Returning and working in Israel

First, when you state you "cant be bothered with being stuck at airport for hours again", not to be rude but, too bad.

If you go back there is a chance, just like there is the same chance for anyone, that you'll be questioned at length and it may take hours. That's part of the deal. I you really "cant be bothered" with conforming to Israeli immigration procedures then don't go.

Returning for another visit a month later would not, in and of itself, be suspicious. So I don't see a problem there.

Next, I'm not an Israeli immigration expert, but I certainly think it would be helpful to have your new friend understand that you may be detained and questioned and have him / her be ready to be contacted by immigration officials so he / she can verify your story. Of course, you should have all his / her contact information ready to turn over to immigration authorities.

I'm not sure of the impact all this would have on Israeli immigration's concern about you leaving on time (in the US such an admission might get you denied entry as officials here would construe it as a reason for you to over stay your visa). Perhaps others can comment on that.

Good luck.

The worst thing you can do in an Israeli airport is show stress, or annoyance! like mentioned above have ALL contact information of your friend WITH you, and explain you are returning to visit them. Either way this will most likely result in you being in the airport for some amount of time, there is no way around it. Since it will appear odd for a short trip to visit a friend when you were just there... (sorry!!!)

It doesnt hurt to look into a working visa, look into it now because you will ultimately be denied since your trip is only for 6 days... so you would have to change your flights before you can even be considered for a working visa. Now, with that said, working in israel and not speaking hebrew (or arabic) will be very difficult and limit you, same with volunteering. There are many volunteering orgs in Israel, but i am not familiar with any in jerusalem however and a google search would probably work better than anything I can think of.

Again however, from past experience without a minor understanding of Hebrew (or Arabic in some situations) will limit what volunteering places will accept you

Good Luck!

As mentioned above, just me cool and accomodating with the authorities at the airport - the low level clerks and immigration oficers have a lot of power. Your chances of receiving a working or even a volunteer visa are really quite slim - in other words - no chance, However, you can leave every 3 months and return again and again until your finally refused entry. I know lots of westerners who have done this for years.

How about volunteering on a kibbutz?

I think Israeli immigration seems intimidating to first-timers, simply because they are quite aggressive. In reality, however, they are quite good at what they do and can easily distinguish between those who are out to harm versus those who are honestly in Israel for the love of Israel. As mentioned above, it's always a good idea to be prepared, and having contact details in Israel is a safe bet. However, I would not stress out about this.

In regards to the work visa, you must have a workplace sponsor your visa and then file an application for a work permit. There are several bureaucratic steps that proceed this sponsorship. You can read more about it at the following web address: http://www.ktalegal.com/Relocation-to-Israel/Israel-B-1-Work-Visa-Process.html

You may volunteer in Israel on a tourist visa. Be sure not to overstay this visa, as this would certainly cause border patrol to look twice the next time you come to Israel. There are countless volunteer opportunities in Israel. As mentioned above, many non-Israelis choose to volunteer on a kibbutz, which is an excellent way of getting to know Israel as it once was. However, one may also volunteer in most large cities. Tel Aviv, for example, has an enormous amount of volunteer opportunities, including work with African refugees and women's rights.

For more robust volunteerism, the Palestinian community, specifically in the West Bank, is in dire need of help, and several NGO's are doing some incredible things in those areas. Either way, volunteering in Israel is a great way to see Israel in a different way than most tourists get to see it.

A side note on living in Israel: property prices have significantly increased over the past ten years, and living in modern accommodations will cost you. Homes in Israel are quite old, and many do not live up to foreign standards (specifically American standards... most rooms will not fit king-sized beds). Make sure you have the funds to move.

Israel is a beautiful place to live. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask me.