What is Northeastern Hillel’s Birthright Israel Trip?

Northeastern Hillel is partnering with Israel Outdoors to offer Northeastern students the chance to travel to Israel for free – yes, free! – for ten days with their peers. In addition, there are opportunities for non-Northeastern students to join us if they live, or are from, the Boston area! Please direct all questions to Sophie!

This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel and covers round-trip airfare plus ten days of educational programming in Israel. Any Jewish youth, 18-26 (post high-school), who has not been to Israel on a peer-group program at or above the age of 18 is eligible to apply.

Birthright Israel is a unique partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities (North American Jewish Federations through the United Jewish Communities, Keren Hayesod, and The Jewish Agency for Israel), and the Birthright Israel Foundation, generously supported by Jewish philanthropic partners.

It sounds too good to be true – is the trip really free?

Yes, the trip is free. Please just keep in mind the following:
-$250 deposit will secure your space on the program and will be fully refunded upon your return. Your deposit will also be returned if you withdraw your application before the date set forth in the waiver agreement (generally about 30 days before departure).
-Participants are responsible for travel to and from the domestic departure gateway. Usually this is Newark, New York, or Boston.
-Spending money for snacks, souvenirs, one meal per day, and a tip for the tour guide and bus driver.

What does the gift cover?

It includes round-trip airfare to Israel from Boston, accommodations in hotels and guest houses, two meals a day, ground transportation, entrance fees to all sites on the itinerary and the services of qualified staff and educators.

Dates & Deadlines

Check out our dates and start your application at www.neu2israel.com

Where do we go on the trip?

See the Sample Itinerary.

I have been to Israel before, can I go?

If you have not traveled to Israel on an organized trip since your 18th birthday, you are Birthright eligible! If you attended college or university in Israel or have served in the Israeli Army, you are not eligible. If you have any questions about your eligibility, contact Sophie before you begin the application process. You can also learn more about eligibility at the Birthright Israel website.

Is it safe to travel in Israel?

Safety and security of participants is the top priority for Northeastern Hillel, Israel Outdoors and Birthright Israel. While participants are in Israel, bus itineraries are reviewed daily with Israeli authorities to ensure maximum safety and changes are made if necessary. You can read for about our safety & security policy or contact Sophie with any questions.

Do I need a passport?

Yes, you must have a valid passport. Israeli law requires that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the return date from Israel. If you are a U.S. citizen and you have a valid passport as defined above, you will not need a visa to enter Israel. If you live in the U.S. but are not a U.S. citizen you may need a visa for travel, depending on your country of origin. Contact the closest Israeli consulate and find out what the requirements are. Our office can help you with any documentation that you may need.

Can we visit family or friends on the trip?

Though you are never allowed to leave the group at any time, you can have friends or family in Israel visit you during the trip. On many nights and on Shabbat there is free time at the hotel for guests to come visit.

Can I extend my trip in Israel?

Yes. For a fee, trips can be extended for up to 90 days. 

How many people are on the trip? How many to a room?

Your Northeastern Hillel Trip will have 40 students. Depending on the location, there are 2-3 participants per room. Each participant always has his/her own bed. Rooms are always divided by gender. Most nights you’ll be in hotels or guest houses, with the one exception being one night at a Bedouin camp site. Eight Israeli participants will join you for all ten days. A tour guide, Israeli guard/medic (or two) and two madrichim (trip leaders) will lead you around Israel!

What do I need to pack?

Please consult Israel Outdoor's packing list.