Volunteer Programs & Social Networks in

Israel

Why Volunteer in Israel?

Integration Benefits

 Meet Israelis **naturally through shared purpose **Improve Hebrew **in real-world contexts **Build your network **personally and professionally **Understand Israeli society **from the inside **Give back **to your new community **Combat loneliness **especially during initial adjustment **Gain work experience **in Israeli context **Make meaningful connections

beyond small talk

Major Volunteer Organizations

General Volunteer Platforms

Ruach Tova (טובה רוח)

Israel's largest volunteer matching platform

ï           **Website: www.ruachtova.org.il

ï           **What: **Database of 5,000+ volunteer opportunities nationwide

ï           **Languages: **Hebrew, English, Russian, Arabic

ï           **How: **Search by location, interest, time commitment

ï           **Categories: **Social welfare, education, environment, animals, elderly, more

ï           Free registration and matching Kamtzanim (קמצנים) - Time Bank

ï           **Website: www.kamtzanim.com

ï           **Concept: **Exchange skills and time (not money)

ï           **How it works: **Give an hour, receive an hour credit

ï           **Popular exchanges: **Hebrew lessons, tech help, cooking, childcare

ï           **Community: **Active in major cities

ï           **Great for: **Meeting locals while learning skills

Mati Volunteers

ï           **Website: www.mati.org.il

ï           **Focus: **Building volunteer culture in Israel

ï           **Programs: **Community projects, environmental initiatives

ï           **Format: **Group volunteering events

ï           **Networking: **Meet other volunteers

Social Welfare & Community Support

Helping Disadvantaged Communities

Leket Israel (ישראל לקט) Israel's National Food Bank

ï           **Website: www.leket.org

ï           **Mission: **Rescue surplus food, feed those in need

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Field gleaning (collecting leftover crops)

◦           Food sorting and packing

◦           Meal distribution

◦           Logistics support

ï           **Time: **One-time or ongoing

ï           **Great for: **Physical activity + social impact

ï           **Locations: **Nationwide

ï           English-friendly Yad Sarah (שרה יד)

Free loan of medical equipment

ï           **Website: www.yadsarah.org.il

ï           **Services: **Medical equipment lending, elderly care

ï           Volunteer Roles:

◦           Equipment maintenance

◦           Office support

◦           Delivery drivers

◦           Patient visitors

ï           **Branches: **100+ locations nationwide

ï           **Time: **Flexible schedules

ï           Training provided Ezer Mizion (מציון עזר)

Medical & social support organization

ï           **Website: www.ezermizion.org

ï           Programs:

◦           Bone marrow registry

◦           Cancer patient support

◦           Disability services

◦           Transportation for medical appointments

ï           Volunteer needs:

◦           Office work

◦           Patient companionship

◦           Event support

◦           Professional services (medical, legal)

Elem (ם"אל) Youth at risk

ï           **Website: www.elem.org.il

ï           **Focus: **Street youth, addiction, crisis

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Mentorship programs

◦           Crisis hotline (Hebrew required)

◦           Activity facilitation

◦           Professional consultation

ï           **Training: **Comprehensive training provided

ï           **Commitment: **Usually long-term

ALUT (ט"אלו) Autism support

ï           **Website: www.alut.org.il

ï           Programs:

◦           Activity companions for individuals with autism

◦           Family respite support

◦           Social skills groups

◦           Employment assistance

ï           Flexible timing

ï           Training provided

Education & Youth Programs

Perach (ח"פר) Tutoring Program

ï           **Website: www.perach.org.il

ï           **What: **University students tutor disadvantaged children

ï           **Commitment: **3-4 hours weekly, academic year

ï           **Benefit: **Scholarship for volunteers

ï           **Requirements: **University enrollment

ï           **Subject: **Academic help, enrichment activities

ï           **Impact: **One-on-one relationship building

)כנפיים של קרמבו( Wings Krembo

Youth movement for children with disabilities

ï           **Website: www.krembo.org.il

ï           **Ages: **Youth leaders volunteer with children 5-21

ï           **Activities: **Weekly meetings, camps, trips

ï           **Inclusive: **All disabilities, all backgrounds

ï           **Locations: **70+ branches nationwide

ï           **Commitment: **Weekly meetings + events

ï           **Language: **Hebrew environment (immersion opportunity)

Tali Education Fund Progressive Jewish education

ï           **Website: www.tali.org.il

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Teaching assistants

◦           After-school programs

◦           Cultural enrichment

ï           **Good for: **Educators, Jewish studies background

Sikkuy (סיכוי)

Arab-Jewish equality

ï           **Website: www.sikkuy.org.il

ï           **Focus: **Arab-Jewish coexistence

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Educational programs

◦           Community organizing

◦           Research and advocacy

ï           Bilingual environment

Environmental & Animal Welfare

Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI)

חברה להגנת הטבע

ï           **Website: www.teva.org.il/en

ï           Activities:

◦           Trail maintenance

◦           Beach cleanups

◦           Wildlife monitoring

◦           Educational programs

ï           Hiking + conservation

ï           Group events (great for socializing)

ï           English-language tours available Israel Nature and Parks Authority

רשות הטבע והגנים

ï           **Website: www.parks.org.il

ï           Volunteer as:

◦           Park guides

◦           Archaeological site helpers

◦           Conservation workers

ï           Training programs available

ï           Access to parks nationwide Green Horizons (ירוק אופק)

Sustainable agriculture education

ï           **Website: www.greenhorizons.org.il

ï           Activities:

◦           Organic farming

◦           Permaculture projects

◦           Environmental education

ï           **Locations: **Kibbutzim and farms

ï           Hands-on work

Let the Animals Live (לחיות לחיות תנו)

ï           **Website: www.letlive.org.il

ï           **Focus: **Animal rights and welfare

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Shelter volunteering

◦           Foster care

◦           Adoption events

◦           Advocacy work

Israel Dog Unit (הכלבים יחידת)

ï           **What: **Training rescue dogs

ï           **Activities: **Dog care, training assistance

ï           Physical work

ï           Great for dog lovers

Health & Elderly Care

Yad LaKashish (Lifeline for the Old)

יד לקשיש

ï           **Website: www.yadlakashish.org

ï           **Mission: **Employment and dignity for elderly

ï           **Location: **Jerusalem

ï           Volunteer roles:

◦           Workshop assistance

◦           Social activities

◦           Office support

ï           English-speaking environment Matav - Crisis Hotline

מט"ב - קו חם

ï           **Website: www.natal.org.il

ï           **What: **Emotional support hotline

ï           **Training: **Extensive training provided

ï           **Requirements: **Hebrew proficiency

ï           **Commitment: **Regular shifts

ï           **Skills gained: **Active listening, crisis intervention

Magen David Adom (MDA)

מגן דוד אדום

ï           **Website: www.mdais.org/en

ï           Israel's national ambulance service

ï           Opportunities:

◦           EMT volunteers (requires certification)

◦           Blood mobile drives

◦           Administrative support

◦           Fundraising events

ï           **Training: **EMT course available

ï           **Commitment: **Regular shifts

ï           Prestigious volunteer role ERAN - Emotional First Aid

ער"ן

ï           **Hotline: **1201

ï           **Website: www.eran.org.il

ï           Crisis hotline volunteers

ï           **Training: **150+ hours training

ï           **Languages: **Hebrew, Russian, Arabic, Amharic

ï           **Shifts: **Evening/night

ï           **Impact: **Life-saving work

Cultural & Arts Programs

Jerusalem Cinematheque

ï           **Website: www.jer-cin.org.il

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Festival support

◦           Theater ushering

◦           Archive organization

ï           **Benefits: **Free film screenings

ï           **Great for: **Film lovers

Israel Museum

ï           **Website: www.imj.org.il

ï           Roles:

◦           Tour guides (training provided)

◦           Family programs

◦           Event support

ï           **Location: **Jerusalem

ï           **Languages: **Multiple languages needed

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

ï           **Website: www.tamuseum.org.il

ï           Volunteer opportunities:

