Pre-Departure Information
It is required by the airlines and our program that your passport be valid until at least 6 months after your return ticket date.
When you take taxis, make sure to get the name and number of the taxi company as well as the information about the driver. If you lose something in the taxi, you will be able to find it later.
Modest clothing is required on bases. No tank tops or short shorts.
Volunteers with medical conditions that put themselves at risk or which burden other volunteers or staff members cannot participate in Sar-El or may be asked to leave the program.
There are many options for the payment of public transportation in Israel. Familiarize yourself with at least one. The Rav Kav cards are available the central bus stations and train stations, as well as at the airport.
Apps like Moovit allow you to pay for buses and trains on your phone.
Please carry all medicines, copies of prescriptions, clean underwear and socks in your carry-on luggage.
All Volunteers must have emergency medical coverage while on the program.
Make sure to bring an English translation (or Hebrew) of your insurance card information.
Please bring at least two valid credit cards and cash to pay for medical emergencies.
Pack lightly; you must carry your own suitcase. Bring a small bag for weekends. You are taken to the base when you arrive and back to a central location in Tel Aviv on Thursdays.
Getting a flu shot and a tetanus shot before you arrive to Israel is recommended. Take extra vitamins, Echinacea, Vitamin C before and during your stay. Bring your own cold/cough medicine – just in case.
Please make sure to check your flight departure times; airlines will not refund a missed departure
Make sure you bring a pair of closed shoes & socks for working. You cannot wear sandals while you work. No tank tops or short shorts are allowed on bases.
We DO NOT recommend you bring a computer to the base. Please note that Sar-El is not responsible for any damage or loss.
Please refrain from taking pictures of anything which you might even think may be classified or sensitive. We WILL reject volunteers for future programs if they disobey the rules. This also includes mentioning the names and specific locations of the bases.
Before you leave home, please tell your credit card company that you will be in Israel and give them the correct dates.
