The Sherut La’am Program is a unique six month volunteer and educational opportunity that allows participants to explore their field of interest through work experience and seminars. The program is designed for young adults ages 18-30 who have studied at least one year in an institute of higher education and who have a basic knowledge of Hebrew.

Participants are placed in a variety of organizations and settings according to their particular areas of interest and background. The program is divided into tracks whose joint focus is social and community contribution and the betterment of society and environment.

The five tracks in Sherut La’am include:

1. Education/Social Work:
In this track volunteers are placed in both elementary and high schools, in schools for special education, in centers for new immigrants and in development towns. Their work includes a variety of educational and social projects such as: teaching English, assistance in homework, big brother projects and after-school enrichment.

2. Women’s Issues:
In this track volunteers are placed in various women’s organizations such as "Na'amat", "Wizo" and others. In these organizations volunteers do PR work, research and more. There is an additional option of working in a shelter for battered women.

3. Arab Israeli Conflict:
Volunteers are placed in various organizations that work to create a dialogue between Arabs and Jews and research different areas of the Arab-Israeli Conflict. Job options include working in a joint Arab-Israeli theatre project or working for human rights in the territories and researching the peace process. Participants in this track may be included in research projects in The Peres Center for Peace or The Institute For Counter Terrorism.

4. Progressive Judaism:
Volunteers are placed in various organizations that support and work towards religious pluralism, they include the Reform and Conservative Movements.

5. Environmental Issues:
Volunteers are placed in various environmental organizations such as the JNF, the Ben Gurion Center for Desert Research and more. In these organizations the volunteers work includes research, leading groups and field work.

An Educational Enrichment program is offered in a variety of areas:

• Seminars on: Zionism, Jewish Identity, Judaism, Israeli Society, Politics, Economy and the Israeli Army.
• Trips throughout all parts of Israel
• Host families
• Leadership training
• Social activities

General Information:

• Participants must have minimally completed a level A (Beginners) Hebrew ulpan.
• There is no specific starting date for the program, starting dates are determined according to individual criteria.
• Participants are required to present medical documentation certifying that they are in good health.
• Applicants will be accepted to the program following an interview by a shaliach abroad or by Tnuat Aliyah in Israel.
• Program participants receive a monthly stipend of $75 from Tnuat Aliyah.
• Medical insurance should be arranged in advance by each participant (it is possible to arrange this through the Jewish Agency).
• The programs runs for a standard period of six months but there is a possibility for an extension.
• Accommodation is available at absorption centers throught Israel for a minimal fee of $30 per month (this fee includes room, facilities and utilities but not food).

Contact Us

For further information abroad please contact your local aliyah representative.

Or contact Vered Layish at: veredl@jafi.org
Telephone: 02-620-4348
Fax: 02-620-4415

Last updated: Wednesday, August 13, 2003