Nova music festival memorial site
Since the outbreak of the war in Israel, Jews from around the world have been traveling to Israel to volunteer and support the country. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available, ranging from working on farms, packing food, and making sandwiches, to helping rebuild the southern regions. Additionally, many volunteers dedicate their time to visiting wounded soldiers, displaced families, and bereaved families.
There are also opportunities to host BBQs for soldiers on army bases across Israel, providing a heartfelt way to give back and show appreciation. Many supporters visit Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to stand with hostage families, and travel to the site of the Nova Festival to bear witness and ensure it is never forgotten.
Volunteering can be done through organized missions, which include flights, hotels, and all tours and volunteer activities arranged by the organizers, or independently. Those visiting independently often stay anywhere from one week to two months. Typically, a one-week visit might include a day at Hostage Square, visits to wounded soldiers, a day spent visiting communities in the south, and one or two days volunteering on farms or packing food and supplies.
I have compiled this guide to help you get started, including links to organizations and opportunities with detailed websites. Please note that many volunteer opportunities arise suddenly—sometimes only a day or a week in advance. I recommend checking out the Swords of Iron - Israel Volunteer Opportunities website, which now complements their active Facebook group by listing updated volunteer opportunities. There are also links to various WhatsApp groups and Google forms with volunteer opportunities. Keep in mind that the situation in Israel is fluid; volunteer needs and opportunities are constantly changing. Although this guide doesn't list every possible opportunity, it provides a solid foundation to begin your volunteering journey.
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
Organized Missions to Israel
Since the war began, many organized missions have made it easier for people to come to Israel, volunteer, and show their support. Local communities, synagogues, and Jewish Federations have been running trips for their members, while national organizations offer both solidarity and volunteer missions—most combining a bit of both. These trips are a great option for those who want to help but don’t want to figure out all the details themselves. Now that the north has reopened, missions are running in both the north and the south, providing support where it’s needed most. They take care of everything—flights, food, lodging, tours, volunteer work, visits to wounded soldiers, BBQs for soldiers, and more—so participants can focus on making a difference.
Some organized missions include:
American cowboys saddle up to help Israel in hour of need
Farming and Agriculture Volunteer Opportunities
There are numerous volunteer opportunities available to help farmers. Many farmers were called to reserve duty, and a significant number of farm workers, who were foreign nationals, either left at the start of the war or can no longer enter the country. This has led to a shortage of labor on farms. Thankfully, both Israelis and international volunteers have stepped up significantly to sustain the agriculture 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
Numerous organizations in Israel support needy families, and this support has now extended to evacuees and soldiers as well. These organizations are constantly in need of volunteers to help package food and other supplies. This activity is particularly suitable for families, accommodating a wide range of ages, from young children to grandparents. It is usually an indoor activity, making it a good activity for hot weather. This volunteering option not only provides essential help but also offers a meaningful experience for volunteers of all ages.
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 - locatd 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
Rebuilding the South
There are options for both day trips and week-long trips aimed at helping to rebuild communities in the south. Volunteers can participate in activities such as rebuilding and painting classrooms, playgrounds, and social halls. These trips often include a tour of the Nova site, Sederot, and the Shuva Achim rest stop. Additionally, you can choose to volunteer independently at the Shuva rest stop, serving soldiers who pass through. The JNF offers day trips that focus on either assisting farmers or helping to rebuild the communities in the south. These opportunities are a great way to directly help restore and improve important community facilities.
Some volunteer opportunities to help rebuild the south:
Memorial at site of the police station in Sderot
Visiting Wounded Soldiers in Rehab and Hospitals
Unfortunately, many soldiers have been wounded since the beginning of the war and often spend months in rehabilitation. Many Israelis and tourists make visits to wounded IDF soldiers at various hospitals and rehab centers across the country. Some of the major rehab centers include Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov Hospital, and Beilinson Hospital - Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikvah. There is no need to arrange these visits in advance; you can simply show up. If you’re wondering what to bring, soldiers appreciate entertainment items like games - backgammon, chess, checkers, and cards—and treats such as dried fruit, fresh fruit, and candy. For those who prefer a more organized visit to the hospitals then contact B’lev Echad.
