GET INVOLVED
Volunteers
The volunteer program of Magdala is inspired by the verse from the Gospel of Luke (8, 1-3): A Christ-centered community that serves in the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
The volunteers offer their talents and strengths to form a community serving the pilgrims and guests of Magdala by participating in distinct sections and departments.
The volunteer program and its location create a perfect environment to live an experience rich in faith, culture, history, nature, and human relations.
The volunteers live within different customs and languages than their own and learn about Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions.
Soon afterwards he went on through the cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, as well as some women who had been cured of the evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
Luke 8:1-3
More than 3,500 volunteers from over 35 countries have served at Magdala in the past 12 years, and you could be the next one.
Mary Magdalene and those who followed Jesus were the first volunteers of the Gospel. Today, the volunteers of Magdala share the same spirit and seek the expansion of the kingdom of God.
How is the volunteer program lived out?
Service
Magdala counts with distinct areas of service. Each volunteer is assigned a different task depending on their talents and capabilities. Complete availability, commitment, and professional development are expected from each volunteer.
The volunteers’ service at Magdala spans from Monday to Sunday with different shifts and hours, alternating guard days, and established rest days.
Community Life
Community life is one of the fundamental components of the volunteer program. Respect, collaboration, participation in community activities, and the fulfillment of house chores are essential for the experience to be optimal.
The volunteers live together and develop strong bonds of friendship throughout their experience..
Magdala Experience
In the land of Mary Magdalene, it is hoped that everyone, especially volunteers, experiences a personal encounter with Christ.
The volunteers participate in activities that permit them to deepen their faith and encourage personal and human growth—driving them to be testimonies of the values, purpose, mission, and vision of Magdala, with the end goal of providing encounters that lead to the spiritual renovation and reconciliation of other people.
The volunteer program includes two-day trips and one spiritual retreat per month in holy places of historical and cultural importance.
Which are the areas of service in Magdala?
The volunteers carry out their talents in distinct areas of service:
- Tours: The volunteers receive training to give guided tours to groups of pilgrims and visitors of the archeological park, Duc In Altum, and other places of interest at Magdala.
- Visitor Center: The volunteers receive each pilgrim and visitor of Magdala with a warm welcome. They assist in customer service at the entrance of the archeological park, gift shop, and coffee shop. They support controlling warehouses, inventories, administrative work, cleaning, and maintenance of the visitor center.
- Duc In Altum: It is a sanctuary and place of Catholic-Christian worship that provides the spiritual dimension of the experience of Magdala. The volunteers welcome, accompany and give guided explanations to pilgrims and visitors. They serve in the care of the sacristy and special events. As well as collaborate with the cleaning and maintenance of the sanctuary.
- Media Center and Marketing: The volunteers serve with their talents in the creation and development of content for Magdala’s digital platforms, audiovisual production and editing, graphic design, copywriting, community management, and live streaming.
- Magdala Experience for guests: The volunteers receive the hotel guests and offer programs, places, and special events.
- Volunteers: A team of volunteers collaborates with the logistics, transportation, purchases, attention, and maintenance of the volunteer house. They form part of the team in charge of the selection and admission of new volunteers, as well as the welcoming and accompaniment of the volunteers.
- Archeological work: The volunteers excavate, consolidate, and clean the archeological park. This area is only available at certain times of the year.
To whom is the volunteer program aimed?
To every person aligned with Magdala’s mission and values and desires to serve by putting their qualities and willingness in a place of this nature and are aligned with the values, purpose, mission, and vision of Magdala—ages over 18 and under 70 years old.
For how long can I participate in the volunteer program?
The participation period is at least one month and up to six months (renewable). The length of stay is flexible and will depend on the needs of each participant.
When can I participate?
Magdala receives volunteers at all times of the year. The quota is subject to the capacity of the volunteer house, the length of stay, and the type of work carried out each season.
Where do the volunteers live?
The volunteers form a community and live in a historic pilgrim house belonging to the Greek-Catholic (Melkite) St. George Church in Tiberias by the Sea of Galilee, 15 minutes from Magdala.
It is a simple and modest house with a chapel, washing machines, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a dining room, and shared rooms (2-6 people per room) with a bathroom.
We are currently raising funds for a new volunteer house. To collaborate, click here.
What are the requirements to participate?
- The desire to serve others.
- Companionship and disposition for healthy community life.
- Openness and availability to serve in a multicultural and religiously plural environment.
- Physical and mental health suitable for participating in all activities inside and outside Magdala.
- Over 18 and under 70 years old.
- Passport valid for more than one year from entry into Israel.
- Volunteer Visa (B4), essential regardless of the volunteering period.
- International medical insurance with full coverage in Israel. Preferably with no copay. It is essential to have COVID-19 coverage for the visa processing.
What is the cost and expenses of the volunteer program?
100$ VISA +
USD 30*
per day
*The contribution is $30 per day plus $100 for visa processing fees.
You only have to pay for the first month of your volunteer stay, even if your period of time is longer that a month.
The volunteer participation fee includes:
- Shared room with its bathroom (2-6 people per room in the volunteer house in Tiberias)
- Three meals a day
- Volunteer t-shirts
- Wi-Fi
- Bed linen
- Use of washing machines
- Daily transportation to and from Magdala
- Two-day trips and one monthly spiritual retreat to holy places and/or sites of historical and cultural importance.
Additional expenses to consider include:
- Personal expenses. Setting aside an average of $150-$250 (USD) per month is recommended to cover various expenses during your volunteer period (e.g., personal hygiene items, entrance tickets to museums and parks, personal expenses during day trips, souvenirs, personal trips…)
- International medical insurance with full coverage in Israel. Preferably with no copay. It is essential to have COVID-19 coverage for the visa processing.
- Roundtrip plane ticket. You should not buy the plane ticket until you have received a formal confirmation of acceptance to volunteer and the B4 visa to enter Israel. Magdala is not responsible for hosting or providing help to people who have not been accepted to volunteer, nor for possible economic losses due to delays in granting visas.
We are waiting for you!
Any questions? Email us at volunteer@magdala.org