Kibbutz Neot Semadar

_{Important note:
Volunteering at Kibbutz Neot Semadar requires prior direct contact with the kibbutz and approval from the volunteer coordinators before submitting an application.
To initiate contact and receive approval, please write directly to:
volunteers@neot-semadar.com}

 

Kibbutz Neot Semadar is located in the southern Negev desert, in the Arava Valley in southern Israel, approximately 60 km north of Eilat. The kibbutz was established in 1989 by a group of friends interested in creating a learning community that focuses on cooperation and creativity in daily life.

Neot Semadar is a very unique community. The intention of its members creates a special atmosphere that is reflected in daily life, and especially in communication between people.
The kibbutz has a population of approximately 200 people, including around 60 Israeli and international volunteers.

The economy of Neot Semadar is based on agriculture. The kibbutz cultivates approximately 400 dunams of organic vineyards, olive groves, date plantations, vegetable gardens, and herb gardens.
An organic farm operates at Neot Semadar, emphasizing ecological balance and sustainability in nature.

• Volunteer Work: Volunteers in Neot Semadar join the unique lifestyle of the kibbutz and work in a wide variety of branches, including:
  the kitchen, goat herd (milking and care), organic dairy, organic food local factory, vegetable garden, date plantation, olive plantation, and the local café (Pundak Neot Semadar), among others. Work assignments are determined according to the needs of the kibbutz, and volunteers should expect to work wherever help is required.
  The minimum volunteer period at Neot Semadar is 8 weeks.

• Daily Life and Conditions: Neot Semadar is a quiet desert community. There is no nearby city, no pub, and no entertainment facilities (including no television).
  The climate is harsh, with very hot summers and cold winters. Some of the work takes place outdoors.
  The workday begins at dawn and ends at sunset, and sometimes later.

• Volunteer Acceptance: Kibbutz Neot Semadar is a cooperative kibbutz. Volunteers are accepted only after direct contact with the volunteer coordinators, Alex or Inbal.
  Candidates must receive approval from the kibbutz before proceeding.

• Living Accommodation: Volunteer accommodation consists of modest apartments, usually shared by two people of the same gender (exceptions are made for couples).
  Each room includes toilets and showers. Volunteers are asked to bring their own bed linen (sheet, pillowcase, blanket cover) and towels. Blankets and pillows are provided.

• Food is served three times a day in the communal dining hall, during which silence is observed. The food is vegetarian, with fish served twice a week. The kitchen cannot accommodate special dietary needs (such as gluten-free, sugar-free, or vegan diets), though whole rice and steamed vegetables are prepared daily for those who cannot eat the regular meals.

Volunteers are requested to bring appropriate clothing: muted-colored work clothes such as comfortable T-shirts, light cotton long-sleeved shirts, shorts or long pants for early mornings and late afternoons, which can be cold, especially in winter. Temperatures often rise during the day, so dressing in layers is recommended.
For winter, warm clothing such as jackets, windbreakers, fleeces, beanies, and gloves is required, as temperatures can drop to as low as 1°C.