Important Notice
Our website is currently undergoing maintenance. You can still apply – please send your completed application form (digital only, do not fill in by hand) to: steinhauer@zwst.org
What is the DIFD?
The German-Israeli Volunteer Service gives young Israelis the opportunity to live and volunteer in Germany for 6 to 18 months, working in Jewish and non-Jewish social institutions. The programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), coordinated and pedagogically accompanied by the Central Welfare Board of Jews in Germany (ZWST), and certified by the QUIFD – Quality in Volunteer Services. It is open to participants of all faiths.
What you receive
- Monthly pocket money
- Full accommodation (shared flat or room within the institution, depending on placement)
- Health insurance
- Language course (up to €500 in total)
- Public transport
- Supplement for kosher food
- Preparatory seminar, mid-service seminar, and closing seminar
- Mentoring and pedagogical support throughout the service
Who can apply?
- Israeli citizenship or permanent residence permit in Israel
- Aged 18–28 at the time of deployment
- Completed secondary education
- Physical and psychological resilience. Please keep in mind that living and volunteering abroad can be a major life change
- Clean criminal record
- Valid passport for the entire duration of service
- Good English skills (German is not required before the start)
How to apply?
- Complete the application form digitally (do not fill in by hand)
- Send the completed form to: steinhauer@zwst.org
- Online interview after receipt of application
- Matching with a placement in Germany
- Contract, visa process, and preparation
- Start of voluntary service
Please note: Flights should only be booked after written confirmation by the programme coordinator and completion of the visa process.
Application deadlines
Service starting in September:
apply by 30 April
Service starting in March:
apply by 31 October
Contact
Feel free to reach out with questions by email or WhatsApp:
Judith Steinhauer | steinhauer@zwst.org | +49 1523 2709880
