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Photo: Lizzy Shaanan / PikiWiki Israel, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
With Sukkot approaching, many families are heading to Israel for the chag, visiting relatives, or taking advantage of the school break. For those looking to add something meaningful to their trip, volunteering is a wonderful way to spend a few hours or a full day giving back.
Nearly three years after October 7, volunteer needs in Israel have changed, but there are still many ways for visitors to help. Farms need extra hands, food-rescue organizations rely on volunteers to sort and pack produce, communities continue rebuilding, and organizations across the country coordinate projects supporting soldiers and families.
Opportunities can change from week to week, so it is worth checking what is needed shortly before your trip. The Israel Volunteer Opportunities website is a helpful place to start, with current opportunities around the country ranging from agriculture and food distribution to rebuilding projects and soldier support.
This guide brings together volunteer organizations and ideas for families, individuals and groups looking for meaningful ways to give back while visiting Israel.
Important Update on Travel to Israel
As you plan your journey to volunteer in Israel, it’s crucial to note the new entry requirements. As of January 1, 2025, all visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) prior to their travel. This applies to anyone entering Israel, including volunteers. The ETA-IL can be obtained online and is valid for up to 90 days per visit.
Hostage square in Tel Aviv when it served as a central place of solidarity
Organized Missions to Israel
Organized missions continue to offer an easy way to combine volunteering with touring and meeting Israelis around the country. Each mission is structured differently, so check exactly what is included before signing up. Some arrange accommodations, meals and transportation, while others focus mainly on the volunteer experience and on-the-ground logistics.
Some organizations also offer one-day volunteer trips and activities for people who are already in Israel. These are especially common during Chol Hamoed and other vacation periods, making it easy to add a day of volunteering to a family trip. Check individual organization websites before your visit for upcoming dates, locations and registration details.
Some organized missions include:
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Jewish National Fund
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World Mizrachi
- Keren Hayesod - United Israel Appeal
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Authentic Israel
- Volunteers for Israel (VFI)
American cowboys saddle up to help Israel in hour of need
Farming and Agriculture Volunteer Opportunities
Israeli farms continue to rely on volunteers for seasonal help with harvesting, planting, sorting and packing produce. Farm volunteering is one of the easiest ways for visitors to spend a few hours or a day helping while seeing a different side of Israel.
Volunteering on farms involves a range of activities including picking ripe produce, pulling weeds, planting new crops, sorting and packaging harvested goods, and pruning plants. If you are working outdoors, it is important to dress appropriately: wear long pants and sleeves, even in hot weather, to protect yourself from the sun and scratches. Always wear a hat and carry plenty of water. It's advisable to check the specific activities you will be engaged in beforehand so you can dress accordingly. Some farm tasks require considerable physical activity and hydration, so make sure the work is suitable for you.
Some farming opportunities include:
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Israel Food Rescue
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Leket Israel
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Israel Microgreens
- Check Facebook and WhatsApp group for more farm and agricultural volunteer opportunities
Sorting and packing at Leket Israel's logistics center
Food Packing
Food-rescue and chesed organizations across Israel rely on volunteers to pack food boxes, sort supplies and prepare deliveries for families in need. Many also provide ongoing assistance to soldiers, seniors and other communities that need extra support.
Food packing is a great volunteer option for families because it is hands-on, meaningful and suitable for a wide range of ages, from children to grandparents. Most activities take place indoors and can often be done in just a few hours, making them easy to fit into a family vacation or Chol Hamoed schedule.
Some food packing opportunities include:
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Pantry Packers
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Ohr Meir & Bracha
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Tachlit food packaging
- Eran's Angels - packing food and equipment - located in Tel Aviv
- Chamal Ben Yehuda 86 (Tel Aviv): The Ichud Shivat Zion Community together with The Italian Minyan has opened a command center in the synagogue's basement where over a hundred volunteers have come to help collecting, sorting and loading truckloads of essential supplies for soldiers and citizens on the front.
Volunteer at the Shuva rest stop
Helping Rebuild Communities in the North and South
Volunteer opportunities continue to support communities in both northern and southern Israel. Projects vary depending on current needs and may include painting and repairing community spaces, working on playgrounds and schools, helping farmers, and assisting with other rebuilding projects.
Some organizations offer day trips, while others run multi-day volunteer programs that combine hands-on work with visits to communities and sites connected to October 7. JNF and Livnot U'Lehibanot are among the organizations offering volunteer opportunities, and the Israel Volunteer Opportunities website is a useful resource for finding current projects.
Visitors can also volunteer independently at the Shuva Achim rest stop in the south, which provides food and support for soldiers. Check directly with each organization before going, since volunteer needs, locations and schedules can change.
