Birthright Israel is a journey for young Jews into their heritage. Regardless of where you are starting from, we are interested in deepening your Jewish identity and strengthening your Jewish links to Israel. Your Jewish connection, identity, and journey are unique. Many of our participants come from interfaith homes, and we know that your connection (or disconnection) to the Jewish community may be an uncertain one. We want you to feel comfortable enough to ask questions and inquire about your eligibility for the gift of a Birthright Israel trip.
Birthright Israel’s determination regarding eligibility for the program will simply be a statement of that; not a judgement or determination about your own path, self-definition and/or connection to Judaism or the Jewish community.
To be eligible for the gift of Birthright Israel, you must be considered Jewish by one of the recognized Jewish denominations.* You must not be exclusively practicing another religion, and you also need to have at least one Jewish parent who identifies as such. You may also be eligible if you are a Jew by Choice through conversion to Judaism (documentation will be requested).
Please note that final eligibility for Birthright Israel is only determined after you complete the full registration process and is subject to change.
If your Jewish story feels complicated and you have questions about your Jewish eligibility, or if you practice another religion, or if you are adopted, we take these cases seriously and prefer to talk to you 1 on 1. Please contact us
*Birthright Israel recognizes the following denominations:
Birthright Israel Volunteer trips are open to all Jewish young adults, ages 18 to 50 years old.
The standard accommodation for volunteer programs, provided at no additional cost, is triple occupancy in hotel rooms.
If you’d prefer upgraded accommodations, you have the following options:
We hope to provide additional volunteer opportunities in Israel in the coming weeks.
If we can’t accommodate you on one of these tracks, we will reach out with additional opportunities once they are available.
Although placements may change- here are some examples of the types of placements we hope to provide:
In the event that the situation in Israel worsens, we will make adjustments to the program including relocation of the group if warranted.
Yes. You will be responsible for your own accommodations, health insurance, and general safety once the program has ended.
If your volunteer program included a group flight, you may be eligible to change your return date. Read More
During the dates of the program, all participants are required to stay in the Volunteer accommodations.
If you are in Israel before or after the program begins and ends, you are responsible for your own accommodations and can choose to stay with friends or family.
Yes, all accommodations will have a safe room or a shelter within the building.
Participation in the entirety of the program, from the first official day until the final day is mandatory. Orientation and closing program activities are included in the program dates. Participants are required to be in Israel for all portions of the program.
In the event of a personal emergency, costs associated with leaving early (flight changes, transportation etc) are the responsibility of the participant.
Yes, there will be WIFI access in all housing accommodations. There may not be WIFI access at the volunteer sites, therefore a mobile phone with data is required.
Accommodations will be shared apartments. More details will be provided during the registration process.
You are not required to take public transportation for volunteering. However, you may use public transportation in your free time.
Transportation to the volunteer placements will be provided. Travel to volunteer placements may take up to an hour in each direction.
Yes, there are no volunteer assignments on Shabbat and you will be able to observe Shabbat and Kashrut according to your practice.
There are synagogues in the area of the housing.
Please note we can't guarantee that your roommates will share the same level of observance, however we will do our best to match you accordingly.
Yes, when you aren't volunteering or participating in other programming there will be free time.
Yes, there will be a community manager and a staff person focusing on logistical issues.
Yes, the program will foster opportunities to make social connections with Israelis who are also volunteering in similar enterprises
Volunteer placements take place in groups and will be assigned upon arrival in Israel. Placements are approximately 4-6 hours a day and can include agricultural work such as harvesting fruits and vegetables on local farms, sorting and packaging supplies for displaced families, individuals, and soldiers, as well as many other types of hands-on support based on local needs. You may also take part in social volunteering with NGOs, hospitals, nursing homes, or join green initiatives like Venatata, MeLaVaV, and Yozmat Hoenergia.
Some of the organizations we work with include:
Leket Israel, Pitchon Lev, Shomer Hadash, Chabad Sderot, the Jewish Agency, Yahel and many more.
Basic health insurance is included in the program fee. You will need to show proof of additional health insurance for pre-existing conditions not covered by the health policy.
Basic health insurance will not cover injuries directly connected to the war, however the State of Israel by law does cover such damages for anyone legally in the country.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to Israel.
The Volunteer program costs $300USD (based on departures from European gateway airports) or $600USD from other gateway cities of departure. This includes a $50USD non-refundable registration fee.
Round-trip airfare (from designated cities, once per person), housing, transportation to and from volunteer placements, health insurance and organized activities are all included in the cost of the program.
The program will provide a modest stipend of $100USD per week for food.
*If you cancel your trip within 65 days of your confirmed flight departure, you'll forfeit payment.
*Should you choose to fly to Israel at your own expense, or if you've already received a subsidized flight, there is no flight reimbursement from Birthright Israel. The participant must pay a non-refundable $50USD fee to join the program.
No, you don't need to speak Hebrew but it's always a plus!
Yes. However, preference will be given to those who have prior Israel experience.
Yes! Participating in this volunteer program will not disqualify you from a future Birthright Israel trip or Onward program, provided that all other eligibility requirements are met.
After filling in the application you will be interviewed. If accepted, you will be notified and asked to pay a non-refundable program registration fee.
Yes, there will be a virtual orientation prior to your arrival in Israel as well as an in person orientation on the first day of the program.
The volunteer program is open to all Jewish young adults, ages 18 to 50 years old. Preference will be given to ages 25-50.
