Volunteers For Israel is a non-political, non-profit, volunteer organization
VFI is associated with Sar-El, which is our parent organization in Israel. It was formed in 1982 through the initiative of General A. Davidi to coordinate volunteers to help alleviate manpower shortages during the war in Lebanon.

Now in 34 countries and over 75,000 volunteer positions have been served! Building & Strengthening Israel... And each other!

VFI's Mission
Providing the Diaspora Jew and other friends of Israel with an opportunity to participate directly in helping Israel:

Through manual work, to create an opportunity for Diaspora Jewry and for other friends of Israel to assist in the strengthening of Israel.

To enhance the bond and sense of solidarity among Diaspora Jewry and between the Diaspora Jewry and the Jews living in Israel.

To intensify the Jewish identity of the Jewish youth living in the Diaspora.

To develop mutual understanding and to enrich personal and cultural values, through the dynamics of Israeli and Diaspora participants working together.
If you've been waiting for a formal invitation to visit Israel, YOU'VE GOT IT! Join us for an exciting cultural experience in Israel working side by side with Israel's finest!

Within the three week program, in addition to work assignments, the program offers cultural content throughout the period, with two days devoted to excursions.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

The three week and two week work programs are based on an Israeli routine of
a 5 day work week. There is no work on Friday or Shabbat (Saturday).

3 kosher meals are provided daily on military bases.
Basic living conditions: Several volunteers live together in one room.
Men and women are housed separately.
2 days of touring. (oOn the occasional two week program there is one day of touring.)
Several evening educational or cultural programs.
You are free to spend the weekends with relatives and friends, or to spend the time traveling.
TYPES OF WORK AVAILABLE TO VOLUNTEERS

AT ARMY BASES:
Volunteers should expect to do anything that needs doing that may be done by a civilian. Some examples:


Quartermaster and Supply - processing materials, inventory and/or organizing supplies in a warehouse.

Base Maintenance - painting, gardening, cleaning.

Maintenance and Equipment Repair - armaments repair; truck, tank and general parts maintenance.

Kitchen - serving, washing dishes, cleaning dining room, preparing food.

Construction - build bunkers, erect fences, and building repair.

VFI projects to the Diaspora the compelling appeal of an opportunity for a very personal way to help Israel. This is not grim duty! You will find that this less than glamorous work will redeem itself, once you feel the appreciation of the soldiers and the sense of belonging. The feeling of accomplishment and purpose makes all the hard work and inconvenience worthwhile.
IN HOSPITALS:
Many hospitals in which volunteers serve are geriatric or psychiatric institutions. Some of the work might involve close contact with the patients. Please be prepared for this possibility. Types of work include:
kitchen or laundry duty.

delivering meals or transporting patients to tests or rehabilitation sessions.
helping feed patients who can not feed themselves.
Please keep in mind that it is a special kind of individual who is able to cope with daily one-on-one contact with severely ill or aged people. If you are a compassionate soul, you will find this work very rewarding. Please note: There may be some additional costs for meals.