Chicago - IsraelNow

Explore IsraelNow
Chicago Trips

Join Jewish eighth graders from all over Chicago and embark on a journey to remember. With JUF’s IsraelNow Chicago, you’ll deepen your relationship to Israel, strengthen your Jewish self-confidence, and expand your peer network, all while exploring must-see spots and making life-long connections. Your IsraelNow trip awaits!

2026 Trip Dates*:
February 15 – 24, 2026
March 18 – 27, 2026
*trip dates subject to change

Registration in now OPEN!

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Chicago-Specific FAQs »
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Join us for an Information Session Register NOW!

Travel to Israel has never been more important!

We recognize that the situation in Israel is constantly changing and want to be transparent about how we are planning our upcoming trips. We hope that these FAQs help you to understand our approach.

Is it Safe to Visit Israel?

Click here to learn more.

How will this trip be different than previous IsraelNow trips?

Click here to learn more.

What if we can’t go to Israel?

Click here to learn more.

How will I know what’s going on?

Click here to learn more.

We want to hear from you! If you have any questions or want to schedule a one-on-one conversation,

please click here or email [email protected]

Get a taste of what to expect

IsraelNow trips are packed with different opportunities to get immersed in Jewish culture and history and connect with Israelis and the land.

HERITAGE

Visit historical sites and museums.

CULTURE

Explore cities such as Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and the breadth of diverse Israeli culture.

COMMUNITY

Make friends with Israelis and engage in social justice projects.

EXPLORE

Hike through the beautiful landscape of Israel and swim in the Dead Sea.

Staff A Trip With IsraelNow Chicago

NETWORK

Connect with other Jewish professionals from the community.

CONNECT

Strengthen relationships with participants from your community through this immersive shared experience.

GROW

Expand your Israel educator toolkit.

EXPLORE

Experience the people, land, and state of Israel first hand.

Position Description Interested? Apply Now!

IsraelNow Chicago is a program of the IsraelNow Education Foundation and the Jewish United Fund.

ABOUT ISRAELNOW

“I absolutely want to go back! The whole time, I felt so welcome, and I made so many new friends (Israeli and American). To me, Jewish identity is about people. Israel was the place where I felt like I met my best friends in a week, and everywhere we went I thought ‘wow, these people understand me.'”

– IsraelNow Alum

“I’ve made new friends, I’ve learned new things, I’ve grown a stronger connection to Israel and Judaism. I had such a fun time with the people and things in Israel on this trip. Everywhere we went, I was amazed. Even more amazed than the first time I came to Israel this past summer. It was an amazing experience!”

– IsraelNow Alum

“Going on this trip was one of the greatest decisions that I have made. I have created so many bonds with new kids and staff. Everyone was so welcoming on the trip and made me feel such a strong connection to Israel. This trip has just helped me see the start of what my life can be like in the future as a Jew. Thank you for giving me this experience, IsraelNow!!”

– IsraelNow Alum

“It was such an amazing experience being able to connect with people through your religion knowing that while we all were very different, we had one thing in common. I don’t get to do that very often because most people in my school aren’t Jewish.”

– IsraelNow Alum

Frequently asked questions for Chicago

Check out these top questions for Chicago families and visit our IsraelNow FAQ page for more answers.

How much does IsraelNow Chicago cost?

Are there further opportunities to reduce program fees?

How will my teen travel to Israel?

What is the cancellation policy?

How can you explain IsraelNow Chicago to your teen’s school?

Aside from the trip dates, are there other required meetings or events?

What post-trip engagement opportunities are available to teens?

Where do I access forms?

IsraelNow Chicago Staff

Daniella Elyashar, Director of IsraelNow Chicago

Daniella is thrilled to join the IsraelNow team! She has worked with diverse groups of children, teens, and young adults in experiential education frameworks both in Israel and the US. As a British-born Israeli who moved to Chicago in 2021, building meaningful connections has always been her top priority, and she is passionate about creating educational spaces for teens to thrive in. Daniella’s most recent role was as the assistant director at Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, where she met her husband Adam in 2017! She obtained her BA in Education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and holds a Leadership Certificate from the Spertus Institute in Chicago. She loves cooking, baking bread and is a big Pilates fan!

Here are some of Daniella’s IsraelNow highlights:

Favorite stop on the itinerary- The Culinary Workshop with Israeli chefs

Favorite Snack- Delicious Dark Chocolate

Something you will always find in Daniella’s Suitcase- Cat hairs on her clothes from her orange cat

Email Daniella

Harper Caruso, Engagement and Operations Co-Ordinator

Harper Caruso (she/her) is thrilled to be working as the engagement and operations coordinator for IsraelNow! Hailing from the Jewish community of Cleveland, Ohio, she has an extensive background in summer camp, Israel trips, song leading, and Jewish community engagement. Harper earned a Bachelor of Arts in musical theatre from Columbia College Chicago.

Here are some of Harper’s IsraelNow highlights:

Favorite Snack- Chocolate peanut butter filled pretzels

Something you will always find in Harper’s Suitcase- A stash of fidget toys

Email Harper