FAQ



Other questions below...

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What does Sar-El Australasia do?

Sar-El Australasia HQ helps you collate and organise your documentation for your final submission (step 2, below) to Sar-El Israel HQ, and we scrutinise it for security and any errors. This process assists the IDF staff in Israel with the paperwork as they have a lot of applications to process and they do not have the resources... This streamlines your registration and actually makes it quicker, especially having people in your geographic region that you can immediately communicate with. Please read the steps below carefully and thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

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I am volunteering for Sar-El... why do I have to pay?!?

They accommodate, feed and transport you (unlike any other volunteer organisation).

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I put all my information and documents into Form 1A and then Form 1B for Australia... Why do I have to do it all over again for the Step 2 - Israel Form?

Please understand that the job of Sar-El Australia is to
  • help you collate all your information
  • do a security check on you
  • scrutinise your paperwork
  • check for errors
  • assist Sar-El Israel HQ by acting as an intermediary
  • deal directly with participants requirements personally
Once you have completed Australian form 1A & 1B and it is accepted by us, then you will have all your correct information gathered together, and you should be able to complete the Israel HQ Form #2 in only a few minutes. And because it is all correct according to Sar-El standards (which we check), it will be easy for Sar-El Israel HQ to do your paperwork and your acceptance into the program is streamlined and made much quicker. Also because they are in a different time zone and speak a different language and have very limited resources, it is very difficult for Sar-El Israel to communicate with you, especially where a difficulty may arise. Please also read the next question...

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Why can't I apply for Sar-El directly via the Israel website? (like I used to?)

The problem with registering participants for Sar-El was greatly exacerbated on Oct 7 2023, because B"H there were so many people all over the world who wanted to immediately fly to Israel and help... That's a great thing, but at the same time the Sar-El HQ in Israel were inundated. They could not keep up with the paperwork and scrutinise every participant at an appropriate standard. Therefore, each country's representative throughout the world was 'called up' to help do the registrations for each of their own countries. This has been a fundamental support to Sar-El Israel HQ and we ask that you cooperate with the new system which for everybody's sake is a much better method of operation.

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I am 80+ years old and I want to apply... Are there any issues I should be aware of?

Sar-El Israel HQ have reluctance to accept 80+ participants, although they do evaluate on a case by case basis. One of the most important factors they want you to be appraised of is your accommodation on base, which may be in a tent on bunk beds in a dormitory style room with many other people, there are no special requests and your sleep may very well be disturbed by others nearby you. This is a reality as we have seen many photos just like this from our participants. If you have sleeping issues, then this is a critical factor for you.

Please also email Einat at the Yedidim-Harel insurance to discuss with her your costs and any requirements she needs in order to insure you. This is absolutely critical too... Einat@yedidim.co.il

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As for the Australian program does it arrange a collective date for departures or to meet and make contact with other volunteers before departure? Or is it a make your own way?

There are specific program starting dates by the month. You have to make your own way to Israel (again I am happy to assist).

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Is there any language requirements as well?

English is the dominant language, although there are people from all over the world.

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What will Sar-El cost me?

I have prepared a budget here at the bottom of the page.

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I am a former Australian Army soldier (23 years) and I'm am currently on a veterans pension. My health is covered by my Veterans Affairs Gold Card. Therefore I have no private health insurance. In your experience, would you still encourage private health insurance or should I check as to whether the Dept of Veteran Affairs will cover me whilst volunteering. I couldn't see an issue since they cover me for all medical services whether working or not whilst in Australia and do pay pensions for those living abroad.

I think it is highly likely you will be covered by your current health insurance. Sar-el is still separate to the IDF so it is not as if you are participating in the military of another country. However, with the ongoing war situation with Gaza and Hezbollah you should get the Harel Insurance that we offer which is cheap and covers you for being on an army base.

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Also since the programs break between Thursday and Sunday morning are there programs in Israel to assist volunteers with accommodation and at present is it expensive to volunteer for three weeks noting that you'll be needing your own accommodation for two to three breaks?

Sar-el Israel presently does have assistance for you during your days off such as hotel accommodation and transportation. I would be happy to organise for you some tourist activities as well. There is no additional cost for sar-el regardless of the length of time you want to participate (up to 3 weeks, it is one single cost).

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Program and flight flexibility?

Both El Al and Sar-El offer flexibility with their programs:
https://www.elal.com/eng/general/press-release/current-events


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If needed, can I delay my ElAl flights easily?

New To ElAl - El Al Protect - only A$44


What are the t-shirt sizes?

This size chart is Unisex and is for the t-shirts we will be supplying everyone...
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Old size chart

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What will Sar-El cost me?

A sample budget can be viewed here...


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Privacy Policy

Your privacy is our priority. All personal information submitted through our website will be kept strictly confidential. We will not share, sell, or disclose your information to any third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law. The data collected will be used solely to provide you with our services and improve our offerings. By submitting your information, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Last updated: 9 Aug 2025

Sar-El Australia (“we”, “our”, “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your data when you visit our website or use our services.

1. Information We Collect
We may collect the following information:
Personal details (e.g., name, email address, phone number, postal address) provided when you contact us, make a booking, or complete a form.
Payment details when you purchase services (processed securely via Stripe — we do not store full card details).
Travel-related details (e.g., passport information, dietary requirements, emergency contact information) when required for volunteer program arrangements.
Technical information such as IP address, browser type, and site usage data through cookies and analytics tools.

2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
Provide our services and process bookings.
Communicate with you about your program or enquiry.
Process payments securely.
Improve our website and services.
Comply with legal obligations.

3. Sharing Your Information
We may share your information with:
Our program partners and service providers (e.g., Sar-El Israel, accommodation providers, travel agents) to facilitate your booking.
Payment processors (Stripe) to handle transactions securely.
Government authorities if required by law.
We will never sell your personal information to third parties.

4. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, disclosure, or misuse.

5. Cookies
Our website may use cookies to improve your browsing experience. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, but some features of our site may not function properly.

6. Your Rights
You may request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information by contacting us.

7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time by posting the revised version on our website.

Contact Us
Email: info@sarelaustralia.com
Phone: +61413055718


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Terms of Service

Last updated: 9 Aug 2025

Welcome to Sar-El Australia. By accessing or using our website (www.sarelaustralia.com) and services, you agree to the following terms:

Services
Sar-El Australia provides information, guidance, and facilitation for individuals participating in Sar-El Israel volunteer programs and related activities.

Payments

All prices are listed in Australian dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable.
Payments are processed securely via Stripe.
Full payment is required at the time of booking unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Refunds & Cancellations

Cancellations made at least 30 days before departure or program start may be eligible for a refund, less any non-refundable fees charged by program partners.
Cancellations made within 30 days of departure are generally non-refundable.
If Sar-El Australia or our partners cancel your program, you will receive a full refund or the option to transfer to another available date.

Participant Responsibilities

You must provide accurate and truthful information during the application and booking process.
You are responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents, visas, and complying with any health or vaccination requirements.

Liability

Participation in volunteer programs involves travel and activities that carry inherent risks. By booking with Sar-El Australia, you accept all such risks.
Sar-El Australia is not liable for injury, loss, or damage to persons or property, except where required by law.
We are not responsible for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by events beyond our control (including, but not limited to, natural disasters, strikes, or political unrest).

Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms at any time by posting a revised version on our website. Continued use of our services after such updates means you accept the revised terms.

Contact
Email: info@sarelaustralia.com
Phone: +61413055718



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