Peace & Environment Gap Year
This gap year program allows participants to volunteer on two unique projects in Israel that promote ecotourism, community development and cultural exchange. The aim is to gain a in depth prospective of Israel, contribute and of course have an unforgettable experience.
Program structure
Day 1: preparation meeting in Tel Aviv and bus transfer
Weeks 1 - 5: Desert Eco Lodge volunteer program in Mitzpe Ramon, southern Israel.
Weeks 6 - 9: Fauzi Azar Inn volunteer program in Nazareth, Northern Israel.
Days off will be given to travel and explore Israel
Weeks 1 - 5: Desert Eco Lodge
Location: Makhtesh Ramon is a spectacular geological feature of Israel's Negev desert. Located at the peak of Mount Negev, some 85 km south of the city of Beersheba, the landform is not actually an impact crater from a meteor, but rather is the world's largest erosion cirque or makhtesh. The crater is 40 km long and 2-10 km wide, and is shaped like an elongated heart. The only settlement in the area is the small town of Mitzpe Ramon located on the northern edge of the crater. Today the crater and surrounding area forms Israel's largest national park, the Ramon Nature Reserve.
About the project: situated on the rim of the incredible Ramon Crater, The Desert Shade Eco Lodge is a unique center for eco-tourism and environmental education. The Lodge sets an example of sustainable living in the desert and hosts seminars on environmental leadership while promoting ambitious social programs. These include the Desert Generation program, a social startup with the aim of developing environmental entrepreneurship amongst Arab and Jewish youth within their communities.
Volunteer work and contribution: as a volunteer you will be exposed to the challenges involved with the running and development of the Eco Lodge and its community programs. Volunteer tasks are unconventional at times and will include some of the following:
- Earth building and recycling
- Daily maintenance of the Eco Lodge
- Organic gardening in the orchard and winery
- Assisting at the bicycle center and other projects
- Setting up workshops for seminars and groups
- Working with young participants on the Desert Generation program
Volunteers are expected to work 30 - 35 hours, 4 - 5 days a week. Its important to note that work tasks may change unexpectedly according to demand.
Accommodation & food: volunteers will stay In a Chadrologues - basic ecological rooms that integrate tent structure and hut made of earth. Sheets and blankets are provided. Shared toilets and hot showers are located in the central building. Food is bought by the volunteers at the local supermarket, 10 minutes walk from the lodge. Communal kitchen is available for cooking. Each volunteer is given a bicycle during his stay for personal convenience.
Travel highlights: volunteers receive 2-3 days of a week to explore this beautiful desert land scape or other places of interest in Israel such as Jerusalem and the Red Sea city of Eilat. During your time off the Eco Lodge staff will assist you to go on nature walks and mountain biking in the stunning Makhtesh Ramon crater. The Mitzpe Ramon visitors center and Bio Ramon, wildlife center, are also worth visiting.
Weeks 6 - 9: Fauzi Azar Inn
Location: Nazareth is the largest city in the mountainous Galilee region of northern Israel, approximately 102 km north of Tel Aviv and 40 km east of Haifa. The population is made up predominantly of Christians and Muslims with a Jewish community in Upper Nazareth. In the New Testament, the city is described as the childhood home of Jesus, and as such is a center of Christian pilgrimage, with many captivating attractions and religious sites. Between the many Christian sites and churches hides a vibrant multi cultural city that offers an exceptional insight into modern life in the Middle East.
About the project: the Fauzi Azar Inn is a beautiful 300 year old Ottoman building that was converted into an inn in 2005. The Fauzi Azar Inn promotes ecotourism in Nazareth and works with the community to contribute to its development in various areas. The inn uses local resources to create new work places, to raise the self- image of the local community, and to encourage economic growth while preserving the universal values of natural and cultural preservation. The aim is to introduce in Nazareth, which is the largest Arab city in Israel, a new model of tourism and thus "bridge the gap" between Arabs and Jews.
Volunteer work and contribution: as a volunteer at Fauzi Azar you will be involved in most the following tasks:
- Hosting guests
- Reception work
- maintenance tasks in the inn (painting, cleaning, fixing)
- Updating / translating the Fauzi Azar Inn website
- Teach foreign languages to the staff and local community
- environmental community projects (once a month)
Volunteers work 6 hours a day with a a day off each week. Its important to note that tasks may change according to demand and that volunteers need to be flexible. There is also a lot of room for personal initiative if you would like to develop your own ideas.
Accommodation & food: volunteers will stay in a shared apartment with dormitory rooms suitable for 4 people, located 20 meters from the Fauzi Azar Inn. The apartment has a hot shower and toilet. Volunteers may use the inn's kitchen facilities to cook breakfast and dinner.
Travel Highlights: The inn itself is situated in the heart of the Souq (Market) Quarter of the Old City. Just one minute by foot from the vegetable market, and only a few minutes from a host of restaurants and coffee shops, you are never far from anywhere. All of Nazareth's major sites, including The Basilica of the Annunciation, the White Mosque and St. Gabriel's Church are only minutes by foot. Wandering through the narrow streets of the Old City is a delight in itself and both the Fauzi and other vantage points nearby afford wonderful panoramic views of Nazareth. On your days of you can travel to other beautiful locations in Northern Israel such as the Sea of Galilee and the historic port of Akko on the Mediterranean coast. Volunteers also hike parts of the Jesus trail that starts from Nazareth.
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18 - Max age 70
- Conversational English or Hebrew
- Presentable
- Good physical fitness
- Strong work ethic
- Motivation to do physical and demanding work
- Able to work in harsh desert climate
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)