MDA UK’s Volunteering mission 2026
11th to 18th January | Powered by Birthright Israel
Since 7th October 2023, the Israeli spirit has shined. A testament to the resilience and strength of its people. Join MDA UK on a highly subsidised Volunteering Mission as we follow this narrative further to explore the stories of hope and help their journey of rebuilding a nation as well as gaining a deeper appreciation for the critical role Magen David Adom plays in Israeli society.
Each morning you’ll be undertaking various volunteering opportunities, after which you’ll experience various elements of Israeli life: from meeting MDA medics to visiting the sites of the 7/10 attacks, and from taking part in an Israeli cooking workshop to spending a meaningful Shabbat together.
This is your chance to be part of something bigger. Join the mission. Make a difference.
Mission Eligibility
This trip is open to all over the age of 18.
As this is an MDA UK mission in partnership with Birthright, the usual Birthright eligibility criteria does not apply. As long as you are over the age of 18 and in suitable physical health (even if you’ve been on a Classic Birthright trip before) you are able to join our volunteering cohort. Highly subsidised prices are available for those ages 18-50.
Over 50s are able to join this mission but are not eligible for Birthright subsidies so must book their own flights and are charged full price for the hotel.
Mission Inclusions & Pricing
The trip will begin with a flight from London on Sunday 11th January 2026, and ends with a flight back on Sunday 18th January. The cost is highly subsidised by MDA UK and Birthright, and is an all inclusive price.
Payment will be made in two blocks – the initial amount to MDA UK to hold your space and cover the ground costs, followed by the second payment in US$ to Birthright to book flights and hotel (if applicable).
The cost (unless otherwise stated) is all inclusive of meals, flights, ground transport hotel accommodation in Tel Aviv, activities and volunteering opportunities.
If you’re under 50 the standard occupancy level for this trip is a triple room. If you’d like a double, the additional rate is $175 per person, and if you’d like a single, the additional rate is $385 per person.
Participants are responsible for organising their own ETA-IL permits and travel insurance.
If you have any questions or would like more info please email Kezia on [email protected]
Sign Up Now
Once you have signed up through MDA UK you will be sent the link to complete your registration (& book your flights) through the Birthright registration portal.
FAQs
Trip subsidies & bursaries
The trip is subsidised for those aged 18 to 50 by Birthright. However, if you require a further bursary, these will be granted on a means basis on the discretion of MDA UK.
If this is something you’d like more information on, please email Kezia on [email protected]
I want to book my own flights
You are able to book your own flights for this trip, but must make sure you are in Israel and at the hotel for the orientation activity at 6pm on Sunday 11th January, and are with the group until the end of the final activity on the afternoon of the 18th January.
If you opt to book your own flights, your cost payable to birthright is US$150 rather than US$300.
Birthright will also allow you to change your return flight for no fee, but you pay the difference in cost.
Health & wellbeing
The mission will immerse you in the traumatic events of 7th October, and will also be physically strenuous and tiring at times. Should you have any medical conditions that may affect your experience on the mission, please let us know (in confidence) and take any necessary medical advice before travelling. We will have trained medics accompanying us on the trips but your prior notification of any pre-existing conditions would be appreciated.
How does the new Israeli visa (ETA-IL) work?
As of January 2025 all travellers from previously visa-exempt countries (including the UK) must now have an ETA-IL permit for entry into Israel.
The permits will cost 25 Shekels, and you must apply via www.israel-entry.piba.gov.il
You will be asked to provide:
- your personal details
- your email address
- your travel information
- your passport details
- upload a photo
The ETA-IL permit for entry is valid for two years.
Most applicants will get a response immediately. In certain cases, it may take up to 72 hours. If you don’t see a response, check your inbox, including your spam/junk folder.
Do I need to purchase travel insurance?
You must have your own valid travel insurance prior to travelling and ideally from time of booking. This needs to be valid for travel to Israel as per current FCDO guidance, which can be found here. We will not be going to any of the red-zones on this mission.
What happens if I need to cancel?
If you (the traveller) has to cancel the trip:
Until 67 days before departure: You will be given a refund of all costs already paid, except the a non-refundable USD$50 registration fee.
Within 66 days of departure: no refund will be supplied and you will need to go through your travel insurance to recoup the costs payable. You must have valid travel insurance prior to travelling and ideally from time of booking.
I've booked my space, what next?
Nearer the time we will arrange a zoom briefing for all participants. We will go over the updated itinerary, packing list and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
We will also add you to our mission WhatsApp group, where you can ask questions and chat with fellow participants.
In the meantime, if you have a query don’t hesitate to email Kezia on [email protected] or call the office on 020 8201 5900.
