FAQ about being a kibbutz volunteer
All you always wanted to know...but never dared
to ask!
Tell
me more, tell me more!
Q: WILL I GET PAID?
A: You don't go to volunteer to
make some money. You are a volunteer worker, which means that the
kibbutz will be glad to give you a certain amount of money (something in
the range of 100$/month), but this will only be sufficient for you to buy
some essential stuff like toothpaste, shampoo and so on. You will be responsible
for your transportation fees as well as for any other expenses.
Q: WHAT WILL I BE PROVIDED WITH?
A: You will be provided with room and board, clothes, an alarm clock (very useful!), some washing power, aerograms... In some kibbutzim you will have access to a swimming pool, a gym...It all depends where you end up. In Ein Gedi, volunteers are free to go to the spa and get mud see baths and sulphur showers. And I can guarantee you that it's a heavenly experience! I suggest you bring some extra money as you are likely to get tired of eating tomatoes, cucumbers and cottage cheese and will certainly want to buy yourself some food at the local store. You are also very likely to be tempted to travel, since the kibbutz crowd is composed mainly of travelers who will certainly make you feel like moving around.
Q: CAN I STAY LESS THAN TWO MONTHS?
A: Usually, you can't. You will be asked to leave a deposit and if you decide that you want to leave the kibbutz before a two months stay, you won't be given your money back unless you have a very serious reason to leave (e.g medical). Obviously, this ensures that the volunteer leader will not have to find a different person every week for the same job. The kibbutz is after all based on work, and all must cooperate so that tasks can be harmoniously achieved.
Q: WILL I HAVE DAYS OFF?
A: You will be asked to work from sunday through friday inclusively. Every week, you earn half a day off. In addition, you will have to work one saturday per month. In exchange, you will earn one day off for each saturday you have worked (I hope you are following me!). When you have accumulated enough days off, you will be able to ask for a leave, but you must ensure with your boss that it is ok. Usually, there are no problems and you will have the opportunity to visit a fabulous country!
Q: DO I HAVE TO BRING AN INSURANCE?
A: The kibbutz will provide you with a medical insurance, but I strongly recommend you buy your own in advance.
Q: IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN ISRAEL?
A: Oh well, that's a tricky one.
Yes, buses explode once in a while and Israel is not the safest country,
quite obviously. However, unless you decide to go explore the occupied
territories, Israel does not look like what you see on television. I never
really felt insecure during all those months in the country. And I did
see almost all of it.
There are security guards checking
every single bag at the entrance of shopping centers, and traveling is
usually safe. You just need to be careful in the markets (shuk) and
be suspicious of any unattended object... (I'm starting to sound like a
tour guide!) In any event, Israel is a fascinating country that is worth
visiting and discovering. There are risks, but they shouldn't prevent you
from living the kibbutz experience if you feel like it and have the motivation
for it.
GOTTA
ISRAEL!