Any eighth-grade student who identifies as Jewish is eligible to apply for IsraelNow.

• 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 must have a personal interview with an IsraelNow representative and 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

• Standard Plan
• Enhanced Plan

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 local contract.  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 your child to go to Israel. The impact IsraelNow has on your child’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 everything in between.

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
• Personal Profile (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.

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

Families will receive updates from IsraelNow through push notification 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.

All participants, including staff, guides, drivers, and guards on all IsraelNow trips must be fully vaccinated.

Teens and staff must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure.  

Upon arrival in Israel, teens and staff will take another PCR and a serological (antibody) test using a blood sample.  According to the Government of Israel guidelines, only participants whose serological test shows antibodies will be allowed into the country. 

Note:  We highly recommend participants get a serological test prior to departure since Israel reserves the right to deny entrance to anyone who does not show a high enough level of antibodies.  In the rare event that a teen is denied entrance, a staff member will accompany them on a flight home.

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.