WHAT: Neve Shalom Wahat al-Salam ('Oasis of Peace' in Hebrew & Arabic), the only intentional mixed Arab-Jewish village in Israel, 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.
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.
RESPONSIBILITIES: 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, nursery, kindergarten and school, and with general maintenance and gardening.
BENEFITS: From experience, we know that NSWAS can offer volunteers an enriching and rewarding time: they can learn about the different cultures in Israel and the conflict between them, about the responses to this 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.
PERIOD OF STAY: We usually prefer volunteers to come for a period of between six months and a year (longer periods are subject to special approval). Shorter periods may be acceptable, depending on requirements at a given time.
VOLUNTEER CONDITIONS: Please refer to the “Volunteer Conditions” section on our website: www.nswas.org/spip.php?article236.
Questions? You can contact Raida Aiashe-Hatib, the Volunteer
Coordinator(volunteering@nswas.org)
