Israel - Ecotourism Development in Central Jerusalem

Location

Jerusalem is not only an historic and holy city for 3 major world religions, but also a dynamic and diverse modern city with an international vibe and continental lifestyle. This project is located in the center of it all, in downtown, central Jerusalem. This area is home to countless shops, cafes, food and art markets, and the historic and religiously significant Old City.

About the Project

The Abraham Jerusalem hostel is a new travel-center located in the center of Jerusalem; the hostel is dedicated to the promotion and execution of ecological travel, and a fun and dynamic hostel environment. Goals of the hostel include recycling and waste management initiatives, organic gardening and compost, interaction with the communities that directly surround it including Me'a Shearim (an ultra-Orthodox Jewish section of Jerusalem) and East Jerusalem, increased tourism, and use of the Jerusalem trail. Volunteers are needed to help with these initiatives and to think of their own, as they will become an integral part of the hostel staff.

Volunteer Work and Contribution

Volunteers will be involved in several important tasks. Some of these include "chaperoning" groups of tourists to and from the daily walking tour offered by the hostel, leading informal hikes and walks along the Jerusalem trail, helping to plan and promote social initiatives within the hostel facilities (including but not limited to, pub nights, lectures, yoga or meditation groups, etc.), and urgently implementing a recycling and organic waste/ compost project at the hostel.

Volunteers are needed to help in the hostel kitchen and bar to serve tourists and to do light cleaning around the hostel. Volunteers help arrange and plan the weekly Shabbat dinner for the hostel. Plans for the hostel include volunteer participation in renovating an organic rooftop garden. We urge volunteers to come with an open mind and their own initiative.

No matter what the volunteer's skills and talents, there is also a lot of room for their own ideas and interests that can benefit the Abraham Jerusalem Hostel. Projects can include but are not limited to:

• Website translation
• Eco-tourism development
• Brochure writing
• Event planning
• Teaching courses
• Guiding tours

Volunteers are expected to work 5-6 hours per day, 5 days per week during their time volunteering.

Living Arrangements

Accommodations: volunteers will live in a shared volunteer dormitory within the hostel. Up to five volunteers will share a bedroom. Utilities and linens are provided. Volunteers are also welcome to use the hostel facilities such as the kitchen, computer room, tv lounge, bar, and rooftop terrace.

Food: breakfast is served daily. The hostel is in close proximity to multiple restaurants as well as the Machane Yehuda market, a haven for fresh vegetables, fish, meat, and cheese if you wish to cook your remaining meals in the hostel's kitchen.

Internet: wireless internet available throughout the hostel

Laundry: washing machines available for small fee

Travel Highlights

The inn itself is situated in the heart of the new city of Jerusalem, near the popular restaurants and nightlife of Ben Yehuda Street, the Machane Yehuda Market, and the Old City of Jerusalem. Volunteers will be immersed in modern day Jerusalem, and get a chance to learn about its history as well, due to the close proximity of the Old City. Volunteers will also get a chance to travel around Israel on days off, and perhaps participate in excursions within Israel as part of the hostel staff.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum age 21- 45
• Phone interview following reservation
• Cultural tolerance and open-mindedness
• A minimum 6 week commitment
• High level of independence and flexibility
• Good level of English 
• Motivation to work with tourists
• Interest in organic gardening and ecological tourism
• Qualifications in video a plus, as are good writing skills
• Full travel & medical insurance