If I've never been to Israel before, can I go on a Hillel Winter Israel Experience?
Hillel Winter Israel Experience trip participants are expected to have had an Israel experience in the past. If you have never been to Israel before we hope you'll check out our birthright israel trip.
If I've been on a Hillel Winter Israel Experience before, can I go again? What about other trips?
Because we have such a limited number of spaces, we ask that you not apply for this year's Hillel Winter Israel Experience if you attended one last year.
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What is the trip criteria? How are participants chosen?
Each track has specific criteria for choosing participants. Students are chosen based on their written essays and commitment to the particular track issue they have chosen. All applications will be reviewed confidentially by staff coordinating the Hillel Winter Israel Experiences.
What if I want to go to Israel, but don't meet the trip criteria?
Here are some other great options for getting to Israel.
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When will I know if I am selected?
Decisions will be made in the end of October.
How much does it cost?
$180 plus the cost of your connecting flight to New York.
What is the payment deadline?
You will need to submit your online credit card payment by 9:00 AM EST on November 3rd or your spot will be given to someone on the waitlist.
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Can you recommend some sources for scholarships?
We recommend you contact your home synagogue and federation, as well as your campus Hillel to see if there are any funds available to assist you in raising the money for your trip. Also check around to see if anyone will donate frequent flyer miles for your connecting flight.
What is the departure location?
New York. Participants will be expected to meet the group at the El Al ticket counter 3 hours before scheduled departure. Students must plan to leave enough time to retrieve their luggage from their domestic flight and transfer to the El Al terminal.
What should I bring?
Here is the recommended winter packing list.
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What are the safety measures taken for this trip?
The safety and security of participants is our primary concern. Precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of all participants and to minimize safety risks. The itinerary of each group is coordinated with the appropriate Israeli security authorities. Experienced travel guides, well versed in security procedures, lead these trips and maintain ongoing contact with Hillel's headquarters in Israel. Read our safety update statement.
What if I get sick in Israel? Do I need my own health insurance?
Every participant on Hillel's Winter Israel Experiences is required to have insurance coverage. You should contact your local insurance carrier for their coverage and reimbursement policies.
Hillel is committed to the physical and emotional well being of all of the participants. To achieve that goal, Hillel will provide emergency medical coverage while you are in Israel. This insurance covers emergency conditions on the ground, but will NOT cover any pre-existing medical condition, follow-up treatment or expenses after return to the United States. As part of Hillel's medical coverage, the following levels of treatment are available in the event of illness or injury:
• Basic first aid is administered by a medic accompanying the group, such as dispensing band-aids, medicine for headaches, etc., much like a camp nurse.
• Should the medic and group staff decide that a doctor needs to be consulted the participant will be seen during pre-arranged doctor's hours. These doctors maintain a supply of common medications and, when necessary, prescribe additional medication. They will also refer participants to specialists, when necessary.
• Should urgent medical care be required, participants will immediately be taken to an authorized clinic or to an emergency room.
Participants will be accompanied by a staff member on any visits to doctors, clinics or hospitals.
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Can I extend my trip by going over early or staying after the Winter Israel Experience?
You are more than welcome to extend your trip for a fee of $125 USD. Trip extension options will be made available at a later date. Please note: Students are required to travel to Israel with the group.
Can I visit family while in Israel on the Winter Israel Experience?
During the program you may not leave the group to visit family. However, we encourage you to extend your stay. Information regarding trip extension will be provided at a later date.
Where are we staying, or at least what type of place are we staying?
Tracks will be staying in hotels and Kibbutz guest houses.
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Does it cost anything extra when I get there, i.e. do we have to pay for food?
All food, lodging and transportation costs are covered, but we encourage you to bring spending money in the event that there is time to purchase gifts.
What is the Leading Up North – Tzedek Track?
In response to the conflict that has traumatized Israel’s north, the Center for Leadership Initiatives (CLI) has invited Hillel to recruit students to participate in its Leading Up North program. This ten-day trip will place 500 young adults, including student leaders, as volunteers in cities, towns and national parks to repair damage and to provide emotional support to the residents of the North. A specially tailored educational curriculum will be offered by scholars-in-residence with expertise in service learning and Israel education.
What if I don't have a passport?
All participants must have valid travel documents (passport, Green Card, visa) in order to participate in Hillel’s Israel Experiences. In addition, your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date. The process can take up to 3 months. If you do not have current travel documents, apply NOW! It is your responsibility to have your passport/travel documents by the time of departure.
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What if I am unable to participate at the last minute, and the deadline for withdrawal has passed?
If you withdraw after the deposit refund deadline (November 3, 2006) for any reason, Hillel will not be able to refund your $180.
When do we get our plane tickets?
Tickets for the flight to Israel will be distributed at the airport.
How much luggage can I bring? Is there a limit to the size of my bags?
If you have a flight to your gateway city, you will need to check with your domestic carrier. El Al Airlines will allow you to check two pieces of luggage (maximum of 50 lbs. and 62 inches [L + W + H]) and carry-on one piece of luggage (maximum of 45inches [L + W + H]). We will be traveling to several locations around Israel throughout the trip. A good guideline – don’t bring more than you can comfortably carry up one flight of stairs on your own.
What if I can't leave on the assigned departure date for my track? Can I go early?
Participants need to leave for the program on their track’s assigned departure date. Please keep in mind that you will be required to arrange travel to and from your local gateway city.
If you have further questions please contact us at winterisrael@hillel.org.