JVS welcomes all volunteers who can commit to our principles of non violence and come with the aim to support the Palestinian resistance and to end the Israeli Occupation.

We have a team of Palestinian and international activists both off and on the field working with local communities, but the campaign is always stronger when we have more activists working with us. We appeal to both Palestinian and international volunteers to come and work with us in the Jordan Valley, whether you can come for a few days (minimum 10 days are required), a few weeks or a few months. You will always be welcome.

Internationals have been involved in supporting threatened communities, documenting of human rights abuses, and practical solidarity work.

A. Practical solidarity work – agriculture

Our work is varied depending and the situation on the ground and what local communities need. In the past we have developed sustainable building methods in the valley by building homes, schools and the Friends Meeting House with mud bricks and local materials. We have run water pipes to communities who have no other access to fresh water, plant trees, run youth and children’s activities. However, our current priorities are for volunteers to work alongside local farmers doing agricultural work. There is always the potential for this to change, so you could also be asked to help with different practical solidarity work . Volunteers will work alongside Palestinian farmers in the Jordan Valley villages; depending on the season, you can participate in the cultivation and harvesting fruit and vegetables and help with additional farm work such as construction of greenhouses. Here you can find an indication of types of cultivation in each season. These activities will provide volunteers with a first-hand insight into the agricultural work of the local farmers.

We do this work with local communities and the support of internationals is always valuable: helping with the work and providing an international presence at the same time. Now more than ever it is important to let the Palestinians know and feel that they are not alone in the face of struggle for life and dignity, which for many of them just means keep living and working on their land.

B. Supporting threatened communities and documenting human rights abuses

When families face the demolition of their homes, are having their water resources or land stolen by the illegal settlers, or are facing harrassment, abuse and violence such as theft of crops and animals, they often request the support of our Palestinian and international friends. We visit threatened communities to show solidarity and provide a non-violent presence that is focussed around the needs of the families.  

When we visit families who face the oppression of the Occupation we try to record and document abuses. Written accounts of what is happening in the Jordan Valley, along with good quality photographs and film are really important. We can use these on our own website and social media profile, but are also really pleased when volunteers spread this information to a wider audience by having their own blogs, using their own social media, speaking to supporters, contacting international media, and lobbying those in power to take action.

We have consistently reported from the Jordan Valley over the last 20 years, supporting local communities to stay on their land and establishing a detailed account of the occupation’s theft of Palestinian land and resources. Your reporting will add to this archive, which is a valuable record of Palestinian lives and existence in the Jordan Valley.

When traveling around the Jordan Valley you will also see the expansion of settlements, outposts and other structures built by the Occupation, which will help you to gain a better understanding of how the land confiscation is an ongoing and accelerating process. This is also material for documentation and reporting, not to let the land colonisation process thrive in silence.

C. Research work

We are happy to host volunteers that are interested in doing research related to Israel’s colonisation policy and apartheid system, but also on the the preservation of Palestinian environment and culture. We can discuss this further when you get in touch with us; if you already have an idea of a topic you would be interested in researching you can indicate it when filling in the application form.

D. Solidarity work with other organisations

If you are interested in doing solidarity work with other organisations active outside the Jordan Valley – for instance projects related to women’s support and empowerment – we can put you in contact and facilitate volunteering with them.

Conditions

Volunteers are hosted by a Palestinian family, sharing with them spaces and daily life. Living communally and working together means that you are never alone and always supported by people from the local area and other international volunteers, if present on the ground. Working and living in the Jordan Valley means that you will have to live in basic conditions and respect the Palestinian culture and traditions. This includes dressing appropriately (long sleeves, long trousers and high neck).

Volunteers in the past have stayed with the campaign from anywhere between a few days and 2 years. No experience is necessary, the only thing that we ask is that you respect local culture, commit to our principle of non violence and that you come with the aim to support the Palestinian resistance and to end the Israeli Occupation.

For food and accommodation we request a contribution of 30 shekels/day, plus a contribution of 100 shekels/week to cover additional costs (utilities, fuel to move around the Jordan Valley). Travel costs are covered by volunteers.

We do ask that once your time with us in the Valley ends you use your experience and knowledge to spread information globally about the situation here.

Volunteer Application Form

If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer please complete our Volunteer Application Form.

We suggest you also have a look around the website to ensure you are familiar with the situation and what we do. Once you have received, completed and submitted the form we will then get in touch with you, to discuss your plans and interests, whether you are a good fit for Jordan Valley Solidarity and how you can prepare for your visit. This process usually takes several weeks, so we suggest you contact us at least two months before you plan to come to Palestine.

Get involved wherever you are!

Even if you can’t join us in Palestine at the moment, please think of other ways you can support our grassroots campaigning, by doing solidarity actions where you are, sharing our news, organising fundraising events, or making a donation.