Program Outline:
The program begins with a three-day orientation seminar and training course in English at a youth hostel. Following the seminar, volunteers are stationed at local fire-fighting stations around Israel, where they work as volunteer firefighters, alongside Israeli volunteers and staff. They remain for the duration of their volunteer period (minimum one month, with the possibility of an extension) in their placement stations. The first few days at the local stations, participants will receive on-site training, where they will be introduced to the equipment and will be given details and instructions of their responsibilities.
An average work schedule includes 5 shifts a week, 8 hours per shift. Shift times are arranged according to the requests of the volunteers, in coordination with the needs of the stations. Night shifts are optional.
During the volunteer period, the entire group will be reunited for a one day hike (tour) around Israel.
Acceptance Criteria:
Participants must be between the ages of 18-30 and in good physical and mental health. Knowledge of Hebrew is preferred but not required.
Cost:
The program fee is $270, which includes accommodation, a three-day orientation including a one-day hike, uniform, and health insurance for the duration of the program. Airfare is not included.
Accommodations:
Housing and food are provided during the three-day opening seminar in Jerusalem. During the extended volunteer period, housing is provided in Jewish Agency Absorption Centers throughout Israel. These include basically furnished, shared rooms with kitchenettes. Meals and transportation are not provided during this period, and are the responsibility of the volunteers.
General
The day of an Israeli firefighter team is unpredictable: it can include car accidents, chemical spills, forest fires, cats stuck in trees, fires in private homes and national disasters. Each day will be different, and each volunteer will have his/her own unusual experience. You might have days filled with action and challenges, and others where you will get a chance to relax with your fellow firefighters.
Israeli firefighters and rescue teams are unfortunately not the known heroes of Israeli storybooks, yet daily they continue to quietly go about saving lives, while risking their own. This is your opportunity to join and support them, while having a chance to impact lives yourself!
Last Updated: June 11, 2007