Essential Information



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We need to have each person fill out the attached application and submit with:
  • copy of passport
  • copy of medical release (with doctors stamp) '
  • copy of health insurance
*SAR-EL is very forgiving on age with regards to volunteers but we must have them get a medical waiver and provide proof of insurance.

We really can't confirm until we receive the above any participant.

Please note that we only accept supporters of Israel (yes, very broad guidelines)

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.
DO NOT BUY AN AIRLINE TICKET UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED CONFIRMATION THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM.
Please note that all volunteers will be picked up by 12:00 pm on the day of their program start time so please be sure to plan your travel accordingly.


COST

  • Sar-El Australia Registration & application fee
    • AU$120
  • Sar-El Israel HQ Program "Donation" fee
    •  Effective May 1, 2024
      (Basic meals and accommodation provided whilst on the program)
Jump to our payment page


INSURANCE

Here are some options for you to investigate:

Yedidim under 75
Israel based medical insurance (Einat@yedidim.co.il)

Harel (Maccabi)
Israel based medical insurance suggested by Sar-El Israel

Israel based medical insurance (info@egertcohen.co.il)

Australian based partner company of DavidShield, offering general travel insurance when not on the Sar-El program

Most standard travel insurance policies automatically exclude "Do not travel" zones, therefore we offer the policies above (except PassportCard) which specifically support IDF army base zones potentially near Gaza or Lebanon. You will not know prior to meeting with your group which base you will be allocated to.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/middle-east/israel-and-occupied-palestinian-territories

PROGRAM

Program Schedule: If you have 10 people, we can do a specific program as long as it starts on a Sunday and is not on a Jewish holiday. Smaller groups and individual participants will be placed in our normal calendared program


VOLUNTEER ISSUES

The biggest issues we have is that volunteers arrive:

- expecting to have their own room (they sleep in barracks)
- want to select their own "check-in" and "check out" dates
- expect WI-FI and a Gym and the ability to leave the base as they please.

We try to gently remind people this is work on an Army base, in uniform and we follow the IDF procedures and we try to nicely dispel the notion that this is a free vacation at the IDF Hyatt in the Desert!

We really try to give people clear expectations about the work aspect and the conditions of the base. We do try to accommodate people on their desire for certain bases and certain friends. We do not offer assistance on making travel plans beyond SAR-El.


Qualifications and Health Advisory


Sar-El’s Volunteer for Israel program is open to any participant who is a supporter of Israel, older than 16 and is in good physical and mental health. Please note that health insurance and a doctor’s sign-off is required for all participants. Health care in Israel is at a high western standard, but many IDF army bases are in isolated areas with limited available medical care. Volunteers must discuss their medical problems and detail all issues prior to arriving or risk being sent home if a pre-existing condition is not listed:

Listed below are some health tips to consider.

FITNESS

You should be on an exercise program as part of a daily routine, and comfortable with it before leaving for a Sar-El program. Assigned jobs on the base can include light or heavy lifting, or standing for long periods of time. Please expect to work for up to 8 hours a day of manual labor. We can take breaks, rest periods, and if necessary, check with our Madricha about changing to a more suitable job.

If you are on medications, check with your doctor before starting your exercise program. Particularly for older volunteers, the physical activity of the program, traveling, and changes in diet and climate may have serious consequences so please be sure to disclose all issues prior to arrival with Sar-El.

At Sar-El’s sole discretion, a volunteer may be disqualified from the program at any point if physical or mental fitness is not up to IDF standards.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Israel does not require any immunizations for entering the country.I found it wise to obtain an annual flu shot.  A tetanus vaccine every ten years is recommended. A vaccination for pneumonia should be considered for volunteers 65 years and older, with chronic cardiopulmonary conditions and/or smokers. Vaccinations should be obtained at least 4-6 weeks before leaving for the program.

MEDICATIONS

Keep prescription medications in original containers in carry-on-luggage. Please include a list of all medications on your application. On most IDF bases volunteers do not have access to refrigerators and those that are available are not of a standard to store medications. Volunteers with any condition which requires refrigerated medication will not be able to join the program

HEALTH INSURANCE

It is a requirement for the Sar-El program. Medicare will not cover the volunteer in Israel. Be sure to check your current policy if a travel clause is included. You may need to purchase suitable travel insurance.

Tap water in Israel is safe to drink and the food on the army base is safe to eat, but be careful of food from street vendors. There is a tremendous variety of cuisines and food eaten in Israel. Meals on IDF bases are kosher army food and may not be what you are used to.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Israel has many hot days, and many of the job assignments require us to be outside. Drink plenty of water during the work period, wear a wide-brimmed hat, wear light-colored and loose fitting clothing and use sun screen.

Older adults are more vulnerable to heat because it takes more time to adjust to the heat. Volunteers on certain medications for cardiovascular conditions, medications for psychiatric conditions and medications for diabetes are at an increased risk for a heat-related illness.

Check with your doctor to see if your health conditions will be affected by working outside in the sun. You may want to volunteer for a time when there is cooler weather in Israel and for a job where the volunteer can be inside a building.

SLEEP DISORDERS

Volunteers using CPAP(continuous positive airway pressure) machines for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea should bring machines that can be used for international travel.

The CPAP machine should not be a disturbance to other volunteers in a multiple bunk room.  A backup battery must accompany the CPAP machine in case of a power shortage. If the CPAP machine is a disturbance to other volunteers, the volunteer may be asked to leave the program.The volunteer with a CPAP machine should be comfortable wearing the mask and make any necessary adjustments before leaving for Israel.

Be sure to consult with VFI/Sar-EL personnel and/or your doctor regarding questions about one’s sleep disorder before joining the program.

DIABETES

A number of volunteers who come to Israel have diabetes which is managed by diet and/or medications. The American Diabetes Association has an online site with information for diabetics who will be travelling. The volunteer should review this information.  Before leaving for Israel see your doctor for a medical exam to make sure your diabetes is under control, and have a letter explaining what you need to do for your diabetes, and have a prescription for insulin and/or pills. Volunteers with diabetes should carry snacks and glucose tablets for emergency sugar sources at all times. The volunteer with diabetes requiring insulin should consider where diabetic supplies including insulin will be stored while on a Sar-El program. Insulin stored in very hot or very cold temperatures may lose its strength. Be sure to have more than enough diabetic medication in case of an emergency, and the diabetic volunteer should wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace that shows the volunteer has diabetes.

Since one will be on long flights, exposed to different activities, and have meals on IDF bases that may not fit your usual diabetic diet, test the blood sugar more often than usual.

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