ABOUT US
Our programs
About us
Who We Are
The Israel Volunteer Association (IVA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting volunteerism and community-based programs that strengthen Israeli society. Founded over 50 years ago (est. 1971), IVA initially served as a platform enabling high-school graduates to engage in meaningful community service as part of Israel’s national service framework—an approved alternative to mandatory military service.
Over the past several decades, the concept of civil service gained traction in Israel, and IVA emerged as a primary organization in this field, annually involving over 6,000 volunteers. Over time, it expanded its focus, developing various programs to strengthen society for a better future.
Operating across all regions and sectors in Israel, IVA delivers tailored programs that serve suburban communities, ethnic minority populations, and other distinct demographic groups.
In addition to traditional national service, our programs include integrating individuals with special needs or disabilities with other volunteers. Unique initiatives for Bedouin and Druze populations within national service projects for at-risk students, agricultural initiatives, programs for the elderly, and international programs catering to non-Israeli citizens.
As the largest association in Israel dedicated to this mission, IVA has built an extensive network of partnerships and resources. These capabilities enable us to operate international programs across a wide range of cities, centers, and community settings, broadening both our reach and impact.
The international department
IVA’s International Department was established 12 years ago by our CEO, Mr. Yaron Lutz, with the aim of advancing the association’s mission on a global scale. The department empowers participants while positively impacting the communities they serve, offering volunteers a unique and immersive perspective on Israel. Authorized by the Israeli Minister of Immigration, IVA can issue a 12-month volunteer visa (B4) with the possibility of a one-year extension.
Over the past decade, more than 1,000 alumni have participated in our international programs, contributing to meaningful projects across Israel.
Over the past several decades, the concept of civil service gained traction in Israel, and IVA emerged as a primary organization in this field, annually involving over 6,000 volunteers. Over time, it expanded its focus, developing various programs to strengthen society for a better future.
Operating across all regions and sectors in Israel, IVA delivers tailored programs that serve suburban communities, ethnic minority populations, and other distinct demographic groups.
In addition to traditional national service, our programs include integrating individuals with special needs or disabilities with other volunteers. Unique initiatives for Bedouin and Druze populations within national service projects for at-risk students, agricultural initiatives, programs for the elderly, and international programs catering to non-Israeli citizens.
As the largest association in Israel dedicated to this mission, IVA has built an extensive network of partnerships and resources. These capabilities enable us to operate international programs across a wide range of cities, centers, and community settings, broadening both our reach and impact.
Credit: Ron Ben Naim
Vision and Goals
The Israeli Volunteer Association is dedicated to constructing Israel's social resilience through long-term social action that encompasses a diverse range of population groups, focusing on areas that impact the quality of life for all residents of Israel.
Strengthen the social resilience of communities in Israel through volunteering in general and civil service in particular;
Encourage and promote social involvement and innovation among Israel's young population through volunteering and community action;
Cultivate personal identity and foster a sense of belonging that promotes the notion of a shared Israeli society;
Empower the association's volunteers and provide them with a supportive and preparatory framework for life.
Yaron Lutz- CEO
Yaron Lutz has served as CEO of the Israeli Volunteer Association since 2011. Yaron was born and raised in Tel Aviv in the Hapoel Mizrachi housing complex in the Yad Eliyahu neighborhood. His childhood in a neighborhood made up of new and old immigrants from different countries and sectors influenced and largely shaped his social worldview, which sees social involvement and volunteering as an engine for creating civic resilience.
Yaron studied at the "Bnei Akiva Yeshiva Kfar Haroah" high school and afterward studied at the Hesder Yeshiva in Kiryat Shmona. He enlisted in the paratrooper brigade and served in it as a fighter, regularly and in the reserves. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in logistics, economics, and management and a master's degree in business administration and has a teaching certificate. In his public activity, he serves as a member of the Perach Regional Council and the Board of Directors of Governmental Companies in Israel
These days, Israel faces a deep social crisis, fueling division among different groups. Inclusivity and social bonds are eroding, leading to widening economic disparities and limited upward mobility. Many population segments lack equal opportunities for influence and development.
To date, over 150,000 volunteers from diverse segments of Israeli society have participated in the association's civil and national service programs and other long-term volunteer programs. Each program provides specialized attention to the volunteers, accommodating their unique backgrounds and cultural perspectives, contributing to the tapestry of Israeli society. We deeply value the cultivation and empowerment of the youth who choose to dedicate themselves to contributing, assisting and serving the country through various volunteer programs, fostering social involvement, and bridging social divides within Israeli society.
Work In Emergency
Since 1971, the Israeli Volunteer Association has been engaging volunteers in the fields of security, welfare, education, and health, standing at the forefront of providing support and assistance to the civilian population. We have experienced numerous emergency situations, but the State of Israel has never witnessed a crisis of this magnitude. This time, just like in previous instances, we are mobilizing all available resources to support and strengthen the Israeli home front. Since the severe attack on Israel, especially in the Gaza Envelope region, we have been tirelessly working to assist families and residents in the South and the North. The Israeli Volunteer Association operates with volunteers in Magen David Adom (MDA), who run the hotlines and assist in ambulances to help hundreds of injured individuals. National Service volunteers in the Gaza Envelope, Sderot, Ashkelon and Ashdod continue to engage children and youth through remote and on-site educational encounters, providing cultural and educational activities for all children who have been homebound to alleviate tension and anxiety and give parents a reprieve. National Service volunteers in hospitals have not left their posts since the beginning of the crisis, assisting doctors and nurses in providing dedicated care to thousands of the injured who have arrived at the hospitals.
Our Partners
Support IVA
For over 50 years, the Israeli Volunteer Association (IVA) has empowered thousands of young volunteers from every sector of Israeli society — strengthening communities, supporting vulnerable populations, and building a more resilient and compassionate Israel.
Your contribution directly enables us to:
*Expand essential social and educational programs
*Provide meaningful service opportunities for youth who cannot serve in the IDF
*Support families, children, and communities in times of crisis and recovery
*Foster connection between Israel and global communities
Every donation creates real impact.
Together, we can ensure that every young person who wants to give — can give, and that every community in need receives the support it deserves.
