VFI / Sar-El Work Program

Here are some brief descriptions of the current Sar-El work programs.

For more information and details - contact us.

BASES -

Volunteers are assigned to non-combat maintenance and warehousing bases.The volunteer period is usually 3 weeks long. There are also special 2 weeks long program as well. The volunteer works 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, Sunday through Thursday (the Israeli work week).
In the evenings, there are various activities and educational presentations on such topics as the Hebrew language, Israel's history, Jewish holidays and traditions, and social and political issues in Israel.
In addition, Sar-El will host up to two site-seeing trips (per 3-week program) which usually includes Jerusalem.
A liaison or guide (madricha) who is fluent in the volunteer group's language always accompanies the volunteers, and typically lives with the volunteers on the premises.

Types of work: There is a wide range of activities in which volunteers may participate. Work activities can range from kitchen duties to simple mechanical repairs. Volunteers will work alongside or under the direction of soldiers and perform duties such as packing food rations or medical kits, changing spare parts, gardening, painting, or cleaning. Work clothing (exchanged or laundered at Sar-El's facilities) as well as work boots are provided and are appropriate to the tasks assigned.
Although sometimes the work may seem menial, your efforts provide the additional man-hours to allow soldiers and other professional staff to focus their time where their skills are needed. It can be highly rewarding to know that you are helping Israel in this way.

NURSING HOMES/HOSPITALS -

An opportunity for volunteers to work and socialize in a nursing homes/hospital environment. Due to the language barrier, VFI volunteers may not necessarily work directly with patients. Applicants may be placed in geriatric or psychiatric institutions, or civilian hospitals. Applicants must follow the VFI application process (including medical form, letter of recommendation and personal interview) and request hospital work in the special programs area on their application. We must have this information 4 weeks prior to applicant's program date in order to make the necessary arrangements. Hospital assignments will be granted subject to availability.

Work Duties : Please be aware that the work in nursing homes/hospitals is similar to candy-striping or orderly work. Due to the language barrier, VFI volunteers will not necessarily work directly with the patients. However, whether you are feeding patients, helping with transport, or working in the kitchen or the laundry, you will have a rewarding experience and provide a great service!

Accommodations : Volunteers on hospital assignments will live in either dorms provided by Sar-El (VFI's parent organization) or staff quarters of the hospital. Volunteers will not be guaranteed breakfast or supper, but will receive lunch (the major meal of the day) at their work site.

Miscellaneous : Since volunteers will be placed at nursing homes/hospitals depending on requests and availability, expect groups of 1 and 6 volunteers.

Please keep in mind that a mursing homes/hospital assignment can be emotionally stressful. Volunteers may work closely with gravely ill, emotionally disturbed or extremely aged patients. A nursing home/hospital assignment will be most rewarding to those volunteers who have the special gift of giving and compassion .

Although volunteers need to provide their own work clothes, lab coats will be supplied by the hospitals.

Throughout your three weeks with VFI, you will participate in at least one day of touring. * Volunteers do not work on Friday or Sabbath (Saturday) and will have this time free to travel or visit friends and family.