Sam Hammer working in the fields at a kibbutz in Israel in January of 2024.
For many people, traveling to Israel is about seeing the country. In March 2027, members of our community will have the opportunity to experience Israel in a very different way — by rolling up their sleeves and helping.
The Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast is excited to offer 15 spots for a Birthright Volunteer trip to Israel, in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut. Designed primarily for adults ages 50-75, this highly subsidized experience will bring participants together for hands-on volunteer service in communities throughout Israel.
And this really is a volunteer trip.
Participants can expect to spend their days working alongside Israelis and fellow volunteers in a variety of settings. Depending on needs at the time of the trip, projects may include agricultural work, packing food boxes, assisting community organizations, teaching or practicing conversational English and other hands-on service opportunities.
For our Gulf Coast participants, one particularly meaningful part of the experience will be the opportunity to volunteer in Hadera-Eiron, our Federation’s Partnership2Gether region. Through this longstanding partnership, members of our community have built personal relationships with Israelis in the region. This trip offers another way to strengthen those connections — not simply as visitors, but as partners working side by side.
Louis Orloff volunteering at a community center in Israel, painting a mural to decorate the facility.
The trip is intended for participants between the ages of 50 and 75. Some exceptions may be possible for participants younger than 50; however, 75 is the maximum age for participation.
Thanks to significant subsidies, the anticipated cost is approximately $2,525 per person, including airfare from Boston, Massachusetts. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own travel to and from Boston.
This is not intended to be a traditional sightseeing tour. It is an opportunity for people who have been looking for a tangible way to support Israel to do something meaningful — to give their time, their energy and, perhaps most importantly, their presence.
Only 15 spaces are available to participants from the Florida Gulf Coast community, and we anticipate strong interest.
For those who have been saying, “I wish there were something I could do,” perhaps this is the answer. Come to Israel. Lend a hand. Make a connection. Be part of something that matters.
Those interested in learning more should contact Maxine Kaufman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Florida’s Gulf Coast, 727-333-3106, for additional information and the registration link.