As part of Israel by Choice, a long-term Israel program mostly for school-leavers on a gap year, participants must choose a place to volunteer for part of their program. Multiple options are available to them.During their volunteering, they usually work with others on their program and sometimes meet volunteers from across the world. They also work closely with the Israeli staff.

“It’s a really interesting way to get to know Israel from the inside,” said IBC Program Director Gabi Grabin. “It’s getting to know Israelis that choose a line of work that is hard every day. … It’s important to understand that these places won’t stop working. They bring such an interesting and fun vibe to these places. It just changes these places and brings a whole new light.”

Volunteers are given a variety of options that fit their interests. “We try to get a large variety of different places or would answer to needs, if it’s working with kids, adults or animals,” Grabin said. “We’re always open for new options as well. Giving it a try is a key. Sometimes you come to a place, and it looks like it’s not something where you want to be.”

Sophie Davies, from Melbourne, was volunteering at the Agam School, for people aged 6-21 who have disabilities. “It was a good place to help and see what day-to-day life is for people I would have never seen before,” Davies said. “In my class they don’t speak, but I can already see their personalities, and have made a connection to them.”

Daniel Edelman, from Melbourne, volunteered at Shikma, a village for people with retardation. “At this place, you can see a difference that you’re actually making,” Edelman said. “They learn your names, and they get excited when you come. It is hard, but fulfilling at the same time.”

Jessie Goldberg, from Sydney, chose Leket, Israel’s national food bank, where she could be hands-on and have a direct vision of her accomplishments.”You can see the effect you have. You can see at the end of the day 10 crates or 20 crates – that’s what I’ve done,” Goldberg said. “You know that it’s going to go to some place where it’s going to go to good use.”

Agam School
For students with disabilities, ages 6-21,
Volunteers interviewed:
Nadia Shnier, Melbourne
Sophie Davis, Melbourne
Kfar Nachman farm
Therapeutic farm and horses, for ages 2-adults
Volunteers interviewed:
Adrian (AJ) Rich, Melbourne
Tarquin Milecki, Melbourne

Shikma
Small village for 194 people with retardation
Volunteers interviewed:
Daniel Edelman, Melbourne
Tarryn Smith, Sydney
Danielle Joffe, Melbourne

Leket
Israel’s national food bank
Volunteers interviewed:
Kattie Brand, Melbourne
Jessie Goldberg, Sydney