Resources

VFI Volun-Tour programs are designed and packaged in coordination with our Israeli partners.  For the most part, we cannot commit to modify our formal Volun-Tour offerings.  However, flexibility is a key concept and a special request of the program leader may be adopted for the group.  For a highly personalized custom programming you may want to investigate VFI’s  Private Group Volun-Tour Program at  https://vfi-usa.org/vfi-private-group-volun-tour-program/

• To reserve your spot, a $500/person fully refundable deposit is due at the time of your registration.
• The balance of your program fee is due no later than 60 days prior to the start date after which all payments are non-refundable, except for the $500 deposit. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis at VFI’s discretion.
•  For applications received less than 60 days prior to the program start date, all program fees are due upon acceptance into the program.
• Cancellations must be made in writing. We strongly recommend that you obtain travel insurance.
• Volunteers for Israel reserves the right to cancel programs in extraordinary circumstances, in which case all payments are fully refundable.
• Volunteers for Israel reserves the right to deny acceptance to the program according to its sole discretion.

VFI is a non-profit organization that does not currently offer financial assistance or scholarships to offset program costs and/or airfare. 

Volunteers should do their own research to determine the appropriate coverage. Below are some suggestions of insurers from previous volunteers:

1. Myra Altschuler, Travel Protectors, LLC- Myra@travelprotectors.com, 703‑443‑905.
2. Egert & Cohen Insurance (Harel)-Egert And Cohen Insurance
3. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Solutions- International Travel Medical Insurance for Individuals & Families | BCBS Global Solutions
4. Travel Guard- Travel Insurance Plans | International & Domestic | Travel Guard

-Pack lightly and efficiently as you would for any journey. You can access a detailed packing list as a guide by following this link.
-Weather is generally good in Israel so you can dress in layers. Israelis dress casually, even on Shabbat.
-Bring appropriate head covering and clothing for holy sites.
-Be sure to have closed toe shoes for your work sites and comfortable shoes for walking. Flip-flops or shower shoes are useful for communal bathrooms on site.
-When traveling, carry any necessary medications with prescriptions clearly labeled.
-DO NOT BRING anything you would regret losing or damaging, such as expensive jewelry or other irreplaceable items.
-You may bring a computer, iPad or other electronic devices, at your own risk. Don’t forget chargers and plug adapters for Israel

There are no mandatory flight rules for any VFI program.  It is entirely up to the volunteers to get to Israel on their schedule and on their dime with any airline they prefer.

There are 50 ways to get to Israel using certain European cities as a way stop.  El AL has had a strategic code-share partnership with Delta Airlines since 2024.

El Al European Departure Cities to Tel Aviv:

London (Heathrow and Luton), Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Frankfurt,
Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Rome, Vienna, Zurich, Brussels, Prague, Nice

These routes are part of El Al’s regular scheduled service, though availability may vary seasonally or due to operational changes.

Direct Flights from USA cities to Tel Aviv:

EL AL –  New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX)
Delta – New York (JFK), Boston (BOS)
United – Newark (EWR), San Francisco (SFO), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD)

You will need a plug-in adapter for your digital devices.  Note that you do not need a voltage converter since laptops, phones and tablets come with either an external transformer block or an internal switch that converts voltages from the American to the Israeli standard.  For convenience check online sources to purchase an “all-in-one” plug-in adapter that accepts both American-style plugs and USB digital plugs.

Do not try to use your American hair dryer except in hotels with an American-style power outlet, usually located in the bathroom. 

Although a knowledge of Hebrew is not required in VFI programs, it may be useful to learn some Hebrew before your journey. You can find many internet sites and smart phone apps, some containing a collection of useful Hebrew phases and some offering structured Hebrew lessons (For example, https://dictionary.co.il/hebrew-words.php).

-After returning from your trip, you can help us improve our programs by filling out the brief Post-Program Questionnaire and sending us photos that illustrate your volunteer activities.  
-You might also offer to be an VFI Ambassador by helping with a VFI presentation or representing VFI at an event. 
-Of course, a financial donation to VFI is always greatly appreciated.