Birthright Israel and Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to grow the number of global Jewish community members who travel to Israel to volunteer at this critical time. The two organizations will leverage their scale and expertise to ensure that at least 10,000 participants volunteer in Israel in 2025 to support Israel’s recovery and rebuilding, while also responding to the surge of interest in Jewish life since the October 7th attacks. The two organizations will also explore pathways to sustain and grow these efforts for years to come.

This joint initiative builds on the successes that both Federations and Birthright Israel have had facilitating and running volunteer trips since the attacks. Birthright Israel sent 8,000 volunteers—including many alumni of classic Birthright Israel trips—to Israel in 2024 on one- and two-week trips facilitated by a range of organizations including synagogues, Federations, and other community-based institutions. Jewish Federations have sent an additional 1,000 volunteers since August alone through their Serve Israel platform. More broadly, Federations have been deeply engaged in supporting Israel through efforts that have raised over $850M since October 7th.

“Jewish Federations are at the forefront of efforts to help Israel rebuild and recover from the terrible events of October 7th and the war that followed. Pairing Birthright Israel’s deep expertise in running meaningful educational trips with Jewish Federation communities’ deep relationships and partnerships, including over 500 Israeli NGOs that have received emergency support since October 7th, will allow us to help Israel rebuild in significant ways through new volunteer experiences,” said Julie Platt, Chair of the Board, Jewish Federations of North America.

“We are thrilled to partner with Jewish Federations of North America to dramatically expand volunteerism in Israel. This initiative, which began as a response to our community’s urgent desire to support Israel’s recovery after October 7th, has grown into a major pillar of Birthright Israel’s work. We hope to partner with new and existing supporters of the Birthright Israel program to ensure that we can meet the increasing demand for volunteerism in Israel,” said Josh Nash, Chair of the Board, Birthright Israel.

The initiative is open to Jewish adults aged 18-50 who are interested in strengthening Israel through hands-on volunteer work and offers significant assistance to cover costs. The cost to North American volunteers for the one-week program, including flights, is $600. The initiative is set to expand its offerings, including raising the age cap, in the months ahead.

Volunteerism is critically important to supporting Israel at this time, as tens of thousands of Israelis serve on reserve duty and fewer foreign workers are available. Over the past eighteen months, volunteers have made meaningful contributions to Israel, contributed both to the economy and Israel’s national food security, and have found their experiences transformative, significantly  strengthening their connections to Israel while fostering a profound sense of belonging with the Jewish community back home.

This initiative is also supported by Mosaic United and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. For more information and to apply for a 2025 Birthright Israel Volunteer trip experience, please visit www.birthrightisrael.com/volunteer-in-israel.

Related Posts