ILSI & ABRAHAM ACCORDS EXTENSION
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OVERVIEW
Teens will spend three weeks in Israel exploring all the thrills of the Jewish homeland on our ILSI program, then take an additional four days to uncover the breathtaking beauty of Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on our Abraham Accords Extension.
DESTINATION: Israel & United Arab Emirates
TRAVEL DATES
Jun 27 - Jul 21, 2023 Closed
current grades CURRENT GRADES: 10-12
COMMUNITY SERVICE: ~6 Hours
DURATION: 25 Days
The Abraham Accords Extension is only available with ILSI and our June 27, 2023 departure of Israel Journey. It is not available with any other Israel Journey departure dates.
PROGRAM FEES
LAND COST (REGULAR PRICE): $8,800
Price after November 17, 2022
Airfare cost to Israel, and back to the U.S. from the UAE, is not included in the land cost. Flight information will become available in the spring. Need-based scholarships are available.
This program is eligible for a $3,000 RootOne voucher. Find additional voucher details and requirements here.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Accommodations (hotels, bungalows, country lodging & camp bunk)
- All meals
- All programming
- Private transportation
- Medical insurance
- Laundry service
- Gratuity for program staff
EXPLORE MORE
DETAILS
Teens will travel alongside Jewish teens from around the world on International Leadership Seminar in Israel (ILSI), our premier three-week Israel experience for BBYO members. They’ll dive in and learn about the country’s culture and diversity, having high-level discussions about Israel’s complex existence as a democracy in the Middle East.
Then, teens will extend their adventure by flying into the United Arab Emirates for an additional four days of exploration. We’re calling it the Abraham Accords Extension! Pretty neat, right?
Cross these trip highlights off your UAE bucket list:
- Watch the Dubai Dancing Water Fountains, a choreographed water show with music and lights that will dazzle and captivate you
- Enjoy a moment of pure bliss as you take in the stunning view of the Persian Gulf from Atlantis The Palm, a luxury hotel sitting on the edge of the world-famous Palm Island
- Go on a shopping spree at Dubai Mall, the most visited retail and lifestyle destination in the world situated in the heart of Downtown Dubai
NOTE: The Abraham Accords Extension is only available with ILSI and our June 27, 2023 departure of Israel Journey. It is not available with any other Israel Journey departure dates.
Questions about this program? We’re happy to answer them! Contact us. Families that are already registered for this experience should email [email protected] with any questions they have and someone from our customer service team will respond.
We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. A confirmed itinerary is distributed no later than two weeks prior to the start of the program.
DAY 1 | DEPARTURE FLIGHT
Meet your staff and teens at the airport before traveling together to Israel on an overnight flight. Once we land, your trip officially begins! We’ll break the ice with some fun and engaging activities so that you get to know everyone in the group. To learn more about how we organize travel to and from the program, click here.
DAY 2–5 | DEGANIA
Our journey begins with a drive north. First, we’ll stop at the Nahal Brigade Memorial, which honors fallen soldiers of one of the IDF’s main infantry brigades. Once we make it to Degania, we’ll have some chofesh (free time) for the group to get to know one another.
Teens will walk through the Kinneret Courtyard and pay their respects at the Kinneret Cemetery. Then, we’ll raft down the Jordan River before heading to the Golan Heights. There, we’ll encounter with Druze culture at Nuseiba in Boukata, share a traditional meal, and learn about Druze leadership. Travel to Mount Bental, a dormant volcano, and view Israel’s neighbors from the summit. End the day learning about the history of the Valley of Tears in the Golan Heights.
Hike Mount Meron to the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. We’ll spend a day touring the markets, synagogues, and unique art galleries of mystical Tsfat, the historic center of Judaism’s Kabbalah movement and Jewish life during the exile period. See the awe-inspiring work of Kabbalistic artists in the artists’ colony and hear their story about how the movement inspires their designs. Drive to Tzemach Beach in Tiberias and swim in the Kinneret, also known as the Sea of Galilee, before returning to Degania and preparing for our first Kabbalat Shabbat together in Israel. We’ll sing and play music under the stars to bring in the Sabbath.
