IMPORTANT NOTE
At the time of writing (December 20, 2021), foreign nationals are not permitted to enter Israel, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
See this government page for up-to-date information

WAS-NS Internship Program in Brief

WAS-NS currently offers internship positions (which may or may not be filled at present), at its educational institutions and in the Communications and Development Office. (See also the section on Volunteering, for which the conditions are different: notably with regard to payment.)

RESPONSIBILITIES: Interns work alongside staff members, under direction and guidance. Duties may include, but are not limited to:

— Researching grant opportunities and funding sources in order to sustain the educational institutions and their activities;

— Writing fully-developed grant applications, project proposals and PR publications (articles for the e-newsletter, website, etc.) in English and sometimes other languages;

— Office maintenance and light cleaning;

— It is hoped that the intern will be able to translate Hebrew and/or Arabic documents into English, but it is not a requisite.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE: We will strongly consider applicants who possesses the following:

— Fluency and excellent writing skills in English and/or German (depending on the internship position);

— A minimum of 2 years completion of a bachelor’s degree in any field of study or a similar equivalent;

— A commitment to live and work in the village for approximately 6 months;

— Experience and/or working knowledge of civil service organizations (NGOs, etc.)

— Experience and/or working knowledge of public relations and/or fundraising techniques.

In addition, we consider the following qualities to be essential:

— Team-player;

— Strong interpersonal skills;

— Creativity, curiosity, quick learner and ability to think outside the box;

— Passion for promoting peace, equality and social justice;

— Motivated and willing to take initiative;

— Fluency in Hebrew or Arabic: an advantage.

If you feel that you do not meet one or more of the criteria listed above, it does not necessarily disqualify you as a competitive applicant!

BENEFITS: There are innumerable benefits to be realized by completing this internship and by living and working in Wahat al-Salam - Neve Shalom.

— Integration into the only intentional Palestinian-Jewish community to exist in Israel, which will offer an individual a unique insight into bi-communal living and the region.

— Opportunity to study and enhance your proficiency in both Arabic and Hebrew;

— Acquire and strengthen your professional skills in writing grants, project proposals, published articles and other PR materials;

— Gain experience working for an NGO involved in peace work among Palestinians and Jews in Israel and Palestine.

* Other departments of Wahat al-Salam - Neve Shalom may from time to time also offer internship positions.

For information concerning internship:

Email: Howard Shippin

Fax: (972) 2.991.1072, (Attention: Howard Shippin)

Conditions in detail

General

– Period: 6 months.

– Interns are asked to pay 2,000 New Israel Shekels per month to cover their living expenses. For outstanding applicants, a grant may be available.

The application form is can be downloaded in MS Word or Open document format:

Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam accepts a small number of interns (usually 1 - 2) during

Work Framework

Interns are accepted for a period of 6 - 9 months, during the months of primary activity of the WAS-NS educational institutions (September - June).

Interns work 5 days a week, 8 hours a day. Sometimes they may be required to work for more, and if so, this time is returned in the form of leave.

Holidays and Leave Taking

Friday and Saturday are free days.

Holidays (for Christian interns) are: December 25, January 1, Easter Day, and Israel’s Independence Day. Volunteers of other faiths will be able to receive alternative dates - subject to approval ahead of time.

Interns are expected to work full time during their period. Absences are subject to approval by the department manager.

Accommodation

Each intern has his/her own room, though this is quite small and "basic". Bathroom and toilet facilities are separate.

Allowance and privileges

– Use of NS/WAS vehicles (see appropriate section).
– A daily newspaper in English (shared between the volunteers).

Medical Insurance and Treatment

Interns must purchase and maintain full medical insurance for the duration of their stay in NSWAS.

During the time of their employment, interns are insured for work-related accidents by NSWAS.

Transportation

Upon arrival in Israel, interns must find their own way to the village. The cost of a taxi from the airport is around NIS 200 (November 2010) but it is advisable to demand that the driver will operate the taxi meter (as required by law).

Community vehicles are intended for official use by NS/WAS employees. The volunteers and interns may use vehicles only to travel as far as the town of Modiin for weekly grocery shopping. Other trips, such as trips to the junctions should be arranged, where possible, with village members.

Dining and Shopping

The volunteers and interns have their own kitchen, and take care of their own cooking as a group. They do their own grocery shopping for the group in a nearby supermarket.

The budget is determined according to the number of volunteers and interns present. Groceries to be purchased can include food items, toiletries and other basic needs.

Purchase of groceries is made on a basis of once a week on a day determined in advance. Money for purchase of groceries must be collected from the accounts department during regular working hours. Permissible items: food, cleaning materials (no alcoholic beverages, items for personal hygiene, cosmetics, etc).

Visas

Instructions regarding visas will be sent to you once your application has been accepted. The intern must apply for and pay for a voluntary work visa (in October 2015 the cost was NIS 1,000 for the first 3 months, including registration, handling and mandatory health insurance, and then (afterwards) NIS 500 for the next three months). The intern should arrange with his or her place of employment in order to take time off work in order to arrange visa renewal.

An official letter from WAS-NS should be obtained for the purpose of visa applications.

Guests

During the period of employment, visits by guests does not permit the taking of leave.

Guests who stay with the interns in their rooms are expected to cover the expenses of food.

Parents or friends of intern may come to stay in the guest house at a reduction of at least 15% - subject to availability of accommodation.

Guests are expected to pay the regular admission fee to the swimming pool.

Miscellaneous

Drivers’ License: We ask you to bring your driver’s license (driving permit), if you have one. Most national drivers’ licenses are accepted in Israel.

Washing machine: Interns have access to a washing machine for laundry.

Swimming Pool: the interns may use the swimming pool during the season for free, however their guests must pay the regular admission fee.

Personal belongings: NS/WAS does not take responsibility for, or provide insurance for, personal belongings of the interns. Valuables may be deposited with the treasurer for safe-keeping.

Termination of Intern Employment

NS/WAS retains the right to terminate the employment and stay of any intern if such becomes necessary.

Interns who find they must leave before the date they have agreed upon must inform their department head and volunteer coordinator at the earliest opportunity in order that a replacement can be found. This must be done at least one month in advance.

At the end of their stay, interns are expected to leave their room in a clean and tidy condition.

Application Form

MS Word Format:

– or -
ODT Format: