Registration
Before you begin the registration process, please make sure you meet the conditions of entry into Israel as indicated on the website of the Israel Population & Immigration Authority: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.
Process Overview
To participate in the Sar-El volunteer program, there are two mandatory stages in the registration process which must be completed at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of your program. The entire application process can take up to 6 weeks.
The Application Process
First Stage
The application must be completed at the link provided below. After the Sar-El staff reviews the application, it will go into a queue for a video interview. This gives us the chance to get to know you and to answer any questions you have regarding the program.
Second Stage
The staff reviews the application with feedback from the interviewers and checks references. If approved, the applicant will then receive an email with links to documents that need to be completed and uploaded. This includes, an indemnification waiver, a medical approval form completed by a physician, and a copy of the face-page of the passport.
Important Requirements
Insurance Note: Health and travel insurance that covers you while you are on the program is mandatory.
Passport Validity: SAR-EL only accepts applicants who hold a valid passport and (a visa if needed) which must be valid 6 months after their program ends. Applicants who are from a country that DOES NOT need a visa to travel to Israel will be required to obtain an ETA-IL. Any applicants with an Israeli passport DO NOT need and ETA-IL.
Please contact your local representative if you have additional questions regarding the application procedure. For International Contacts page, Click here.
Program Schedule
Sar-El programs offers volunteers an opportunity to live and work on IDF bases to gain an insider view of Israel. While on base Sunday through Thursday, mandatory evening programming, lectures and activities, are provided.
Weekly Life & Duration
- Work duties: Volunteers work alongside soldiers, base employees, and other volunteers, performing non-combat support duties such as packing medical supplies, checking and repairing machinery and equipment; as well as cleaning, painting, and maintaining bases.
- Duration: We offer 1, 2 and 3-week programs that may be extended up to 6-weeks with prior permission.
- Weekends: Thursday afternoon through Sunday mornings are spent off the base at the volunteer’s expense. Volunteers can travel in Israel or visit friends or family.
Special Requests & Holidays
- Groups: If you have your own group of 10 or more people, we can offer most weeks with a Sunday start day of your choosing.
- Blackout Dates: Please note we do not have volunteer programs during weeks with major Israeli and Jewish holidays.
Support & Assistance
Please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] if you have any questions about dates, arrival times or your program. We are here to assist you.
Volunteer Registration Process
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Online Application & Interview.
Begin by filling out and submitting the application form via the link below. Once reviewed, it will be added to the queue for a video interview.
Step 2: Submission of Required Documents.
If approved, you will receive a second email containing a link to required documents: Indemnity waiver, Medical approval form, Copy of the face page of your passport.
Step 3: Confirmation
Once all documents are submitted, reviewed and approved and your fees have been paid, you will be sent a confirmation email and important details about your upcoming volunteer experience
Insurance Note: Health and travel insurance that covers you while you are on the program is mandatory.
Passport Validity: SAR-EL only accepts applicants who hold a valid passport and (a visa if needed) which must be valid 6 months after their program ends.
Dates & Flights: Final program dates cannot be confirmed until the volunteer has been accepted into the program.
What to Expect
Arrival Day
Before your volunteer week begins, you will receive detailed instructions regarding the time and meeting location for Sunday morning. Upon arrival, volunteers must check in with their passport in hand. You will meet your Madrich/a (soldier instructor), be assigned to your military base, and have time to meet the other members of your unit.
Note: If you arrive late and miss the scheduled check-in, you will be responsible for arranging your own private transportation to the base at your own expense.
Special Requests & Holidays
Volunteers should expect to engage primarily in logistical work, which varies depending on the base’s needs. Sar-El assigns volunteers where the IDF requires their help most. All volunteers are expected to follow the IDF daily schedule, including morning reveille.
Sample Daily Itinerary
8:00 AM – Breakfast.
9:00 AM – Flag Raising, singing of Hatikvah, and briefing.
9:30 AM – Morning work session.
12:30 PM – Lunch.
1:30 PM – Afternoon work session.
6:00 PM – Dinner.
7:00 PM – Evening programming.
Weekend
Volunteers are released Thursday afternoon. Accommodation, meals, and transportation during weekends are the responsibility of the volunteer.