◦           Exhibition guides

◦           Children's programs

◦           Archive work

ï           Access to exhibitions

Holocaust Education & Remembrance

Yad Vashem

יד ושם

ï           **Website: www.yadvashem.org

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Archive work

◦           Educational programs

◦           Survivor testimony documentation

◦           Event support

ï           **Languages: **Multiple languages valuable

ï           Meaningful historical work Amcha

עמח"א

ï           **Website: www.amcha.org

ï           **Focus: **Holocaust survivor welfare

ï           Activities:

◦           Social visits

◦           Group activities

◦           Holiday celebrations

◦           Storytelling documentation

ï           **Languages: **Multiple languages helpful

ï           Deeply meaningful connections

IDF & Security-Related

Sar-El (אל-שר) Volunteers for Israel

ï           **Website: www.sar-el.org

ï           **What: **Volunteer on IDF bases

ï           **Work: **Logistics support (no combat)

ï           **Duration: **1-3 weeks

ï           **Requirements: **Age 17+, health clearance

ï           **Accommodations: **Provided on base

ï           **Great for: **Tourists, short-term volunteers

ï           **Experience: **Military lifestyle, Hebrew practice

Lone Soldier Center

מרכז חיילים בודדים

ï           **Website: www.lonesoldiercenter.com

ï           **Target: **Supporting soldiers without family in Israel

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Host Shabbat meals

◦           Provide housing

◦           Career mentorship

◦           Social activities

ï           **Great for: **Families, established olim

Immigrant-Focused Volunteering

Efshar (אפשר)

Immigrants helping immigrants

ï           **Website: www.efshar.org

ï           **Model: **Olim teaching Hebrew to new olim

ï           Flexible schedules

ï           Peer support model

ï           **Great for: **Recent olim wanting to give back

AACI Volunteer Programs

Association of Americans & Canadians in Israel

ï           **Website: www.aaci.org.il

ï           Opportunities:

◦           English conversation partners

◦           Community center support

◦           Event organization

◦           New immigrant guidance

ï           English-speaking environment

ï           Networking opportunities Nefesh B'Nefesh Community Service

ï           **Website: www.nbn.org.il

ï           Programs:

◦           Aliyah fair volunteers

◦           Absorption assistance

◦           Mentoring new olim

ï           Give back after settling in

Professional & Skills-Based Volunteering

Tsofen (צופן)

Tech employment for Arab citizens

ï           **Website: www.tsofen.org

ï           **Focus: **Integrating Arab engineers into high-tech

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Mentorship

◦           Resume reviews

◦           Interview coaching

◦           Professional networking

ï           **For: **Tech professionals

ï           **Impact: **Bridging social gaps

PresenTense

ï           **Website: www.presentense.org

ï           **Focus: **Social entrepreneurship

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Mentoring social ventures

◦           Workshop facilitation

◦           Professional consultation

ï           **For: **Entrepreneurs, business professionals

Pro Bono Israel

ï           **Focus: **Legal services for nonprofits

ï           **For: **Attorneys

ï           **Website: **Various law firms offer programs

Médecins du Monde Israel

ï           **Website: www.mdm-israel.org

ï           **Focus: **Healthcare for underserved

ï           **For: **Medical professionals

ï           **Clinics: **Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa

Engineers Without Borders - Israel

ï           **Focus: **Infrastructure projects

ï           **For: **Engineers, architects

ï           **Projects: **International and domestic

Coexistence & Peace Building

Standing Together (ביחד עומדים) Arab-Jewish grassroots movement

ï           **Website: www.standing-together.org

ï           Activities:

◦           Community organizing

◦           Demonstrations for equality

◦           Educational programs

◦           Campaign work

ï           Bilingual environment

ï           Progressive politics Hand in Hand (ביד יד)

Bilingual Jewish-Arab schools

ï           **Website: www.handinhandk12.org

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Teaching assistants

◦           After-school programs

◦           Cultural events

ï           **Locations: **Jerusalem, Galilee, Wadi Ara, Jaffa-Tel Aviv, Haifa, Be'er Sheva

ï           Bilingual, binational Parents Circle - Families Forum

משפחות שכולות למען שלום

ï           **Website: www.theparentscircle.org

ï           **What: **Israeli-Palestinian bereaved families

ï           Activities:

◦           Dialogue sessions

◦           Educational programs

◦           Event support

ï           Powerful reconciliation work Givat Haviva

ï           **Website: www.givathaviva.org.il

ï           **Focus: **Jewish-Arab coexistence

ï           Programs:

◦           Peace education

◦           Teacher training

◦           Community development

ï           **Location: **Between Hadera and Afula

Emergency & Crisis Volunteering

United Hatzalah (הצלה)

ï           **Website: www.israelrescue.org

ï           **What: **Volunteer emergency medical response

ï           **Training: **EMT certification required

ï           **Model: **Rapid response (ambucycles)

ï           **Commitment: **On-call shifts

ï           **Equipment: **Provided

ï           Prestigious and impactful Zaka (א"זק)

ï           **Website: www.zaka.org.il

ï           **What: **Search, rescue, and recovery

ï           **Training: **Extensive training provided

ï           **Commitment: **Emergency response

ï           Religious organization

ï           Difficult but crucial work Israel Trauma Coalition

ï           **Website: www.israeltrauma.org.il

ï           **Focus: **Crisis intervention and resilience

ï           Opportunities:

◦           Training programs

◦           Community resilience

◦           Professional volunteers (therapists, social workers)

Social Networks & Community Groups

Online Communities

Facebook Groups Tel Aviv Area:

ï           **Secret Tel Aviv **(100K+ members) - Events, tips, recommendations

ï           **Olim of Tel Aviv **- New immigrant support

ï           Tel Aviv Apartments & Housing

ï           Tel Aviv Jobs

ï           Things to Do in Tel Aviv

ï           Tel Aviv Hiking & Outdoors Jerusalem Area:

ï           Secret Jerusalem

ï           Jerusalem Olim

ï           Jerusalem Community Board

ï           Anglo Jerusalem Haifa Area:

ï           Secret Haifa

ï           Haifa Community Nationwide:

ï           **Olim L'Olim **- Immigrant support

ï           **Keep Olim in Israel **- Integration tips

ï           New Olim Job Opportunities

ï           Anglo Israelis

ï           Israel Hikers

ï           Vegan Israel

ï           Dogs of Israel

ï           Israel Photography

ï           Mommies/Daddies in Israel Country-Specific:

ï           British Olim

ï           Americans in Israel

ï           Australians & New Zealanders in Israel

ï           French Speakers in Israel

ï           South Africans in Israel Professional:

ï           High Tech Israel

ï           Startup Israel

ï           Israeli Marketing Community

ï           Israeli UX Community WhatsApp Groups

ï           Neighborhood groups (ask neighbors)

ï           Parent groups (through gan/school)

ï           Building groups (through landlord)

ï           Work team groups

ï           Activity-specific (hiking, running, book clubs)

Meetup.com

ï           **Website: www.meetup.com

ï           Active groups:

◦           Language exchanges (Hebrew-English)

◦           Hiking and outdoors

◦           Tech networking

◦           Board games

◦           Running clubs

◦           Photography

◦           Entrepreneur meetups

◦           Singles events

Community Centers (Matnas - ס"מתנ)

Every city has matnas offering:

ï           Sports clubs

ï           Art classes

ï           Social events

ï           Youth activities

ï           Senior programs

ï           Community gatherings

Find yours:

ï           Search "matnas [your city]"

ï           Visit in person

ï           Ask at municipality

Sports & Fitness Communities

Running Clubs

Tel Aviv Runners

ï           Weekly group runs

ï           All levels welcome

ï           Social after runs

ï           Facebook group: "Tel Aviv Runners"

Jerusalem Hash House Harriers

ï           Trail running + social

ï           International community

ï           Beer after runs (tradition)

Haifa Runners

ï           Coastal running routes

ï           Weekly meetups

City-specific Parkrun

ï           Free, timed 5k runs

ï           Saturday mornings

ï           Locations: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Ra'anana, Modi'in

Cycling Groups

Israel Cycling Community

ï           Group rides

ï           All skill levels

ï           Routes across Israel

Critical Mass

ï           Monthly city bike rides

ï           Social cycling advocacy

ï           Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa

CrossFit / Fitness

Local CrossFit boxes

ï           Highly social environments

ï           Community workouts

ï           Social events

ï           Search: "CrossFit [your city]"

Martial Arts

Krav Maga schools

ï           Israeli self-defense

ï           Tourist and expat friendly

ï           Many English-speaking

Outdoor Activities

SPNI - Society for Protection of Nature

ï           Organized hikes

ï           All levels

ï           Expert guides

ï           Meet nature lovers

Israel Trail hikers

ï           Facebook groups for trail sections

ï           Meet through-hikers

ï           Share experiences

Religious & Spiritual Communities

Pluralistic / Reform

Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism

ï           **Website: www.reform.org.il

ï           Congregations nationwide

ï           Social action programs

ï           Young adult groups

Conservative

Masorti Movement

ï           **Website: www.masorti.org.il

ï           Egalitarian congregations

ï           Family-friendly

ï           English-speaking options

Orthodox

Various synagogues by neighborhood

ï           Young Israel congregations

ï           Anglo minyanim

ï           Yeshivot with community programs

ï           Ask locally for recommendations

Secular Jewish

BINA Secular Yeshiva

ï           **Website: www.bina.org.il

ï           Secular Jewish study

ï           Social justice focus

ï           Gap year and adult programs

Hiloni (חילוני) communities

ï           Cultural Judaism without religion

ï           Community centers

ï           Holiday celebrations

Alternative Spirituality

Elul

ï           Jewish meditation and mindfulness

ï           Tel Aviv based

ï           English programs

Spirituality groups

ï           Kabbalah centers

ï           Buddhist meditation

ï           Yoga communities

Cultural & Language Exchange

Language Exchange

Café Conversations

ï           Hebrew-English exchanges

ï           Informal meetups

ï           Usually at cafés

ï           Search "language exchange [city]"

iTalki / Tandem

ï           Apps for language partners

ï           One-on-one or groups

ï           Free exchange model

University Language Tables

ï           Hebrew University

ï           Tel Aviv University

ï           Others - check student unions

Book Clubs

English-language book clubs

ï           Anglo communities host

ï           Check AACI, Secret [city] groups

ï           Libraries often host

Hebrew book clubs

ï           Great Hebrew practice

ï           Cultural immersion

ï           Ask at local library

Film & Culture

Cinematheques

ï           Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa

ï           Film clubs and discussions

ï           International film community

Tel Aviv International Salon

ï           Cultural discussions

ï           English-speaking

ï           Meet educated internationals

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Startup Community

Startup Nation Central

ï           **Website: www.startupnationcentral.org

ï           Networking events

ï           Innovation tours

ï           Entrepreneur meetups

WeWork / Coworking Spaces

ï           Social environment

ï           Networking events

ï           Community activities

ï           Locations: Major cities

MassChallenge Israel

ï           Accelerator program

ï           Mentorship opportunities

ï           Startup ecosystem

Tech Meetups

Meet.js Israel

ï           JavaScript developers

ï           Monthly meetups

Product Management Israel

ï           PM community

ï           Networking and learning

DevOps Israel

ï           Technical community

ï           Conferences and meetups

Women in Tech

ï           Support and networking

ï           Various organizations

Family & Parent Networks

New Parent Groups

Tipat Chalav (חלב טיפת)

ï           Baby wellness clinics

ï           Parent meetups

ï           Free health monitoring

ï           Every neighborhood

Mother Centers (אמהות מרכזי)

ï           Support groups

ï           Playgroups

ï           Parenting workshops

ï           Social connections

School-Based

Parent Committees (הורים ועד)

ï           School involvement

ï           Social hub for parents

ï           Community building

ï           Automatic when child enrolls

Gan Parent Groups

ï           WhatsApp groups

ï           Social activities

ï           Support network

ï           Playdates

Organizations

ESRA

ï           English-speaking families

ï           Children's activities

ï           Parent support

ï           Locations: Nationwide

Matnas Programs

ï           After-school activities

ï           Summer camps

ï           Parent-child classes

LGBTQ+ Communities

Organizations

Aguda (האגודה)

