Sar-El – Service for Israel
Experience Israel by being part of the cause! Sar-El offers its participants, who come from all ages and backgrounds, a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore Israel as one if its own, so much more than being “just a tourist”. By volunteering in the Israeli army, in a variety of departments, Sar-El’s exclusive program offers an insider’s look at what Israel is really all about. Most importantly, the trip can be customized and adapted for all ages and abilities. Tourists coming to Israel on Sar-El experience so much more than the regular tourist. They feel a part of Israeli society and enjoy a thrilling adventure that is open to everybody.
History of Sar-El
Sar-El’s initiative began in 1982 in the midst of the Galilee War. Most of the Golan Heights’ farmers had to abandon their crops as they were called up as IDF reservists. At that time, Aharon Davidi z”l, the head of the IDF Paratroopers and Infantry Corps, was directing the Golan Heights’ community and cultural activities.
Touched by the challenging agricultural situation, Davidi z”l sent a recruitment team to the USA and, in three weeks, a group of 650 volunteers arrived in Israel to help support the farmers.
Later on, those volunteers expressed their wish for the project to continue and in 1983 Sar-El was founded as a non-profit organization.
Sar-El Today
Since then, over 160,000 volunteers from all over the world have taken part in this initiative, representing over 30 countries.
Over the years Sar-El has expanded the brain-child of Aharon Davidi z”l and has broadened its scope: contributing to Jewish continuity, working in IDF’s warehouses, touring Israel, promoting Aliyah and more.
Today, Sar-El offers its participants a solid, engaging, fun and meaningful program. People from different age ranges participate and receive inspiration that strengthens them and their connection to Israel and Judaism when they go back to their respective homes.
Sar-El on the Weekends
While pretty busy during the week, Sar-El volunteers must make their own Shabbat arrangements. The Ascent hostel, located in spiritual Tsfat, home of Kabbalah, offers them a home from home. In the beautiful Galil setting, Ascent is the place to meet people from all over the world, explore the ways of Kabbalah and Jewish heritage and experience a truly mystical Shabbat. Participants often describe their time at Ascent as a life-changing experience. With warm, helpful staff accompanying the guests, Ascent hostel is the home away from home for Sar-El participants. Sar-El volunteers are also offered two free week-nights at Ascent, and discounts on Shabbat and Jewish holidays.
Transportation arrangements can be made for Sunday morning.
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