Birthright Israel Expands Volunteer Program Age Limit to 50, Opening New Opportunities for Engagement and Impact Starting in 2025
On December 9, Birthright Israel announced that beginning in 2025, it will expand the age limit for its highly subsidized Post-October 7 Volunteer Program to 50. This change will allow Jewish adults aged 18–50 to participate, significantly broadening access to Birthright’s impactful volunteer opportunities and opening new ways for engagement and transformative experiences in Israel.
Previously, the program’s age limit was set at 18-40; however, now the age range will be extended, allowing a wider group of participants to join the volunteer initiatives. This decision reflects Birthright Israel’s commitment to engaging more individuals, fostering intergenerational connections, and addressing urgent volunteer needs in Israel at a critical time.
The expanded age range is driven by several key factors. First, it enables alumni who participated in Birthright trips up to 25 years ago to re-engage with Israel through meaningful volunteer work, thereby strengthening their lifelong bond with the country. Second, it creates multigenerational opportunities, encouraging young adults to volunteer alongside their parents, thereby enhancing shared experiences and deepening connections to both Jewish heritage and Israel. Third, the decision responds to the urgent needs in Israel, particularly in areas near the Gaza envelope and along the Lebanon ceasefire zone. The program aims to mobilize volunteers to support community rebuilding efforts in these regions and assist with various projects in central Israel, including the Tel Aviv area.
Building on the success of the volunteer program so far, where 8,000 participants have been engaged, Birthright Israel anticipates that 10,000 volunteers will participate in 2025. The program is a cornerstone of Birthright Israel’s mission to strengthen Jewish solidarity globally and deepen ties to Israel through meaningful, hands-on action. As Gidi Mark, CEO of Birthright Israel, emphasized: “Every Birthright participant arriving in Israel will contribute by volunteering, ensuring that giving back is a cornerstone of the Birthright experience. This initiative underscores Birthright Israel’s commitment to fostering global Jewish solidarity and strengthening ties to the land and people of Israel through meaningful action.”
The Birthright Israel Volunteer Program offers Jewish adults, ages 18-50, the chance to make a tangible impact on communities across Israel. Participants will engage in a variety of volunteer activities, including working in food rescue operations to prevent shortages in the Israeli market and supporting kibbutz restoration projects in areas hardest hit by the October 7 attacks and the war that began after that. Volunteers will help rebuild kibbutzim, support community re-building efforts, provide food security assistance, and participate in packing and distribution tasks.
The program offers significant support to participants, including reimbursement for flights (up to $900), a partial food subsidy ($100 per week), and safe accommodations in major cities with a safe space. Volunteers will be placed in meaningful roles where they will work for 4-6 hours per day, with organized transportation to and from their volunteer sites. Additional benefits include health insurance, an educational and social program, support staff, and opportunities to meet Israeli peers.
Applicants are required to identify as Jewish, possess basic knowledge of English, and hold a valid passport that is valid for at least six months after the program’s end date.
The program is open to Jewish adults aged 18-50 who are interested in strengthening Israel through hands-on volunteer work. Visit www.birthrightisrael.com/volunteer-in-israel for more information and to apply for the 2025 Birthright Israel Volunteer Program.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 26 who participated in the volunteer program is still eligible for a free 10-day trip to Israel through www.birthrightisrael.com.