Grilling for Israel BBQ for IDF soldiers (Photo courtesy of Grilling for Israel)
BBQ for soldiers, Volunteer with the IDF & Tours of the South
A number of organizations provide BBQs and meals for soldiers, as well as activities and events for evacuees. These groups also organize tours of the south, including visits to the site of the Nova festival, Sederot, and potentially some communities by the border. While it is sometimes possible to visit an army base, such visits need to be coordinated in advance and may still be subject to cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances. Organizations across the country regularly organize BBQs for soldiers, who deeply appreciate these gestures of support. Sar-El, a long-standing organization, has found that volunteering on an army base has taken on new significance since October 7th.
Some organizations providing BBQs for soldiers; tours of the south; volunteer with the IDF:
- Grilling for Israel
- Smiles for Kids
- Binyamin’s BBQ Brigade
- Volunteer on an IDF base through Sar-El
Volunteer on an army base working alongside IDF soldiers
Conclusion
There are many ways to help Israel. If you are wondering whether you should come, then the answer is a resounding yes. Talk to people who have visited Israel since October 7th, and you’ll find that they are glad they did. It’s crucial to do some research and plan some aspects of your trip in advance. However, maintaining flexibility is also beneficial as many volunteer opportunities arise at the last minute.
This guide is intended to help you get started. There are numerous other volunteer opportunities available. I highly recommend joining the Swords of Irons Volunteering Facebook group, an excellent source for the latest volunteer openings that may not be listed on official websites. It’s also a great resource for finding a guide if you need someone to show you around the communities and sites in the south.
No matter when you visit, it’s important to plan your activities with the weather in mind. Jerusalem can be very hot in the summer and chilly in the winter, so be sure to dress appropriately and stay comfortable. Scheduling some downtime during your trip will also help you fully enjoy your experience. Support the local economy by shopping and dining out while you're there.
If you’re traveling with children, check out our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Museums for educational and engaging experiences for all ages. Beat the heat with our blog exploring central Israel's best water hikes for families. As the north slowly reopens, rediscover Northern Israel with breathtaking waterfalls, historical sites, and unique attractions while supporting local communities. And don't miss our guide to Jerusalem's Must-Visit Historical Sites and Day Trips for a deeper connection to the region's Jewish history and culture.
If you’re traveling with children, check out our Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Museums for educational and engaging experiences for all ages. Beat the heat with our blog exploring central Israel's best water hikes for families. As the north slowly reopens, rediscover Northern Israel with breathtaking waterfalls, historical sites, and unique attractions while supporting local communities. And don't miss our guide to Jerusalem's Must-Visit Historical Sites and Day Trips for a deeper connection to the region's Jewish history and culture.
Sample Itinerary: 5 Days of Volunteering and Exploration
Day 1: Tel Aviv - Hostage Square
Start your journey with a visit to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to show solidarity and support for families affected by the conflict.
Day 2: Volunteer Food Packing
Join a local organization to help pack food that will aid needy families, evacuees, and soldiers across Israel.
Day 3: Tour the South
Visit significant sites including the Nova Festival memorial, the “Car Graveyard”, and Sderot. Volunteer at the Shuva rest stop and end the day with a BBQ event for soldiers, offering a chance to interact directly with those on the front lines.
Day 4: A Day in Jerusalem
Spend a day exploring Jerusalem, taking in its rich history and vibrant culture. This is a day for personal reflection and exploring the heart of Israel.
Day 5: Volunteer on a Farm
Conclude your trip with hands-on help at a local farm, aiding in tasks such as planting, harvesting, and general upkeep. This is a chance to contribute to Israel's agricultural efforts directly.
Hostage Square in Tel Aviv
Hostage Square in Tel Aviv