Hillel: Birthright Israel FAQs
Do you have questions? Get them answered before applying for a life-changing adventure with Hillel: Birthright Israel.
Travel
Multiple trips depart every week from May–July and December–January. Summer and winter trips leave from New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. If you’re traveling with your campus, connect with your Hillel professionals regarding dates.
You’re responsible for finding and paying for any domestic travel, but not for international travel. Don’t book any domestic travel until you receive a confirmation email from us.
Cost
Yes, the $360 deposit is fully refundable. The $25 deposit processing fee isn’t refundable. Shortly after your Birthright Israel trip, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to request a refund for your deposit. You’ll also receive a refund if you’re waitlisted or you withdraw prior to the refund deadline for accepted participants (50 days prior to departure).
Due to the limited number of spots on each trip, we need to ensure that all chosen participants will show up. When an applicant pays the $360* USD deposit, this lets us know that you’re serious about traveling with Birthright Israel and covers any fees that we might incur in the event of a late cancellation. It also helps guarantee that you follow Birthright Israel safety and behavior standards. In extreme cases in which participants violate these guidelines, their deposit may be confiscated.
Read more here
Fill out this form to request a refund, which may take up to two weeks to be processed. For other deposit issues from the United States, email [email protected] with the word DEPOSIT in the subject line and a detailed explanation of the issue in the message.
Besides the $360 refundable deposit and $25 processing fee, travel accommodations are cost-free because of generous donors. However, we suggest bringing $200–$500 USD on the trip to cover the following:
- One meal a day (roughly $10 USD)
- Tip for the tour educator, bus driver, and guard (Participants customarily leave a $100 USD tip at the end of the trip.)
- Gifts and souvenirs
Yes, you can transfer your deposit for up to THREE seasons in the future. For example, if you can no longer make your winter trip, your deposit can go toward a trip next summer or next winter.
There’s no catch. You are only responsible for a $360* USD deposit—which you can kindly donate to support future Birthright Israel educational activities or request a refund after successfully completing the program.
Learn more about the gift of Birthright Israel, click here
Traveling with friends
We won’t know who you want to travel with unless you indicate it in your application. Under TRAVEL PREFERENCES (in the Birthright Israel application), list the name of the friend you want to travel with. If your friend has registered for Birthright Israel with Hillel, then their name will automatically populate in the section regarding travel buddies. If their name doesn’t automatically populate, use the space below to provide us with your friend’s name and email so we can be in touch with them about registering with Hillel.
General
There’s a lag time between adding and updating information. This issue should be resolved within 24 hours. If not, submit a help request or call 202-449-6695.
Yes, you can still complete the application. Remember, the passport process takes a few weeks, so build in enough time. As soon as you have your passport information, add it to your application. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date from Israel.
An important note: The name on your Birthright Israel application MUST MATCH the name on your passport. Exactly.
Review our “Extend” page for more information.
There is a common myth that Birthright Israel programs are funded by just a few donors, but in reality, they are funded by nearly 40,000 donors annually, including tens of thousands alumni, their families, and individual donors from around the world who believe in our mission. The program is also funded by the people of Israel through the government of Israel, The Jewish Agency for Israel, and Jewish communities and Federations.
Absolutely. There is no gift too small to make a difference. The future of the Jewish people is a shared responsibility, and every dollar counts and contributes to a stronger future for us all. To make a donation in support of Birthright Israel, please click here.
