers. You'll never find a more generous group of people. Please visit our Alumni page and join in!
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Yes, thank you. Make your check payable to Volunteers for Israel and mail it to:
Jonathan M. Bruce, Treasurer
Volunteers for Israel
P.O. Box 428
Milford, MA 01757
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Due to VFI's IRS status as a 501(c)(3) -a not-for-profit organization-- your application fees and some of your transportation costs may be tax deductible. Consult your accountant.
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In the past, some colleges have offered credit for Sar-El programs. Check with your college's Study Abroad Office.
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First, help us improve our programs by filling out our Post-Program Questionnaire online. Then, check our website regularly for the latest VFI news. Read and contribute to our newsletter, The Volunteer Connection, and be sure to attend alumni events in your area.
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