Volunteer Program
WASNS can accommodate a small number of voluntary workers, usually from overseas. The following is a description of the regular volunteer program. If you are interested in our related internship option, please click here.
Wahat al-Salam – Neve Shalom has a framework – suited mainly for young people – that makes it possible to come to work in the village for a few months in exchange for living expenses. The conditions are described below:
Wahat al-Salam – Neve Shalom accepts a small number of volunteers at all times of the year. Our primary motivation for accepting volunteers is economic: given our financial constraints, volunteers provide inexpensive and effective help in various branches of the village. But aside from economic considerations, we are happy to receive volunteers in order to provide a means for those who would like to learn about our work to become acquainted with us more closely.
From experience, we know that WAS-NS can offer volunteers an enriching and rewarding time: they can learn about the different cultures in Israel and the conflictual relations between them, about the responses to the conflict expressed in the village and its educational institutions; they can learn about living in close contact with their volunteer group; and sometimes they can learn something about themselves. On the other hand, there are certain things WAS-NS cannot offer volunteers. It is important to clarify these, so you will not be frustrated or disappointed, and in order to give you better grounds for your decision to come to work for us. Some volunteers arrive with the expectation that they will be able to play an active role in our educational work. Unfortunately, this is not the case. The School for Peace is run by a permanent professional staff of Israeli Jews and Palestinians, and is not able to integrate others who have not been specially trained for the work. The other branches of the village are also managed in a way that does not involve volunteers in decision-making or place them in positions of authority.
The actual work done by volunteers is in the area of the everyday running of the village. Our volunteers assist with basic tasks in the guest house, kitchen, offices, general maintenance and gardening. Much of the work is not interesting in itself, and the specific work-place is decided by the needs of the village. Naturally, we do not underestimate the value of this labour, which is an important contribution to what WAS-NS and its educational institutions are trying to do. But we do not want to disappoint you in regard to the type of work you will be doing.
WAS-NS is a small community of people who have chosen to live here because of the special qualities of the village as a binational community. The community is made up mainly of families who live their own lives, working either inside the village or outside, cooking, eating and spending time in their homes, and participating in the democratic processes of the community. The village is not communal (as in a kibbutz), though it has many cooperative aspects. In this community, the volunteers naturally spend most of their free time with each other, and tend to form their own social group.
Contacts with village members depend very much on personal initiative, though there is a well-founded potential for such contact. WAS-NS is situated on a hilltop seven kilometers off the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. It takes a half-hour to drive to either of these cities, though Jerusalem is more popular with the volunteers. To get there, the volunteers either borrow the village car to drive each other down to the bus stop, or rely on rides from other people going into town (usually not too difficult). Here are some additional points and rules for your information:
Application for candidacy
Applicants should be at least 20 years old by the beginning of their volunteer period. Since volunteers need to do do their own weekly grocery shopping, we will look more favorably on applicants who have a driver’s license.Period of Stay
We usually prefer volunteers to come for a period of between 3 and 6 months Shorter periods may be acceptable, depending on requirements at a given time. Longer periods are subject to special approval by the visa authorities and may need to be explained (such as if this is a requirement of an organization that is sending you).Role of the Volunteer Coordinator
The volunteer coordinator arranges the work schedule and looks after the needs of the volunteers. Where possible she arranges programs or activities for the group. The volunteer coordinator is available during regular working hours.Work Framework
Volunteers work 5 days a week, 8 hours a days. Working days may be Sunday to Thursday or Monday to Friday, depending upon the needs of the institution. Sometimes volunteers may be required to work for more, and if so, this time is returned in the form of leave.Holidays and Leave Taking
Depending on the demands of the branch in which the volunteer is employed, Friday and Saturday are free days. Holidays (for Christian volunteers) are: December 25, January 1, Easter Day, and Israel’s Independence Day. Volunteers of other faiths will be able to receive alternative dates – subject to approval ahead of time. Every month, a volunteer accumulates one extra day of leave. The volunteer may take this leave only at the end of the period of employment, or for medical emergencies and renewal of visas. If the volunteer finds him or herself, for whatever reason, without work, it is his or her responsibility to approach the volunteer coordinator in order to be assigned work.Accommodation
Each volunteer has his/her own room, though this is quite small and “basic”. Bathroom and toilet facilities are separate and shared, as is the kitchen. Cooking and cleaning are shared tasks. Volunteers are expected to maintain their quarters and public areas tidy and clean.