National Civic Service

Sherut Leumi - Ezrachi שירות לאומי - אזרחי

Sherut Leumi, known in Hebrew as National Service, represents a voluntary form of national civic engagement in Israel. It serves as an important alternative for individuals who received an exemption or are not required to serve or be drafted for mandatory military conscription, offering a pathway to contribute to the nation outside of the Israel Defense Forces.

The core objectives of Sherut Leumi extend beyond simple volunteerism, embodying a broader national strategy. Its primary aims include strengthening citizens' connection and identification with the State, society, and their communities. Sherut Leumi provides a mechanism for social integration and professional development as a parallel pathway to serving in the IDF.

Rashut HaSherut HaLeumi Ezrachi - רשות השירות הלאומי אזרחי - Israel National-Civic Service Authority

The Rashut is the central governmental body responsible for the operation and oversight of the Sherut Leumi and Ezrachi National Service program, which includes handling public inquiries, addressing personal affairs of volunteers, and ensuring a safe and supportive work environment. Operationally, the authority manages the online volunteer application process, helping match eligible individuals with suitable recognized bodies for placement.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Sherut Leumi, prospective volunteers must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants are required to be either an Israeli citizen or a permanent resident with an exemption from mandatory military national service. In addition, non-citizens who obtain a B4 volunteer visa are also eligible to join the program.
• Volunteers typically fall within the age range of 18 to 24 years.
• A commitment to at least 12 months of service is mandatory for all participants. A second year is optional.
• Generally, during their service period, volunteers are not permitted to work as salaried employees or be self-employed. However, the program demonstrates a degree of flexibility, as there are provisions and services that allow volunteers to submit requests for permission to study or work during their service.

Diverse Population Groups Served

Sherut Leumi serves a broad demographic which includes religious, secular, Haredi, Arab and other minorities, including young people with special needs, and youth identified as at-risk.

Application Process

The registration process for Sherut Leumi can be completed online. Prospective volunteers can access this digital form, provide their personal details, and indicate their preferences for where they want to volunteer.

Initially, the form can be submitted only once. However, to allow for flexibility and refinement of choices, applicants receive an email response after their initial submission that contains an additional form. This supplementary form can be used up to five times to make changes to preferences or personal details.

Please note that the entire process is free of charge.

Service Options and Placement Opportunities

Sherut Leumi offers a wide and diverse array of service fields and opportunities, each designed to leverage different skills and abilities while addressing various societal needs.

The primary fields available for placement include but are not limited to:

• Bitachon – ביטחון – Security: Sherut Leumi in the security field includes volunteering in the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency), the Mossad, the Police, the IPS (Israel Prison Service), security centers in various communities, and more. Volunteering in these areas provides significant assistance and contributes to the security of the State of Israel.
• Bri’ut – בריאות – Health: For those interested in the medical sector, this field offers an immersive professional experience within healthcare environments. Placements are available in hospitals, clinics, and other medical institutions. It is important to note that this type of service can be both physically and emotionally demanding due to the nature of medical work.
• Chinuch – חינוך – Education: This field involves working directly with children and teachers in various settings. Volunteers can be placed in schools, kindergartens, or after-school programs, assisting with educational activities and providing support to students. While highly rewarding, this area of service demands considerable patience and the ability to navigate various challenges.
• Hi-Tek VeTechnologiya – הייטק וטכנולוגיה – High-Tech and Technology: Reflecting modern economic trends, this field offers challenging and valuable work experience in the technology sector. Roles may include information systems development and technical support. This area requires a foundational technical understanding and can provide significant experience for a future career in the tech industry.
• Kehilla VeTarbut – קהילה ותרבות – Community and Culture: This option allows volunteers to contribute to social projects and foster community engagement. Placements can be found in non-profit organizations, museums, and various community centers, supporting cultural initiatives and local development.
• Misradei Memshala VeRashuyot – משרדי ממשלה ורשויות – Government Offices: Volunteers can also work in the field of government ministries and national and local authorities providing essential and crucial assistance to civilian life in the country.
• Revacha – רווחה – Welfare: This field focuses on working with vulnerable populations, providing significant social value. Volunteers may assist in centers supporting women and children, work with the elderly, or contribute to programs for individuals with special needs. While profoundly rewarding, this area can also be emotionally challenging due to the sensitive nature of the work.

Note: The option below is usually available only for second-year service

• Chutz LaAretz – חוץ לארץ – Service abroad: This unique option provides an enriching and challenging experience outside of Israel. Volunteers can serve in various projects in different countries, primarily within Jewish communities and international organizations. This path requires significant adaptation to new environments, sometimes under difficult circumstances, but offers a rewarding cultural experience.

Rights and Benefits

Sherut Leumi volunteers are afforded a comprehensive array of rights and benefits, both during and after their period of service.

Benefits During Service

Volunteers receive various forms of support designed to ensure their well-being and facilitate their service experience.

• Financial and Living Support
  • A basic monthly stipend to cover necessities is provided.
  • Additional stipend for Bnot Sherut Bodedot – בנות שירות בודדות – Lone Female Volunteers.
  • Many placements include communal housing in a local rented apartment by Sherut Leumi depending on the particular placement organization.
  • Additional stipend for Olim Chadashim – עולים חדשים – New immigrants
  • Volunteers may also be eligible for a full Arnona – ארנונה – Municipal Tax exemption for the duration of their service, provided the apartment is registered in the volunteer’s name and meets additional conditions.
• Free Transportation

When you begin your Sherut, bring your Sherut ID card (which you will receive when you begin) to the Rav Kav office in any Tachana Merkazit – תחנה מרכזית – Central Bus Station along with your Teudat Zehut or Passport and they will sign you up for free transportation on your Rav Kav.

