Nova music festival memorial site
As we head into Thanksgiving weekend, Chanukah, winter vacation, and Yeshiva Week, many people are planning trips to Israel—not just to enjoy the sites, but to give back. While the needs have changed after more than two years of war, there is still a tremendous need for volunteers. Farmers continue to rely on extra hands for harvesting and daily farm work. Soldiers deeply appreciate donations, support packages, and those famous BBQs on base. And across the country, countless wounded soldiers in hospitals and rehabilitation centers value every visitor who shows up simply to say we’re with you.
Travel to Israel has become easier again. After the major disruptions during the Iran front earlier this year—when Ben Gurion Airport temporarily shut down and flights were canceled worldwide—many airlines have restored regular service. Prices are still on the higher side, but there are more routes, more availability, and more flexibility for travelers coming this winter.
Whether you're coming with your family for Chanukah, joining a mission during Yeshiva Week, or visiting on your own over winter break, there are meaningful volunteer opportunities everywhere. From farm work and packing food boxes to visiting wounded soldiers, supporting displaced communities, or joining organized BBQ crews on bases, there’s no shortage of ways to make a difference.
I’ve put together this updated guide to help you get started. It includes easy-to-access organizations with clear sign-up options, WhatsApp groups, and reliable volunteer opportunities. I still recommend checking the Swords of Iron – Israel Volunteer Opportunities website and their active Facebook group—they post real-time needs, last-minute calls for help, and updated logistics. Things can change quickly, and many volunteer requests come with only a day or two’s notice.
This guide won’t cover every single opportunity, but it will give you a strong starting point as you plan a trip that combines support, solidarity, and meaningful connection with Israel this winter.
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, organized missions have made it much easier for people to come to Israel, volunteer, and show their support. Local communities, synagogues, and Jewish Federations continue to run trips for their members, and national organizations offer both solidarity and volunteer-focused missions—many combining a mix of the two. These trips are ideal for anyone who wants to help but doesn’t want to coordinate every detail on their own.
Now that the north has reopened, missions are running across the country and adapting to the changing needs on the ground. Each mission is structured differently, so it’s important to review what’s included before signing up. Some cover flights, meals, and accommodations, while others only handle the on-the-ground logistics. Most do not include medical or travel insurance, so be sure to purchase your own coverage before traveling.
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
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 more than two years into the war many have expanded their efforts to provide ongoing assistance to soldiers and low-income communities affected by the conflict. These groups rely heavily on volunteers to help pack food boxes, sort supplies, and prepare deliveries.
Food-packing is a great option for families, as it accommodates all ages—from young children to grandparents—and is typically done indoors, making it a convenient activity during the winter months. It’s hands-on, meaningful, and gives volunteers a real sense of contributing in a tangible way.
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
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, even more than two years into the war, many soldiers are still recovering from serious injuries and often spend months in rehabilitation. Israelis and tourists alike make regular visits to wounded IDF soldiers at hospitals and rehab centers across the country, and these visits mean the world to them.
Some of the major centers include Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva, Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, and Beilinson Hospital at the Rabin Medical Center in Petach Tikvah. You don’t need an appointment—visitors can simply show up, offer a smile, and spend time chatting with soldiers who appreciate the support and distraction.
If you’re wondering what to bring, soldiers always appreciate small entertainment items like backgammon, chess, checkers, and playing cards, as well as treats such as dried fruit, fresh fruit, snacks, and candy. In the winter months, warm socks, beanies, and cozy blankets are also thoughtful options.
If you prefer a more organized experience—especially helpful during busy travel periods like Thanksgiving weekend, Chanukah, winter vacation, and Yeshiva Week—you can coordinate visits through B’lev Echad, which arranges structured hospital visits and support activities for wounded soldiers.
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 continue to provide BBQs, hot meals, care packages, and morale-boosting events for soldiers across the country. These BBQs remain one of the most appreciated forms of support—simple, personal, and a huge boost to soldiers who have been serving for an extended period.
Many groups also organize tours of the south, including meaningful visits to sites such as the area near the Nova festival grounds, Sderot, and other communities close to the border. These tours help visitors understand the scale of what happened while also allowing them to support local businesses. Access to army bases is sometimes possible, but visits must be coordinated in advance and can be canceled at the last minute due to operational needs.
Volunteering with the IDF has also taken on new meaning since October 7th. Sar-El, which has been placing volunteers on IDF bases for decades, reports renewed demand and a stronger sense of purpose among participants who help with logistics and non-combat support tasks on base.
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 still so many ways to help right now, and every visit makes a difference. If you’re unsure about coming this winter, speak to anyone who’s been here since October 7th — they’ll tell you that showing up matters more than ever. You don’t need a perfectly planned itinerary, but it’s helpful to do some research and keep your schedule flexible, since many volunteer needs pop up with very little notice.
This guide is just a starting point. New opportunities are added all the time, and the landscape shifts quickly. I strongly recommend joining the Swords of Iron – Israel Volunteer Opportunities Facebook group, where you’ll find real-time updates, WhatsApp groups, volunteer forms, and even missions that include transportation to farms or bases.
If you’re coming for Thanksgiving weekend, Chanukah, winter break, or Yeshiva Week, keep the season in mind — Israeli winters can be chilly, especially in Jerusalem and the north. Pack layers, comfortable shoes, and clothing you don’t mind getting dirty if you’re heading to the fields. And while you’re here, make an effort to support local businesses: eat out, shop, book a tour, stay an extra night. The economy needs it just as much as the farmers and soldiers do.
Whether you’re here for a few days or a full week, your presence brings strength and encouragement to the people of Israel. Thank you for being part of it.
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