What To Expect

Sar-El volunteering takes place on IDF bases throughout Israel. Our mission is to assist Israel in managing the incredible burden placed on active and reserve citizen soldiers by providing vital logistical support.

All volunteer groups are assigned an IDF team leader, known as a Madrich/a, who will be present to guide and assist volunteers throughout their stay.

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.

Please 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.
Any changes to the arrival time must be approved in advance by your Sar-El representative, as the military may not always be able to accommodate modified schedules.

Volunteer Week

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.

You may request to be placed with specific fellow volunteers or express preferences regarding your volunteer location. While Sar-El does its best to accommodate these requests, there is no guarantee they will be fulfilled.

All volunteers are expected to follow the IDF daily schedule, including attendance at morning reveille and participation in morning, afternoon, and evening activities.

Sample Daily Itinerary (subject to change)

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast
• 9:00 AM – Flag Raising, singing of Hatikvah, and briefing on daily news and directives
• 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

Please note that schedules and activity order may vary depending on the military base, work demands, and the season.

Weekend

Volunteers are released Thursday afternoon (drop-off is typically at a major transportation hub in Tel Aviv around mid-afternoon). Sar-El reserves the right to change the drop-off location and will inform volunteers accordingly.

Volunteers will need to return to the airport on Sunday to resume their volunteer work if their program continues the following week.

Many volunteers use the weekend to tour Israel, visit friends or family, or rest. Please note that accommodation, meals, and transportation during weekends are the responsibility of the volunteer.

Final Note

Your volunteer service contributes directly to the security of Israel, and we hope this experience will be meaningful and rewarding. If you encounter any issues during your stay, please do not hesitate to check in with your representative for assistance.