Birthright Israel announced that beginning in 2025, it will expand the age limit for its highly subsidized post-Oct. 7 volunteer program to 50. This change will allow Jewish adults aged 18 to 50 to participate, opening new ways for engagement and transformative experiences in Israel.
Until now, the program’s age limit was set at 18 to 40. However, as of next year, 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, enhancing shared experiences as well as 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 were 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 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.”
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 Oct. 7 Hamas-led terrorist attacks and the war in Gaza and to the north that began after that. Volunteers will help rebuild kibbutzim, support community rebuilding efforts, provide food security assistance, and participate in packing and distribution tasks.
The program includes 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 work for four to six 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.
To learn more and to apply for the 2025 Birthright Israel Volunteer Program, see: www.birthrightisrael.com/volunteer-in-israel.
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.
