Volunteer Projects in the Middle East – Israel and Palestine

• Placement locations: Jerusalem, Bethlehem
• Project lengths: from two weeks
• Accommodation: host families
• Prices: from from £1445
• Top places to travel: Jericho, Hebron, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Dead Sea, Galilee
• Projects available: Care, Teaching

Israel and Palestine may seem an unusual place to choose for a volunteer project or work experience placement. However, if you have an interest in this region there are many worthwhile projects which greatly appreciate the help from volunteers, whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Our volunteer projects are located in both Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Jerusalem is among the oldest and most fascinating historic towns in the world. Sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem has been the cause of much conflict, but it is also one of the most beautiful and atmospheric cities in the Middle East. Bethlehem is located in the central West Bank, just 8km south of Jerusalem, and is inhabited by one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. It is a hub of Palestinian culture and tourism.

The reality of daily life in these cities is very different from the images we receive in the news, and volunteering in Israel or Palestine will allow you to experience this. Whether you are based in Jerusalem or Bethlehem, you will live with a local host family who will provide you the very best that Middle Eastern hospitality has to offer and you will find you are welcomed into the local community.

Volunteering in Jerusalem or Bethlehem

Projects Abroad offers Teaching and Care placements in Jerusalem and Bethlehem. As a volunteer in Jerusalem or Bethlehem, you will have the unique opportunity, unlike any other volunteering project, to contribute towards the education of a new generation of Israeli and Palestinian children. This is an important part of creating friendship and equality across borders of faith and culture, and of building a more peaceful future for this region.

Volunteer Travel and Tourism in Israel and Palestine

You’ll have plenty of time to explore Jerusalem and Bethlehem during the time on your placement. Jerusalem’s old town is a world heritage site, and you can visit world-renowned sacred places including the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Bethlehem is home to the Church of the Nativity, and has a vibrant old town centre with many handicrafts stores and colourful markets.

The rest of the region is also well worth exploring, whether you are interested in archaeological sites, holy places, hiking and adventure, festivals and food, or hanging out in the lively bars of Ramallah or the beaches of Tel Aviv.

Within an hour or two from either Jerusalem or Bethlehem, you can be floating in the warm waters of the Dead Sea, exploring the early Christian monasteries in the desert, cycling around the Sea of Galilee, hiking in the hills and olive groves of the highlands, or enjoying the bars and seafront of the Mediterranean coast.