• Healthcare and Welfare Provisions
  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits are provided, often paralleling those offered to military personnel. Volunteers are eligible for Vision Tests and Eyeglasses at a symbolic cost through the “Mishkan HaRe’iyah – Optical Center” association, by presenting a valid volunteer certificate.
  • Dental Treatment Insurance Coverage is also available, offering significant discounts at ‘Maccabident’ clinics nationwide for various treatments (regardless of your Kupat Cholim), including emergencies, X-rays, fillings, and cleanings, upon presentation of a valid Sherut ID card.
  • Furthermore, volunteers receive free Emergency Medical Services at the ‘Terem’ clinics network, with conditions comparable to those of soldiers.
• Access to Public Services and Sites

Volunteers gain enhanced access to various national attractions. This includes entry to Nature and Parks Authority Sites, like IDF soldiers. Most sites offer free entry, while a few provide significant discounts upon presentation of a volunteer ID.

Similarly, volunteers receive Free Entry to Ministry of Defense Museums, various activities, and even discounts at some restaurants.

• Vacation and Sick days

Every volunteer is entitled to 22 vacation days per year and Bnot Sherut Bodedot receive an extra 15 vacation days per year (whether you have made Aliyah or not).

Bnot Sherut are entitled to 20 sick days per year upon presentation of a Doctor’s note. Without a note, days missed will be counted as vacation days.

 

Benefits After Service

The support for Sherut Leumi volunteers extends beyond their active service period, providing crucial assistance for their transition into civilian life and future endeavors.

• Post-Service Financial Grants

Upon completion of their service, volunteers receive substantial financial grants. A Ma’anak Shichrur – מענק שחרור – Release Grant is automatically transferred to the volunteer’s bank account within 60 days of completing at least one year of service.

Additionally, volunteers receive a monthly Pikadon Ishi – פיקדון אישי – Personal Deposit, which can be deposited into designated bank branches (Hapoalim or Leumi) up to five years after finishing your service.

Please note: the Pikadon Ishi funds can only be used for the following causes: higher education tuition, professional training program, starting a business, driving lessons, getting married, purchase of an apartment, house or land to build a house on. Any unused funds can be transferred to your bank account after five years upon request and used for any purpose.

• Educational Support and Scholarships

Hachvana – הכוונה – the Department for Discharged Soldiers and Reservists offers a wide range of support options to help volunteers take their next educational step. These include:

• • Completing a Bagrut – בגרות – matriculation certificate
  • Technology training
  • Practical engineering (non-academic P.E. degree) and technician studies
  • Professional courses

All of these are available with partial or full funding, alongside a support and placement system, and scholarships for academic studies.

• Employment-Related Benefits
  • Avoda Muadefet – עבודה מועדפת – Preferred Work Grant
  • This refers to specific types of employment in fields deemed essential or preferred by the government (often in agriculture, construction, industrial factories, care for the elderly/disabled, or hospitality/hotels outside the major cities).
  • Discharged soldiers and Sherut Leumi-Ezrachi service participants who work in these fields for a minimum number of months (typically 6) after their service, become eligible for a substantial grant in addition to their salary.
  • Income Tax Benefits, in the form of a special income tax credit for 36 months following their discharge, with the amount varying based on the service period. Volunteers are advised to contact their local Pakid Shumah – פקיד שומה – tax assessment officer for these benefits or for a Te’um Mas – תיאום מס – tax adjustment if they have worked multiple jobs.
  • Additionally, comprehensive Career Guidance and advice for studies are available through the Ministry of Defense’s Hachvana post-army services.

Support Contacts

For comprehensive support throughout the application and placement process and during and after service, applicants can utilize the following official contact channels:

• Minhelet Hasherut HaLeumi – Authority for National-Civic Service
  Phone: 02-5411512
  Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  Email: questionnaire@pmo.gov.il (for questionnaire inquiries)
  General Email: sl@ncs.gov.il
  General Phone: 02-541-1519
  Physical Address: Am Ve’Olamo 3, Yaad Building, Givat Shaul, Jerusalem 9546303
• Ministry of Defense – Hachvana – Post-Army Services
  Phone: *5266
  Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  Additional contact via WhatsApp, Instagram, and online form

NGO Supervisory and Placement Organizations

• HaAgudah LeHitnadvut
  Main Office: 02-652-1140
  Facebook: האגודה להתנדבות -יוצרים שינוי בונים עתיד
• Aminadav
  Main Office: 02-623-1052
  Facebook: עמינדב שירות לאומי
• Bat Ami
  Main Office: 052-899-0443
  Facebook בת עמי שירות לאומי
• Hibur Hadash
  Main Office: 1-700-555-897
  hiburha@gmail.com
  Facebook: חיבור חדש
• Nefesh B’nefesh
  Ori – Bnot Sherut Bodedot
  Here Next Year Israel
• Netivot Aliyah post-Midrasha Track
  Main Office: 054-523-4563
• Ofek
  Main Office: 0523331887
  Facebook: אופק שירות לאומי בשבילך
• Shlomit Shilat
  Main Office: 03-612-9202
  Facebook: עמותת שלומית – שירות לאומי אזרחי