ï           **Website: www.aguda.org.il

ï           Israel's LGBTQ+ organization

ï           Community centers

ï           Support groups

ï           Advocacy

Hoshen

ï           **Website: www.hoshen.org.il

ï           Workplace equality

ï           Professional networking

ï           Pride events

Jerusalem Open House

ï           **Website: www.joh.org.il

ï           Community center

ï           Cultural events

ï           Support services

Haifa Gay-Vegan

ï           Social group

ï           Activist community

ï           Events

Social

Tel Aviv Pride

ï           Annual parade (June)

ï           Week of events

ï           Largest in Middle East

ï           Community celebration

Gay bars and clubs

ï           Primarily in Tel Aviv

ï           Some in Jerusalem, Haifa

ï           Community gathering spots

Finding the Right Fit

Questions to Ask Yourself

Time Commitment:

ï           One-time event?

ï           Weekly commitment?

ï           Long-term involvement?

ï           Flexible or fixed schedule?

Skills & Interests:

ï           Professional skills?

ï           Hobbies and passions?

ï           Learning goals?

ï           Physical vs. office work?

Language Level:

ï           English-only options?

ï           Hebrew immersion?

ï           Mixed environment?

ï           Bilingual preferred?

Social Goals:

ï           Meet Israelis?

ï           Other immigrants?

ï           Professional networking?

ï           Make close friends?

Location:

ï           Near home?

ï           Willing to travel?

ï           Multiple locations?

ï           Virtual options?

Starting Tips

**1.        Start small **- One commitment, see how it fits

**2.        Try different things **- Explore various options

**3.        Give it time **- 3+ sessions to judge

**4.        Be reliable **- Even if volunteer, show up

**5.        Ask questions **- Understand expectations

**6.        Bring a friend **- Less intimidating together

**7.        Use Hebrew **- Even poorly, it shows commitment

**8.        Follow up **- Stay connected after events

Benefits Beyond Volunteering

Network Building

ï           Meet diverse people

ï           Professional connections

ï           Personal friendships

ï           Community integration

Skill Development

ï           Hebrew in context

ï           Israeli work culture

ï           New technical skills

ï           Leadership experience

Emotional Wellbeing

ï           Sense of purpose

ï           Combat loneliness

ï           Feel productive

ï           Build self-esteem

Career Advantages

ï           Local experience on CV

ï           Professional references

ï           Industry networking

ï           Understanding Israeli workplace

Cultural Understanding

ï           See Israel from inside

ï           Understand social issues

ï           Meet across sectors

ï           Deepen connection to country

Red Flags to Avoid

 Organizations that:

ï           Require payment to volunteer

ï           Don't provide clear role descriptions

ï           Have no training or support

ï           Seem disorganized or unprofessional

ï           Make you uncomfortable

ï           Don't respect boundaries

ï           Have unclear missions

**Trust your instincts **- legitimate organizations will welcome questions and provide structure.

Resources & Links

Volunteer Search Engines

ï           **Ruach Tova: www.ruachtova.org.il

ï           **Mati: www.mati.org.il

ï           **Kamtzanim: www.kamtzanim.com

ï           **Volunteer Israel: www.volunteer.org.il

Community Resources

ï           **Secret [City Name]: **Facebook groups

ï           **Meetup.com: www.meetup.com

ï           **AACI: www.aaci.org.il

ï           **Nefesh B'Nefesh: www.nbn.org.il

Government Resources

ï           **Ministry of Social Affairs: www.molsa.gov.il

ï           **Municipality websites: **Search "[city] + iriya"

ï           **National Civic Service: www.sherut-leumi.co.il

Final Thoughts

Volunteering in Israel offers something unique: it's not just about giving back, it's about becoming part of the society. The Israeli volunteer sector is robust, diverse, and welcomes newcomers.

Remember:

ï           Israelis respect action over words

ï           Showing up consistently builds trust

ï           Volunteering is a two-way street

ï           Your outsider perspective is valuable

ï           It's okay to try and leave if not right fit

ï           The connections you make are priceless

Whether you're drawn to social welfare, environmental causes, education, or community building, there's a place for you in Israel's volunteer ecosystem.

**Start today **- pick one organization, send an email, attend an event. Your Israeli community is waiting!

**Kol hakavod **(Good job) on taking this step toward integration!

Updated on: 02/02/2026