Volunteer Policies

Policies stated in this section supersede policies references elsewhere in the website and other written materials

AGE

The minimum age for a volunteer is 17.  We will accept teens 15-16 with a adult. We do not have an age limit but please make sure the “seniors” are able to do the physical activity required, including the extensive walking on bases / kibbutz & trips.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

We must have the following information AT LEAST Four (4) WEEKS in advance of the arrival or the volunteer may not be accepted:

--Name

--Passport number

--Flight information (airline, flight #, arrival & departure dates)

--Program dates

--Birthdate

           --Jewish/Non-Jewish 

DOCUMENTATION

Volunteers should bring 3 collated sets of the following, one to give Us, one to keep, and one for the IDF / Kibbutz:

--Medical form signed by doctor (signed no more than 1 year before)

--Waiver

--Proof of Medical Insurance

           --Copy of passport

 INSURANCE AND MEDICATION

Insurance coverage is mandatory for all volunteers. This can be their regular insurance company (if it covers this region) or special travel insurance. This must be medical insurance which will cover doctors’ bills, hospitalization, emergency room.  Most insurance companies will require the patient to pay the bill here & then file a claim back home for reimbursement. It is up to the volunteer to know what his insurance company requires. Every volunteer must have a credit card or enough cash to cover medical expenses. Emergency room treatment is an automatic 800 NIS or more which must be paid. Private doctors will also charge fees.

3 copies of proof of the insurance must be brought--1 for Us to keep, 1 for the volunteer to carry & 1 for the IDF / Kibbutz.

It is suggested that volunteers have additional travel insurance to cover the amount of the deductible of their regular insurance. Volunteers will NOT be admitted to the program without proof of insurance.           

MEDICINE

Volunteers should bring copies of their prescriptions for medications. However this does NOT mean that a pharmacy will automatically fill a prescription from overseas—in fact, usually it will NOT do so. But if a volunteer runs out of medicine & has to see a doctor, then having a prescription may make it easier. BUT THE BEST THING IS FOR PEOPLE TO BRING ENOUGH MEDICINE FOR THEIR WHOLE TRIP & THEY SHOULD KEEP IT IN THEIR HAND LUGGAGE ON THE PLANE.  PLEASE REMIND VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE THEIR MEDICINES WITH THEM EACH DAY!

PACKING REMINDERS

Pack lightly; you must carry your own suitcase (there are no “bellcaps” or “porters” in the army)Bring closed shoes which can be used for work as some bases do not have enough boots for volunteers (gym shoes, sneakers, work shoes). CARRY ALL MEDICINES, COPY OF PRESCRIPTIONS, CLEAN UNDERWEAR & SOCKS, A CHANGE OF CLOTHING.

PHOTOGRAPHS ON BASES

The IDF has begun monitoring sites such as Facebook because soldiers (&  volunteers) have been posting pictures of sensitive and classified. information The IDF is taking strong action against such soldiers. Our staff will also take action against  volunteers who take pictures of things that are classified or sensitive. Volunteers will be dismissed from the program and will not be allowed to return if they break this rule.  We welcome volunteers’ pictures and articles about Israel, but please refrain from taking pictures of anything that you think may be classified or sensitive. If you have questions about what you can photograph & what is not allowed, ask the staff. 

Routine & Methods

We understand that you may have ideas about how things should be done, but you must go along with the routine & methods at the facility.

PROSELYTIZING, DRUGS & ALCOHOL OR OTHER IN APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

If anyone does any of these things, he will be dismissed from the program immediately.  We have been having a lot of problems lately with "subtle” proselytizing. Please make sure that your volunteers understand that they cannot talk about their religion in any way which may be construed as trying to impart one's beliefs on someone else or which is intended to be persuasive or which is offensive. The best thing is to tell your volunteers NOT to talk about religion or religious issues.  This is a very delicate issue & there is a fine line between what is acceptable & what is unacceptable

We have been having some problems with this issue lately. Please make sure your volunteers understand that if they do or say anything which makes other people feel uncomfortable or if they pass out or leave literature on the base or on the Kibbutz, they will be asked to leave the program. 

Volunteers will also be dismissed from the program if they exhibit any other inappropriate behavior such as not following base or Kibbutz rules, not listening to Our staff instructions, swearing, talking back or arguing with the Our staff, causing dissention among the other volunteers, acting inappropriately toward the other volunteers.            

PASSPORTS

Before volunteers travel, they must make sure that their passports expire at least 6 months after their flight date. Verify with the airline for specific information. 

TRAVEL TO ISRAEL

Tell your volunteers NOT to travel to Israel via Jordan or Egypt. They will probably only get a 1 month visa instead of the usual 3 month visa. If they try to extend their visa, the Minister of Interior may refuse. There is extensive questioning of people entering Israel at these borders (more than the usual questioning at Ben Gurion).

CREDIT CARDS/MONEY/TRAVELERS’ CHECKS

Tell volunteers to check their ATM cards before they leave home to make sure they will work in Israel. Volunteers should also advise their credit card company as to how long the volunteer will be in Israel. Travelers’ checks are not always easy to cash. ATM cards are advisable. Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays.