Frequently Asked Questions
What is Birthright Israel?
Birthright Israel's founders created this program to send young Jewish adults from all over the world to Israel as a gift in order to diminish the growing division between Israel and Jewish communities around the world, to strengthen the sense of solidarity between Israeli youth and Jewish communities throughout the world, and to promote the idea of a trip to Israel for all Diaspora Jews as a critical part of Jewish life outside of Israel.
As a participant, you will travel throughout the country, exploring sites of historic, cultural, and religious significance, hiking and taking in Israel’s varied landscape and nature. Additionally, Israeli peers will join you for a significant part of the trip, introducing you to popular culture, music, and food and what it’s like to live in Israel—and maybe even becoming lifelong friends.
Is the trip free?
Am I eligible?
How do I apply for a trip?
Is it safe to travel Israel?
Absolutely! Our trip is committed to providing our groups with the highest standards of security and safety. As Israelis, we are aware of and sensitive to the need for safe and secure arrangements in our daily lives. We provide this same standard of safety to our trips and those who join us.
What is the deposit for?
All participant must pay the deposit, which can be fully refunded or donated afterwards. The deposit is US$250. This deposit serves a few purposes. During the application process, it lets us know that you are serious about participating in the program. Once you are accepted, it serves as a guarantee that you will not cancel at the last minute, which would prevent another person from benefiting from the opportunity to go to Israel. Moreover, the deposit helps cover any fees and penalties that may be incurred by the airlines if you cancel your trip late. The deposit also helps guarantee that you follow Birthright Israel safety and behavior standards.
When and how will I get the deposit back?
If you are accepted to a trip and cancel prior to 65 days before your confirmed flight departure or are not accepted to participate in a program this round, your deposit will be refunded via your original method of payment. In order to receive this refund, you must submit a written request to info@goyael.com. Should you not make this request, your deposit will remain with us throughout the season and will then be available for you to use for the next round of Birthright Israel trips. After you successfully participate in a Birthright Israel trip, you may voluntarily donate all or part of your deposit in order to sponsor future Birthright Israel trips.
Otherwise, approximately five days after you successfully complete your trip, you will be notified via email that your deposit is available to be refunded.
Is it safe for me to enter my credit card number and pay my deposit online?
Who will I travel with?
You will be part of a group of 40 participants, two local staff members, who fly with the group to Israel, one Israeli tour guide, 8 Israeli participants/soldiersw and an Israeli medic/security guard. The bus driver is part of the team, too!
What sort of physical activity does a Birthright Israel trip entail?
Participants will be expected to participate in extensive tours of the country, which may include walking long distances, climbing, hiking, swimming, and other strenuous activities. The program in Israel is very demanding, requiring participation in an average of 15 hours of programming daily, often including physically strenuous activities. All participants should be able to fully participate in the demanding itinerary including early wake-ups and late nights.
Can I extend after my trip?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Israel for a fee determined by the airline you are flying with. You must, however, travel to Israel with your group—you cannot travel prior and meet up with the group in Israel.
How do I contact my airline once I am in Israel?
Austrian: In Tel Aviv: 03-9058049 Sun-Thu 9AM-5PM Israel time.
Brussels Airline: Email Israel@brusselsairlines.com or call 03 5185262 Sun-Thu 10AM-1PM Israel time, ask for Assaf or Tanya.
Delta: In Tel Aviv 03 5138000 ext 3. Hours of operation Sun-Thu 9AM-5PM Israel time.
EL AL Israel Airlines: In Tel Aviv 03 977 1111, 24 hours.
Iberia: Email request more than 3 business days before confirmed group departure Taglit.ib@ba.com or contact in Tel Aviv 1-809-344-538 9AM-5PM Sun-Thu.
Lufthansa: In Tel Aviv: 03-9058049 Sun-Thu 9AM-5PM Israel time.
Swissair: In Tel Aviv: 03 5139000 Sun-Thu 9AM -5PM Israel time.
United Airlines: In Tel Aviv 03-5116777. Hours of operation Sun-Thu 8:30AM-5PM Israel time.
What is the policy regarding sexual conduct on Birthright Israel?
What if the name I entered when I applied has changed or is spelled wrong?
What if I am unable to go at the last minute?
Do I need a passport?
Yes! No one can travel to Israel without a valid passport. If you do not hold a U.S. or Canadian passport, you may need a visa or face other restrictions. Please contact your closest Israeli consulate for more information. If you do not already have a passport, you should begin the process to obtain a passport as soon as possible. You will be required to provide your passport number and a photocopy of your passport prior to Birthright Israel issuing your flight ticket.
Do I need to have health insurance? What about travel insurance?
Yes. It is mandatory for all Birthright Israel participants to have health insurance that is valid in Israel for the duration of the trip. If you already have extended health coverage, or you purchase a plan for this trip, you will be required to submit this information to info@goyael.com.
You can purchase an inexpensive plan with CTAS Travel Insurance by clicking
here. We recommend purchasing this insurance as soon as you receive your trip information packet from us by email, which includes more information about purchasing this policy.
Do I need an Israeli SIM for my phone?
We HIGHLY recommend participants purchase a SIM card. There is WiFi in most places, however, not everywhere and certainly not on the bus. We recommened using Phone Away From Home.
Why Rent A Cell Phone/SIM?
4G Internet, unlimited calling and texting in Israel, receive the SIM at the airport, easily extendable plans, and easy to Install.
Order SIM card or phone rental here