Some volunteer opportunities to help rebuild the south:
Memorial at site of the police station in Sderot
Visiting and Supporting Wounded Soldiers
Many IDF soldiers injured since October 7 continue to face long recoveries and rehabilitation. There are several organizations that provide ongoing support for wounded soldiers, with opportunities ranging from hospital visits and care packages to recreational activities and assistance throughout the recovery process.
Rather than visiting a hospital or rehabilitation center independently, it is best to coordinate through an organization that works directly with wounded soldiers. Programs and volunteer opportunities vary, so contact the organization or check its website before your trip to find out what is currently available.
Organizations supporting wounded soldiers include:
- B’lev Echad provides ongoing support for wounded IDF soldiers, including hospital visits, social and recreational programs, and assistance throughout rehabilitation and recovery.
- Dror for the Wounded coordinates volunteer visits to wounded IDF soldiers in hospitals. Volunteers can apply to join their soldier advocates on visits, which may also include distributing small gifts or care packages.
- Sar-El volunteers have opportunities to visit Beit Halochem, which provides rehabilitation, sports and other programs for disabled IDF veterans.
If you are interested in visiting wounded soldiers while you are in Israel, check with these organizations in advance for current volunteer opportunities, requirements and schedules.
Grilling for Israel BBQ for IDF soldiers (Photo courtesy of Grilling for Israel)
Supporting Soldiers and Volunteering with the IDF
Several organizations arrange BBQs, hot meals, care packages and other activities for IDF soldiers. Depending on the organization, visitors may be able to join a BBQ, help prepare or serve food, pack supplies, or participate in other volunteer activities. Check directly with each organization for current opportunities and registration information.
Some groups also organize tours of southern Israel, with visits to communities and sites connected to October 7, including the area of the Nova festival and Sderot. These tours offer visitors a chance to learn more about what happened, hear from local residents and support businesses and communities in the region. Itineraries vary, so check with individual organizations for current tours and availability.
For those interested in volunteering directly with the IDF, Sar-El runs structured volunteer programs on IDF bases. Volunteers assist with non-combat logistical and support tasks such as packing supplies, organizing equipment and other work needed on base. Sar-El programs require advance registration and are better suited to travelers planning a dedicated volunteer experience rather than looking for a last-minute activity.
Organizations offering soldier support, volunteer opportunities and tours include:
- Grilling for Israel
- Smiles for Kids
- Binyamin’s BBQ Brigade
- Sar-El for volunteer programs on IDF bases
Volunteer on an army base working alongside IDF soldiers
Conclusion
There are still many ways to help while visiting Israel. You do not need to plan an entire volunteer vacation. Spending a few hours packing food, helping on a farm or joining a community project can easily become part of a regular family trip.
Volunteer needs and schedules can change quickly, so do some research before you arrive and remain flexible. The Swords of Iron – Israel Volunteer Opportunities Facebook group is a useful resource for current opportunities, WhatsApp groups, volunteer forms and organized activities around the country. Some opportunities even include transportation from major cities.
This guide is a starting point, and it is always best to check directly with an organization before making plans. This is especially important during Chol Hamoed and school vacation periods, when there may be special volunteer days and activities for families and visitors.
While you are in Israel, supporting local businesses is another meaningful way to help. Eat at local restaurants, shop at small businesses, book tours and activities, and visit communities throughout the country.
A volunteer activity can be just one part of your trip. If you’re traveling with children, take a look at our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Museums for ideas that work for all ages. You can also explore our Northern Israel guide, or if you’re spending time in the capital, our guide to Jerusalem's Must-Visit Historical Sites and Day Trips.
Sample Itinerary: 5 Days of Volunteering and Exploring Israel
Day 1: Tel Aviv
Begin in Tel Aviv with a visit to the October Seventh exhibition at ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, which explores the events of October 7 and their impact through the work of Israeli artists. Depending on what is currently available, you can also take part in a local volunteer activity such as food packing or community support.
Day 2: Volunteer Food Packing
Spend a few hours volunteering with a food-rescue or chesed organization. Help sort supplies, pack food boxes or prepare deliveries for families and communities in need. Food packing is generally indoors and is a good option for families and multigenerational groups.
Day 3: Visit and Volunteer in the South
Spend the day in southern Israel, visiting communities and sites connected to October 7, such as the Nova Festival memorial and Sderot. Depending on current opportunities, add a volunteer project, help at a soldier rest stop or join an organized activity supporting local communities. Whenever possible, stop for a meal or shop locally to support businesses in the region.
Day 4: A Day in Jerusalem
Spend a day exploring Jerusalem, visiting historical sites, museums and neighborhoods around the city. You may also be able to add a short volunteer activity, such as food packing or helping at a local chesed organization.
Day 5: Volunteer on a Farm
Finish your trip with hands-on volunteering at an Israeli farm. Depending on the season and the farm’s current needs, volunteers may help with harvesting, planting, sorting produce or other agricultural work. Check current opportunities before you go, since locations and volunteer needs change throughout the year.