We are here to answer your questions!
Top questions asked about IsraelNow by teens and families.
Eighth-grade student who identifies as Jewish and lives in a partner community is eligible to apply for IsraelNow.
- Once registration is open, usually in June, apply by clicking “register now” through our website: israelnowtrip.org and select your local community.
- Complete and submit all application documents by the designated dates outlined in the IsraelNow Registration Timeline.
- All information provided to IsraelNow must be truthful, complete, and accurate. Submitting inaccurate or incomplete information or omitting health or medication information may place acceptance at risk or be grounds for early dismissal from the program.
- Each teen, together with their parent/guardian will have a personal conference with an IsraelNow representative and must participate in all orientation programming (see your community trip page).
- Teens are required to abide by the IsraelNow Code of Conduct.
The IsraelNow program fees are all-inclusive, including airfare. Through generous contributions from our partners and supporter, we are able to offer IsraelNow trips at a reduced program fee. Visit the FAQ section on your local trip page to learn more about program costs and any opportunities to reduce program fees.
We encourage, but do not require, the purchase of trip protection insurance. Trip protection Insurance may only be purchased through our provider as part of the application process. Two levels of insurance are available during the application process through Program Protector, a third-party insurance provider unaffiliated with IsraelNow. Customer service can be reached directly at 212-683-4394 ext. 221
While on the ground in Israel, health insurance is included in the trip cost.
Trip cancellations must be made prior to specific dates outlined in each city’s timeline. Visit the FAQ section on your local trip page for more details.
You’re in luck! We have created a Packing List to help ensure participants have everything they may need on their upcoming journey!
Yes! More importantly, eighth grade is the perfect time for teens to go to Israel. The impact IsraelNow has on your teen’s Jewish identity will inform the decisions made throughout high school and college—from studying Hebrew to engaging in Jewish activities and social circles to college choices and so much more..
While family trips to Israel are a wonderful experience to share with your children, the peer experience provides a different type of immersive educational experience, much like camps and retreats. Experiencing Israel with peers and friends opens teenagers’ hearts and minds to absorb the experience in an entirely new way, which leads to a long-term impact on their Jewish identity.
- Passport (must be valid for at least six months from trip return date)
- Covid vaccination card
- Health Insurance Card (front and back)
- Health History (to be completed by participant’s parent or guardian)
- Physician’s Exam & Immunization Records (to be completed by participant’s physician)
- Photo of Teen
- Personal Profile “About Me!” (to be completed by the participant)
- Letter of recommendation from an adult who knows your child well, for example:
Synagogue Rabbi, Synagogue Education Director, Middle School Principal,
Middle School Teacher, camp counselor, coach, or youth director.
The security and wellbeing of participants is our top priority. IsraelNow contracts with an Israeli security company to provide security throughout the experience on the ground in Israel. In fact, each of our buses has a security guard on board!
IsraelNow trip staff is comprised of healthcare professionals and a combination of local synagogue clergy, educators, community program youth professionals and staff. All IsraelNow staff participate in extensive training on safety protocols, adolescent development, Israel education, and more.
The health and safety of all participants is our highest priority. Each teen has the benefit of:
- A mishpacha (family) of students with a staff member responsible for their health, safety and educational experience
- A doctor on each bus
- A behavioral healthcare professional
- A security guard on each bus
- Local educators and communal professionals
- A tour educator, licensed by the Israeli government, on each bus
IsraelNow partners with an Israeli company to provide security throughout the experience on the ground in Israel.
Each bus is accompanied by a trained security guard, who is also a trained medic.
IsraelNow stays in contact 24/7 with the Israeli government’s situation monitoring room.
The monitoring room consults with the Israel Defense Force, police, education ministry, and other agencies as needed. We take full direction from them regarding possible modifications to the itinerary.
Note that in 2019, prior to the COVID drop in tourism, Israel received over 4.5 million visitors, nearly 1 million of whom traveled from America. Personal safety in Israel remains incredibly high and crime is very low in comparison to other western countries*.
*source: touristisrael.com
Families will receive updates from IsraelNow through text notifications and emails on the progress and activities of the experience from departure to return home.
An emergency phone number will be provided to families prior to departure. Teens are not permitted to bring cellphones on the trip to allow for a fully immersive experience.
IsraelNow continually monitors COVID-19 developments from the CDC, states, and local regulatory bodies and from authorities in Israel. Protocols will be updated as required.
As of October 2022, IsraelNow trip participants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 including the two initial injections AND at least one booster. In addition, our health team highly recommends that participants receive the latest bivalent vaccine, which provides an extra level of protection against the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. Participants must provide proof of vaccination by uploading their COVID card to their CampInTouch account. INEF reserves the right to update/alter any vaccination policy for the health and safety of our participants.
This information will be updated closer to the trip departure date.
At least 1 mask for every day (preferably 2)! The more the better, so teens have the option of a clean mask after a long day.
From continued Jewish education to community involvement, there are many ways to stay involved and connected after returning from Israel! Please visit your community trip page to learn about these opportunities.