Rules and Regulations
Payment For Program
Initial week requires a registration fee, with additional weekly fees thereafter. Breaks over two weeks reset the initial fee. Extra charges may apply for special programs or activities.
Age
Minimum age is 17 to volunteer alone; 16 with a parent or adult relative. There is no upper age limit, but medical clearance is required and participants must be fit for physically demanding work in desert base conditions.
Language
Sar-El is an international program requiring basic English. Placement with same-language volunteers or staff isn’t guaranteed, though efforts are made for comfort. All activities and instructions are in English.
Arrival Dates And Time Commitments
Volunteers must confirm dates in advance and are advised to arrive 1–2 days early. Late arrivals may be reassigned, with transport at their expense—so punctuality is essential.
Program Duration
The program runs Sunday to Thursday. For multi-week volunteers, weekends (Thursday afternoon to Sunday morning) are free time at their own expense.
Registration And Required Documents
Complete registration before arrival. Do not book flights until you receive official acceptance. After submitting documents and paying fees, you’ll get a confirmation email with service details—only then should you arrange travel.
Health
Volunteers must provide a doctor-signed medical certificate confirming they are fit for physical work in challenging conditions and basic military-style accommodations. They should honestly assess their ability to handle the program’s demands.
Insurance And Medication
Emergency medical insurance covering hospitalization, emergency care, and medical repatriation in Israel is mandatory. Volunteers must pay expenses upfront, provide proof of insurance, and bring sufficient medication for their stay—ideally packed in hand luggage. Prescriptions from abroad are usually not accepted by Israeli pharmacies, but a copy may help if a local doctor is needed. Refrigeration for medications and personal food is generally unavailable, and volunteers must manage their medical needs independently. Those whose conditions overly burden staff or others may be asked to leave.
Waiver
Volunteers must read, understand, and sign the Sar-El waiver before participating in the program.
Packing Reminders
Pack light and carry your own luggage. Label all bags and keep extra passport copies inside. See the full packing list here.
Weekend Travel
Volunteers cannot visit certain areas on weekends, including Jordan (Petra) and Egypt (Sinai). Other travel restrictions will be shared as needed.
Photographs On Bases
Volunteers may share their Sar-El experience but must avoid photographing sensitive or classified material. Always ask your madrich/a and fellow volunteers before taking pictures. Photos of armed soldiers or base names must not be posted. Violating these rules can result in dismissal and permanent disqualification.
Sar-El Schedule
Check the schedule carefully—some weeks have no Sar-El programs. Register only for confirmed dates and at least 6 weeks before your start.
Transportation From Bases
Sar-El provides transport to the base on the first day and back to Tel Aviv on Thursdays. Volunteers continuing another week must arrange their own transport to the meeting point the following Sunday.
Program Activities
Evening activities are a mandatory part of the Sar-El program and all volunteers are expected to participate.
Uniform and Clothing
Volunteers must wear the Sar-El uniform while working and appropriate clothing at all times: closed-toe shoes, covered shoulders, and pants or skirts at or below the knee.
Religion And Politics
Discussion of religion or politics is strictly prohibited during the program. Volunteers must avoid any conversations that could be seen as persuasive, offensive, or causing discomfort.
Drugs And Alcohol
Possession or consumption of drugs or alcohol during the program and while on base is strictly forbidden. Violation of this rule will result in immediate dismissal and permanent disqualification from future participation.
General Rules
Any violation of Sar-El rules will result in immediate dismissal from the program and permanent ban from future participation.
Packing List
Bedding & Comfort
- Bedsheet, pillow, pillow case and towel.
- Blanket OR sleeping bag.
Clothing & Shoes
- Close-toes, strong and comfortable shoes.
- T-shirts to wear under uniform.
- Undergarments: bras, underwear, etc.
- Civilian clothes for the evening.
- Warm clothes (for cool evenings and winter).
Hygiene & Personal Care
- Hygiene products.
- Flip-flops for the shower.
- Toilet paper – 2 to 3 rolls.
- Mosquito repellent.
- Sunglasses and Sunscreen.
Electronics & Miscellaneous
- Flashlight.
- Chargers/electronics – Israel uses
- Type C (2 pronged) and Type H (3 pronged).
- Padlock – for access to a small locker.
- Lightweight work gloves