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Are you interested in coming to help us as a volunteer? Then please read this page carefully first!
What can you expect and what is expected of you?
Arrival

From Ben-Gurion airport you will be picked up and go by van or public transport, together with a guide to the south of the Negev desert, near Moshav (village) Kmehin and Kadesh Barnea, a stone’s throw from the Egyptian border. This village is called Nitzana and is part of the Yewish agency. Nitzana is an ecological village where they try to bring people closer to creation. It is about a 2-hour drive from Ben-Gurion airport. This location is your home base during your stay in Israel. Here you will sleep, and receive three kosher meals a day.

Cost

The cost for overnight accommodation and three meals per day is 40 euros per person per day, which amounts to 280 euros per week per person. From this we ask for 20 euros own contribution per person per day.

Accomodation

Initially we were housed in Nitzana’s tent camp, in various large tents, 12 people, 25 people or 40 people. As of May 2024, we live in cottages with 6, 8 or 10 people. In the cottages there are normal beds, is a toilet, and shower, a kitchenette and air conditioning. Our experience shows that you need 24-48 hours to acclimatize but pretty soon you get used to the basic situation and see how little you actually need. During your stay at Nitzana you will live and work with the other volunteers.

Daily schedule

At 6 am the dining hall opens its door During the winter period, in the morning, between 6:30-7:30am, you are taken by our vans to the farmers’ various work sites. Usually work is done until 13-13:30h; with one or two breaks in between.

In the summer period (high season in terms of workload and harvest), you will leave for the farm earlier and also stop earlier, depending on the temperature. In the afternoon, after the temperature has dropped again, you work another 2-3 hours.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the farmer or by a volunteer who has been working on the farm a little longer and will give instructions on the work. There is no work pressure, it is still volunteer work but of course you are there to support the economy as much as possible; it is not optional. The farmers pay a small contribution towards accommodation costs and do expect some commitment in return. At Nitzana you get a hot kosher meal.

You will work about 6 hours a day from Sunday to Friday. You will not work on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons. We are still thinking about what to do with the afternoons off. Suggestions are always welcome. Friday afternoon you stop working around 11.30-12h.

Shabbat is a day of rest. After breakfast we will take a prayer/proclamation walk of about an hour. Afterwards we have a short meeting with study in Beit Uri or on the terrace in Olim kadimah (near the cottages).

What do you bring?

During the summer: (until mid-September, after that we have to wait and see) Fitted sheet + top sheet + pillowcase; blankets are provided in the cottages. Warm clothes for the evening, during the day it can get warm but in the evening it cools down quite quickly.

An overall or apron is practical for working, tomato plants give off a black dust. Gloves are provided by the farmer. Sturdy shoes are also recommended.

We are in the desert, the air is very dry and in summer temperatures can be high. Therefore: bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, lip balm, a cap or a hat to protect your head from the sun.

Some tips

1. Due to the irregularity and frequent cancellation of flights by other airlines, we strongly recommend flying with ElAl.

2. At Schiphol Airport you are already being asked questions: where are you going, what are you going to do there, how long are you staying, what is in your suitcase, who filled your suitcase, etc. They have to do this because of security. They ask these questions of everyone. You can usually drop off your carry-on luggage, if this is a suitcase, as checked luggage at no extra charge. They do this to save space in the baggage compartments. On ElAl’s plane, you get free drinks and a sandwich.

3. Arriving in Israel, you go to the border police again. Here, depending on who is at the counter, they can ask some pretty probing questions: is this your first time here, why are you here, where are you going, etc.? This is done in English. If your English is not so good ask someone to help you. This may seem intimidating to some people but again, they have to do this because of their safety. Make sure you have the letter of recommendation you receive from us handy, usually you will be allowed to go through fairly quickly.

4. Then when you arrive at the arrival hall you will be picked up by someone from Lema’ancha. Once you are in the arrival hall, please do not walk around and stay with the group.

Sim cards for phones are very expensive at the airport, do not buy them there !!!! In Kadesh Barnea (close to Nitzana) there is a store where you can buy a card for a month for 80 Shekel. You can buy RavKav cards from us for the same price as at Ben Gurion.

Everyone has had a long journey and we would like to travel south as soon as possible. That is another 2 hr drive by our bus.

Before you apply

Although the work is not very strenuous, you do need normal basic fitness. If you have back or knee problems or other ailments that prevent you from bending or kneeling, it may not be wise to participate in horticulture.

In the summer months it gets very hot in the Negev. If you have heart or respiratory problems or cannot stand the heat well, it is not wise to sign up for this project.

Furthermore, this project requires from each of us, adaptability, flexibility and the willingness to work closely together. We are convinced if you, prepare well and take into account all these above aspects, you will have the time of your life. You meet new people, you learn new things, you spend a lot of time with (Messianic) believers with a big heart for Israel.

STEP-BY-STEP PLAN SIGN UP

  1. Check for yourself when you are available to help
  2. Fill out the preliminary application form (green button)
  3. One of the planners will contact you and discuss the trip.
  4. Did you book the trip after step 3? Then fill out the final application form (blue button).

Use the button below to indicate when you are available, and we’ll see when you can go.

PROVISIONAL NOTIFICATION
Use the button below if you have been told by us when you can go and you have already booked the trip.
FINAL REGISTRATION