WISE B’YACHAD – WINTER BREAK VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

In collaboration with Israel Food Rescue’s Mission Ambassadors Program, a partnership between Leket Israel, Kol Israel, and HaShomer HaChadash.

Since October 7, over 25,000 foreign agricultural workers have been murdered, taken hostage, or returned to their home country. In addition, 360,000 Israeli men and women have been called to reserve duty. There is a human capital shortage.

Through Israel Food Rescue, members of the world community form teams of volunteers providing 5 to 30 days of agricultural work in the center of the country in order to:

• Reduce the devastating economic and emotional impact of the Hamas War
• Prevent food waste
• Bring agricultural products to market, provision programs feeding evacuees, and/or be distributed to nonprofits combating food insecurity across Israel

What It Is

• Wise B’yachad (Wise Together) is an opportunity for members of the extended Wise family to spend the traditional American “Winter Break” with others from around the world providing hands-on assistance in Israel, thereby both demonstrating solidarity and helping mitigate the impact of the Hamas War on Israeli society
• A commitment of at least one week (and up to one month) of full days of volunteer agricultural work, with opportunities for limited customization
• Work is scheduled Sundays through Thursdays, with optional work Fridays (return by 2pm); the rest of the week is free of programming and participants may continue lodging at the homebase hotel or travel elsewhere and return for work the following Sunday

What It Is Not

• A “soup-to-nuts” experience – while there is a volunteer Mission Captain for the group, there is no professional mission leader, ground staff, or concierge assistance
• A “taste of” experience – the work is agricultural only, and it may be on the same farm for several days/weeks in a row (or the assigned location may change every day)
• A fully customizable experience (while start/end dates as well as the pre/post and weekend time are flexible, on program days only lodging is flexible – see info below)
• For first-time visitors to Israel or those interested in tourism
• Within the “Gaza Envelope” (the hardest-hit area, adjacent to current military action)

Eligibility

• Age 30 to 80+, in reasonable physical condition (herculean strength not required)
• Willing and able to perform 5-6 hours of medium (to heavy) manual labor daily
• Having a valid passport expiring at least 6 months after planned return date (from a country that Israel grants an automatic tourist visa)
• Willing to spend 30-75 minutes on a program bus between the hotel and the worksite in both directions every workday, departing at 6am and returning around 4pm
• Relatively comfortable taking care of one’s own needs in Israel
• Cognizant that the magnitude of the war effort will impact most daily interactions on the ground (including availability and operating hours of amenities and sites outside program hours)
• A flexible mindset (farmers are likely to cancel work if rain is forecasted, for example)
• Willing to take responsibility for one’s own participation (such as reporting to the meeting point on time without relying on staff)

Ground Cost (exclusive of air travel, which must be self-organized)

• 5-10 consecutive calendar days: $1000 donation (regardless of duration)
• 11-30 consecutive calendar days: $1800 donation (regardless of duration)
• 50% discount for students available (with dorm-style lodging in the program hotel)

Young Adult Scholarship

Young adults (18+) are eligible for a stipend from the Wise Center for Tikkun Olam to participate in this project. Please complete the form linked here to request funding in addition to registering for the Israel trip. 

Included with Donation

• Work assignments for between 5 days (one week) and up to 25 days (one month)
• Transport between Ben Gurion Airport and program hotel if on group flight
• Double-occupancy lodging at Stay Inn Jerusalem, 21 King George St (fee is discounted 50% if lodging is not required; no proration if weekends are spent elsewhere)
• Daily bus transport to and from worksites
• Three kosher meals onsite seven days per week (no discount or proration if forgone)
• Health insurance

Optional

• Upgrade within hotel (single or premium room) at discounted rate
• Opportunity to stay elsewhere in Jerusalem provided participant organizes transport to program hotel before the bus’s scheduled daily departure and upon its return
• Travel agent assistance as desired (contact Orit Topf, CEO, World Express Travel, orit@worldexpresstravel.com, 818-654-2880)

Dates

Wise B’yachad runs approximately Tuesday, December 19, to Monday, January 1; participants may choose their own start and end dates (from now into January) provided they commit to at least five consecutive days of work. Those beginning volunteering sooner will join the previous group before meeting up with Wise B’yachad; volunteering longer works similarly.

What to Bring

• A great attitude
• Appropriate work gear: closed-toed shoes, long sleeves, work gloves
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle

Security

Israel is at war and there are security risks of varying degrees throughout the country. The program follows security protocol guidance provided by the Israeli government. ALL participants will need to sign a security waiver holding organizers and Stephen Wise Temple harmless. Please note that volunteer options are subject to change due to changing civil, social, and security needs; regulations; and restrictions.

I’m In!  What’s Next?

First:
Contact Stephen Wise Temple Executive Director Sharon Spira-Cushnir: sspira@wisela.org.

Then:
Step 1  Submit your registration form here: Sign up (note “Wise group” in the comments)
Step 2  Receive confirmation and follow-up contact within 48 hours
Step 3  Make the donation corresponding with your chosen program length: Donate here
Step 4  Reserve flight. Email confirmation and picture of your passport front page: Here
Step 5  Orientation Call
Step 6  Pack your bags to come volunteer in Israel!