Key Planning Tips

  1. Print and follow the Sar-El Application  Checklist.
  2. Do not book your tickets before getting approval.
  3. Programs normally end after work on Thursday.
  4. Return Flight: Remember to leave ample time  when booking your return flight. We recommend that you book your return flight no earlier than 10PM on the Thursday your program ends.
  5. Mobile Phone: At this time information about meeting places and other group updates are communicated via WhatsApp. Therefore it is necessary to have a mobile phone. Download the App via the Google Play store or Apple App Store.
  6. MEETING PLACE:  Meet the group at Terminal 3, David Ben Gurion airport. Exact details will be provided when you receive your final email confirmation from Sar-El Israel in the few days before your start date.
  7. If you cannot find the group, contact Laura at:
    1. Phone (from Israel): 054-258-6688
    2. E-mail: laurap@sar-el.org
  8. Be at the meeting place no later than 8:30AM on your Start Date and subsequent Sundays.
  9. Plan to, arrive in Israel on the day before your start date.
  10. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from meeting and drop off locations.
  11. Apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization which can be obtained at https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/learn-about/. We suggest that you avoid services offering to obtain this for you as they are reported to be charging hundreds of dollars for the service.
  12. Everyone must purchase a “Rav Kav” card BEFORE going on a bus/train. The bus drivers will not take any money. Read More
  13. Note: Beit Oded hostel is permanently closed
  14. Have funds for weekend accommodations or early release from your base.
  15. Take careful note of Jewish holidays on the program dates page. Bases may close with little or no warning during these holidays or due to Covid and you may need to find alternate accommodations.
  16. We STRONGLY ADVISE all volunteers not to travel to Jordan or Egypt before, during or after Sar-El as you may not be allowed back into Israel.
  17. Travel Light! Be sure you can manage your own luggage. You may need to carry it up stairs or walk with it for some distance.
  18. You may not leave personal effects on the base on the weekend.
  19. Be sure to fill in your emergency contact information in your passport.
  20. Check out our What To Bring page.