Rules and Regulations
First of all, thank you for watching this video which explains the rules to be followed on the base.
SAR-EL POLICIES
PAYMENT FOR PROGRAM
For the standard program there is a registration fee for the initial week and then a lesser program fee for each addition week. If a volunteer chooses to have more than a two-week break between sessions, they will be charged for a full initial week and then additional weeks as relevant. Additional fees may apply for special programs or activities offered outside the standard Sar-El volunteer program.
AGE
The minimum age for a volunteer to come alone is 17. We will accept 16-year-olds with a parent or adult relative. While we do not have an upper age limit, volunteers must have all medical forms signed-off by a doctor and participants must be able to handle the rigors of living on a base in a desert climate with the physical nature of the work duties involved.
LANGUAGE
The groups are international. A basic level of English is required to participate in Sar-El. We cannot guarantee that you will be placed in a group with other volunteers or a Madrikha who speaks your language. However, we will do our best to place you in a group where you feel comfortable. Activities and instructions are given in English, which is why it’s important to have a basic understanding of the language in order to fully participate in the program.
ARRIVAL DATES/TIME COMMITMENTS
Volunteers must confirm their program dates before arrival. All programs begin on Sunday mornings. We highly recommend arriving in Israel at least one day prior to your program start date. Late arrivals may be reassigned, and transportation to the base will be at the volunteer’s expense — provided the base is able to receive them outside of the scheduled arrival time. This is not always possible, so punctuality is essential.
PROGRAM DURATION
The program runs from Sunday to Thursday (except in the case of specific holidays or special events in Israel).
For those volunteering for multiple weeks, it is important to note that weekends are free time (from Thursday evening to Sunday morning, volunteers are responsible for their own accommodation and expenses).
REGISTRATION & REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
All volunteers must complete their registration before arriving for the program. Please do not purchase airline tickets until you have received official confirmation of acceptance from Sar-El. The registration process includes two main steps: first, completing the online application and participating in a video interview, and second, uploading the required documents — the waiver, a medical certificate signed by a doctor, and a copy of your passport. Once these documents have been submitted and approved by Sar-El and your fees have been paid, you will receive a confirmation email with all necessary details for your volunteer service.
HEALTH
Volunteers must provide a medical certificate signed by a doctor confirming they are fit for physical work, often in challenging weather conditions, and able to sleep in basic military-style accommodations. Volunteers should be aware that the work can be physically demanding and must honestly assess their health before applying to the program.
INSURANCE & MEDICATION
Emergency medical insurance is mandatory for all volunteers and must include coverage in Israel for hospitalization, emergency care, and medical repatriation. Volunteers are responsible for paying any medical expenses up front and must file claims with their insurer afterward. Proof of insurance is required before admission into the program. Volunteers must bring enough medication for their entire stay, including extra in case of delays, and carry it in their hand luggage. Prescriptions from abroad are not usually accepted by Israeli pharmacies, but having a copy may help if a local doctor is needed. Refrigeration for medications and personal food is generally not available. Volunteers must be able to manage their medical needs independently. Those with conditions that place an undue burden on staff or fellow volunteers may be asked to leave the program.
WAIVER
Volunteers must read, understand, and sign the Sar-El waiver before participating in the program.
PACKING REMINDERS
Pack light — you’ll need to carry your own luggage. Keep extra copies of your passport in your suitcase and make sure all bags are clearly labeled with your name. You can find the full packing list by clicking here.
WEEKEND TRAVEL
Due to security restrictions, volunteers are not permitted to travel to certain areas on weekends, including Jordan (Petra) and Egypt (Sinai). Additional travel restrictions will be communicated to volunteers during the program as necessary.
PHOTOGRAPHS ON BASES
We encourage volunteers to share their Sar-El experience, but do not take photos of anything sensitive or potentially classified. If in doubt, always ask your madrich/a before taking picture. Photos of soldiers with weapons and the names of bases must not be posted or mentioned online or in articles. Please ask your fellow volunteers if it is ok with them before taking their picture. Violating these rules may lead to immediate dismissal from the program and permanent disqualification from future participation.
SAR-EL SCHEDULE
Please make sure to carefully check the schedule, as there are weeks throughout the year when no Sar-El volunteer programs take place. To avoid arriving without a program, ensure you register only for dates when Sar-El activities are confirmed. Also, please register for the program at least 6 weeks before the program start date.
TRANSPORTATION FROM BASES
Sar-El provides transportation to the bases on the program’s first day and returns volunteers to a central location in Tel Aviv on Thursdays. In case they continue for another week, volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transport to the airport on the following Sunday mornings. Detailed information will be provided during the program.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
Evening activities are a mandatory part of the Sar-El program and all volunteers are expected to participate.
UNIFORM ON BASE
You are required to wear the Sar-El uniform provided to you on the first day at the base throughout the day. You are responsible for bringing your own close–toed, comfortable shoes.
CLOTHES
You are responsible for wearing appropriate clothing during the program. This means no open-toed shoes except in the showers, no tank tops or sleeveless shirts that expose the shoulders, and no shorts, skirts, or pants above the knee.
RELIGION AND POLITICS
Discussion of religion or politics is strictly prohibited during the Sar-El 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 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.
