This page is designed to compile opportunities for young Jewish individuals from the Greater Boston area seeking to volunteer their time in Israel during this time of need. Please note: Our aim is to serve as a conduit for information—we do not endorse any specific opportunity. We provide this as a resource to inspire your journey of meaningful service. The programs range from two weeks to six months in length.

Livnot U’Lehibanot

Dates: Dec. 11–25, 2023; Dec. 25, 2023, to Jan. 8, 2024

Cost: $150, plus a $50 registration fee*

With recent events in Israel fueling a rise in global antisemitism and anti-Israel demonstration and sentiment, the Boston Jewish community has a unique opportunity to show its continuing support for Israel by joining one of the most engaging and impactful volunteer programs for young adults through Livnot U’Lehibanot (meaning “To Build and To Be Built” in Hebrew). In its 44th year, Livnot has provided a dynamic Israel experience for thousands of volunteers, excavating and renovating the historic city of Safed (Tzfat) in the north, refurbishing thousands of houses for the elderly and restoring hundreds of bomb shelters, all while exploring Jewish and Israeli subjects, hiking the land and celebrating Shabbat and the holidays. Now Livnot is extending a special invitation to the Jewish community of Boston to come to Haifa for a hands-on experience like no other.

As volunteers, you will engage in the meaningful work of making bomb shelters function, as well as assisting in providing hospitality for displaced families. In the evening there will be classes that will feature local educators, such as Yisrael Ne’eman, a University of Haifa professor and political analyst, and Eliot Chordoff, a military specialist. They will include delving into the roots of the current conflict and the contemporary geopolitical landscape. This is a unique opportunity to build your connection to Israel and the Jewish people and heritage while helping Israel through this unprecedented challenge. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special time in Jewish history.

*This does not include airfare or travel insurance, but does include medical insurance for the Haifa program participants. Volunteers will be housed dormitory-style and will be provided two meals a day.

To apply, email ari@livnot.org.

Boston Birthright Israel Onward Volunteering Program

Dates: Jan. 1–14, 2024

Cost: $50 participation fee, plus a $250 security deposit (refundable at program’s end)

Take part in food rescue operations on Israeli farms to prevent agricultural shortages in the Israeli market.  Many farm laborers have been called up to reserves in the Israel Defense Forces, and most foreign workers who assisted have left the country, leaving Israeli farmers with many crops unattended.

The Boston Birthright Israel Onward Volunteering Program includes 15 Jewish young adults, ages 19-34, who either have a permanent address or attend school in New England. Accommodations in Israel’s third-largest city of Haifa will be provided. All accommodations have designated safe rooms. Participants receive a grocery stipend of $200. Volunteering will be four to six hours per day, plus the chance to meet Israeli peers.

Participants are responsible for the booking and cost of their own airfare.  All participants will receive a code from EL AL Israel Airlines for 20% off, and Hillel Council of New England will assist with $250 toward your airfare cost in the form of a partial reimbursement.  This program is a partnership between Birthright Israel Onward, Hillel Council of New England and Israel Experience. Participants will still be eligible to apply for Birthright Israel and Birthright Israel Onward programs.

To learn more, email mhoffman@hillelcouncil.org.

Rolling applications: Apply by Dec. 20, 2023.

The Yahel Social Change Fellowship

Dates: Jan. 10, 2024, to June 30, 2024

Cost: $600

In response to recent events in Israel, Yahel is looking for thoughtful volunteers to be part of community rebuilding efforts in our partner communities and beyond.

What will you do?

You will join our returning fellows, helping ongoing initiatives while creating a lasting impact in the nonprofit and public sectors. This shortened program will focus on community resilience in response to recent events. Whether it’s working with youth at-risk or helping local NGO staff further a project, fellows become deeply involved in the grassroots Israel experience and in the communities they serve.

How will you grow?

The learning component is an integral part of the Yahel Social Change Fellowship and enhances the volunteer experience by adding content and depth. You will meet with major Israeli change-makers, community members and activists. The Yahel Social Change Fellowship includes day trips and seminars, which are an opportunity to experience Israel off the beaten track, witness social change initiatives and connect.

As a Yahel Fellow, you will receive:

  • Housing in fully furnished apartments
  • A living stipend health insurance
  • Hebrew and Arabic courses
  • Educational programming
  • Day trips and seminars

Learn more and apply here.