The IsraelNow program fee is all-inclusive, including airfare. The Chicago area subsidized participant fee is $2,750. We can offer this significantly reduced rate thanks to the generosity of our partners and supporters.

The actual cost of the trip is approximately $5,000 per teen. To assist families who cannot afford the $2,750 subsidized fee, we ask those who are financially able to consider paying as much of the actual trip cost of $5,000 as possible. 

Chicago’s IsraelNow program, in partnership with Jewish United Fund, offers the following:

• B’NAI MITZVAH JUF CERTIFICATE: Apply the teen’s JUF $120 B’nai Mitzvah Israel Experience Certificate.
• JUF SKIP PROGRAM: Teens enrolled in the JUF’s SKIP (Send a Kid to Israel Program) may use up to $500 of SKIP funds. To learn if you are enrolled in SKIP, please contact israelexperience@juf.org.
• NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIP: Families with greater financial need may apply for scholarship AFTER completing the online application.  The scholarship form is available in the registration portal or download the FACTS Financial Aid Application. Applicants will be notified of awards at the end of November, following the meeting of the JUF Scholarship Committee. If you have any issues with the application, please call the FACTS helpline at 866-315-9262, 7AM-9PM Monday-Friday and Saturday 8AM-2PM.

Cancellations must be made prior to the dates specified in the Trip Cancellation Timeline in the application. 

 IsraelNow Chicago trip cancellation timeline is as follows:  

20 weeks before departure date = Full refund  
16 weeks before departure date = Full refund less deposit  
12 weeks before departure date = Full refund less 20% of total trip cost  

 No refunds will be granted after the date of final payment for the registered trip.

Parents may use our letter to help explain the IsraelNow program and educational experience that can be shared with schools and teachers. 

From continued Jewish education to community involvement, there are many ways to stay involved and connected! The following are just a few of the opportunities for Chicago teens:

• Participate in IsraelNow Reunion activities
• Check out Teens@JUF and follow them on Facebook
• Browse JUF’s Springboard and sign up for the Springboard Teen Newsletter
• Find Your Jewish Path with our interactive guide!