Frequently Asked Questions

FIRM stands for Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries. We are a nonprofit that serves a network of over 70 local ministries and organizations in Israel that share a passion for reaching people in Israel with the Gospel. 

Our offices are in the very heart of Jerusalem, Israel, but our work (and network) spans the entire country of Israel, north to south, east to west. We also have representatives in the USA and our global partners are all across the world. 

Our staff consists of both Israelis and internationals, Jewish and non-Jewish and the same is true of our Board. We didn’t even all grow up with a love for Israel and the Jewish people, but today we are united to see the day where every person in Israel is transformed by the love of Yeshua. 

Although we have partners throughout the world who support the ongoing work of FIRM, in Israel we partner with a group of 70+ Gospel-centered ministries and congregations. FIRM Local Partners are ministries made up of Messianic Jews and Christian Arabs that are doing the work of Yeshua and serving Israel and its people. They are the heart of our mission and the “hands and feet” of seeing Israel transformed with the love of Yeshua.

Due to the sensitive nature of some work in Israel, several ministries opted to remain anonymous on public platforms. These ministries are still cooperating closely with FIRM and other ministries in the land. Our relationships are just as strong as with other ministries, but not everything can be reflected online.  

One of the requirements to become a local partner of FIRM is for the ministry to be present and registered in Israel. They may be affiliated with organizations abroad, but their status in Israel needs to be official. 

We would love to hear from you! Please contact: [email protected] 

There are several ways you can volunteer with FIRM in Israel. In the short term, you can join one of our service tours and engage in hands-on projects with a group of likeminded people for a duration of about 10 days. In the long term, we welcome interns who wish to spend a few months in Israel. To learn more, contact us at: [email protected] 

Unfortunately we are not able to provide assistance when it comes to entering the land or staying longer term in the country.

Our organization does not ship these kinds of things, but our resources are available for free and printable at the “Free PDF Downloads” area of firmisrael.org/learn 

While we are grateful to hear of Kingdom work being done around the globe, at this time, FIRM is dedicated to Gospel-centered work within Israel, through trusted local congregations and organizations. 

Overall, donations from believers abroad come to Israel through multiple channels: government organizations, churches, and other nonprofits that are involved in commendable work in the land. However, that does not necessarily bring support to the local body of believers. 

By giving through FIRM, you can rest assured that your money supports gospel-centered work in the land. Additionally, by giving through FIRM, you are guaranteed that 100% of your donation goes to the local partners of FIRM. We do not charge you an administrative fee and there are no other hidden fees.

Here are some options how you can be a part of what FIRM does:

Give: Join the Tribe, a community of faithful donors investing to transform lives in Israel, month after month. Click here for more

Go: Experience Israel with deeper purpose through customized tours and service opportunities that help you connect with local believers. Click here for more

Pray: Be empowered to pray intentionally as you learn about current needs, local projects, events, and ministry endeavors. Click here for more

Reach: Discover and build valuable relationships with believers in Israel, to form lasting connections that will bless the people in Israel, as well as you and your church community. 

Teach: Be encouraged to first learn and gain critical experience to then effectively educate your household, your friends, your community, and even your church back home. Click here for more

Giving online is very simple. On our website, you can choose to give to the FIRM Foundation, where 100% of your gift will help transform lives in Israel with the love of Jesus through local ministries, or 100% of your gift can support a specific local partner of FIRM directly. 

You can also make your giving recurring by joining The Tribe! It is a community of monthly donors who are committed to impacting lives in Israel through the love of Jesus. 

For more options, visit www.firmisrael.org/give 

Yes. FIRM has a branch office in the United States, with a US address and bank account. Which means we have a 501(c)3 status. If you require more information about that, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected]  

Yes, our online donation system accepts both kinds of payments, plus many other types, as well.

If you are giving on a recurring basis, first of all todah rabah, thank you very much, and secondly, you can change any details about your giving here: https://firmisrael.donorsupport.co/login 

When you give to the FIRM Foundation, either through The Tribe or as a one-time gift, your gift will go where it will have the greatest impact locally in Israel through one or more of our local partner ministries. Alternatively, you can choose to give directly to a specific ministry from our ministry page.

You do have the option of supporting FIRM as a ministry, too. Your generosity ensures FIRM’s impact, empowerment of ministries in Israel, and advocacy for Israel. You can help Christians gain a passion for Israel, plus amplify & strengthen the work of 70+ Gospel-centered ministries & organizations throughout Israel’s believing body. For more information, visit firmisrael.org/give

Yes. Proof of citizenship is required for all travelers, and passports are required (must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel). Make sure to keep your passport and all other travel documents in your carryon. To find out if you need to apply for a VISA prior to your trip, check this webpage: http://mfa.gov.il/MFA_Graphics/MFA%20Gallery/Consular%20forms/VisaRequirements.pdf

In case documents get lost or stolen (or your phone!), make copies of the following: your passport (page with your photo), credit cards, airline tickets, itinerary, and travel insurance. You may want to consider sharing a copy of these documents also with a family member or a friend at home – someone you can easily contact. And make sure you know how you can reach them, in case of an emergency. 

Israel’s currency is called the New Israeli Shekel, often abbreviated to NIS or ILS. While most hotels, restaurants and shops will accept credit cards, many of the tourist areas count on cash only. We suggest you bring US Dollars, British Pounds or Euros with you, which can be exchanged for the Israeli Shekel on location. There are many exchange locations in bigger cities, but rates vary and some charge commission.  

Israel uses 220 volts AC 50 Hz plugs. Be careful with appliances that operate on 120 volts, 60 Hz (most common in the USA), such as hair dryers and curlers, razors, etc. Before leaving on your trip, check the manual or power cord of your device to know if it will work with 220 voltage without a special converter.

Many electronic devices like phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage and will adjust automatically for other countries. For dual voltage electronics, you’ll simply need to bring an adapter to plug the charger in to the outlet. 

Please check with your local regulations, whether you are allowed to bring liquids in your carryon bags. Currently, most western countries limit carryon liquids to 100ml containers or less, however some countries have taken steps to change this rule. 

The Ben Gurion Airport in Israel does not limit liquids in your carryon luggage, so you can easily go through security with your water bottle, makeup, and even full-size bottle of shampoo. 

If you are joining one of FIRM Israel tours, a tour representative will meet you in the arrival hall or at the baggage claim at Ben Gurion Airport. As you arrive in Israel you will be allocated a bus in which you will travel all week. A bus captain will accompany you throughout the week and they will be there to assist you with any day-to-day matters. 

Dress for the season – Israel gets very hot in the summer, but in winter, the temperatures can even drop below freezing! But even when you pack clothing appropriate for warm weather, don’t forget a jacket for the evenings. Also bring something to cover your shoulders and knees, as this is required at some of the sites we will visit. And ensure to pack good walking shoes. 

Check out this fun article to learn more: https://firmisrael.local/learn/what-is-the-weather-like-in-israel-explore-with-us/ 

In general, yes. But keep in mind that in Israel, the workweek is Sunday to Thursday. Shops and businesses are normally still open on Friday mornings, but they close early afternoon for the Sabbath (or Shabbat). Shabbat lasts from sundown Friday to after sundown Saturday. Grocery stores closed for Shabbat tend to reopen Saturday night. Also, keep in mind that there are many Jewish holidays throughout the year, and shop owners can be even stricter about closing times on those days. 
Most cities and even small towns in Israel will have a small shop that’s open 24/7 (or at least a gas station), but their selection is limited, and prices are higher. Every business in Israel proper will be closed on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year.