Want to Help? Volunteer for Israel

Mike L.

A Tip 'O the Kippa to Dusty at Pro-Israel Bay Bloggers

From a press release from our friends at Volunteers for Israel

PRESS RELEASE

Volunteers for Israel Remain on IDF Bases, Serving Despite Conflict.

More Volunteers Needed.Press Release

By Steve Plotkin

Since 1982, more than 30,000 American civilians have joined Volunteers for Israel and signed on as short-term volunteers doing noncombatant civilian work with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on bases throughout Israel. Volunteer work includes packing medical supplies, refurbishing electronic equipment, repairing machinery, and performing logistic assignments wherever they are needed. Sar-El is the Israeli organization that coordinates with VFI and oversees assignments.

During the Pillar of Defense operations, and demonstrating their commitment, no volunteers have departed early, and many have extended their stay. Others have been relocated from bases in the South to other locations. Some bases have moved to double shifts. Several American student groups with displaced teaching duties in Israel also have volunteered to join VFI's efforts.

Additional volunteers are needed for programs starting Nov. 25, Dec. 16, Dec. 23, Jan 6 and Jan. 27, for one or more weeks. There is increased flexibility regarding starting dates so that volunteers can join existing programs on Sundays. Should a ground war begin in Gaza, more volunteers will be needed from December through March 2013.

For additional information about Volunteers for Israel, please refer to www.vfi-usa.org (editor's note - this url seems not to be functional), email info at vfi-usa.org, or call 866-514-1948. The web site, under "Contact Us," shows U.S. regional representatives.

No matter the task, the Volunteers for Israel's focus is always to lend our hands and assure Israel that she does not stand alone. Worldwide, more than 4,500 people a year travel to Israel to volunteer their services on an army base, maintaining their pioneering spirit.

VFI is a non-profit 501(c)3, non-political, non-sectarian organization.