The rest of Shabbat will be spent relaxing before we tour Degania Alef—founded in 1910, this is thought to be the earliest socialist Zionist farming commune in Israel. We’ll also hear from speaker Noach Faran, IDF Military Advisor for the Israeli TV miniseries “Valley of Tears."
DAY 6–7 | TEL AVIV
Our time in Degania has come to an end and our trek to Tel Aviv begins. We’ll learn about the history of the Exodus at Immigration Camp Atlit before hitting up the hotspots of Tel Aviv, such as Independence Hall, Rothschild, and Rabin Square.
Head to Tel Aviv University (TAU) and speak with students on campus about college life in Israel. Visit ANU Museum of the Jewish People and reflect on this as you tour TAU’s campus. Experience various Tel Aviv tracks about architecture, sports, and graffiti art. Enjoy a workshop with Na’laagat Center, a one-of-a-kind non-profit arts and cultural center that represents a meeting place between dead, blind, and deaf-blind individuals. End the night with an evening tour of Old Jaffa.
DAY 8–9 | SDE BOKER
Before leaving leaving Tel Aviv, we’ll surf on the Mediterranean Coast with HaGal Sheli, an organization that uses surfing as an educational tool while providing at-risk youth the chance to ‘ride the wave’ and succeed. On our way to Sde Boker, we’ll stop for a volunteer opportunity with Leket, the National Food Bank and leading food rescue organization in Israel. After we check into our accommodations, teens will hear from a speaker on ethnic diversity and then reflect on the activity as a group before enjoying chofesh with their peers.
Learn more about David Ben Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, at his modest desert hut. Enjoy the afternoon walking through En Avdat National Park, rappelling in Makhtesh Ramon, trekking the desert on a camel, visiting Mitzpe Ramon to see the Ramon Crater—the world’s largest erosion crater—or seeing the stunning colors of the rocks at Makhtesh Ramon. Teens will love taking a moonlit hike in Nachal Havarim that evening.
DAY 10–12 | JERUSALEM
We’ll begin our drive to Jerusalem with a stop at Black Arrow Memorial, commemorating the battle heritage of the Paratroop Brigade and enjoying the Assaf Siboni Scenic Lookout. Then, we’ll meet with Gaza border teens and have lunch as we discuss their connection to Israel. Once we’re settled in Jerusalem, we’ll make another pit stop to Tel Aviv for free time to explore the Shuk and Nachalat Binyamin Market. Teens will also hear from social justice speakers in the SOSA neighborhood and enjoy some relaxation time on Tel Aviv Beach before returning to Jerusalem.
Our second Shabbat will be spent with special guest speakers, music in the courtyard, and time to hang with your peers. We’ll also learn how Israel became the “Startup Nation” at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa. Teens will relax by the pool and play sports to pass the time during Shabbat before ending our time in Jerusalem with an evening out on Ben Yehuda Street.
DAY 13–14 | NAZARETH
Prior to leaving Jerusalem and driving to Nazareth, we’ll spend time with Kids4Peace in Sheikh Jarrah, a global movement of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim youth dedicated to ending conflict and inspiring hope in divided societies around the world. After, we’ll take a geopolitical tour of Jerusalem, learning about the security fence, walls, West Bank, and Green Line.
Once we arrive in Nazareth, teens will take a tour to gain context on Arab society in Israel, Christianity history, and the Basilica of the Annunciation. Then, we’ll dive deeper into the conflict between Israel and Palestine and talk about this in small group reflections.
We’ll drive to Shtula, stopping to see the mesmerizing artwork of the Talking Walls at the Lebanon border. Then, you’ll descend to the ocean caves at Rosh HaNikra on Israel’s far northern border. Teens will also have an opportunity to explore Nahal Kaziv and Monfort Fortress, a Crusader castle in the Upper Galilee region. We’ll end our time in Nazareth with a conversation with high-tech exec and author, Michael Bassin.
DAY 15–18 | MASADA
Take a walking tour of the ancient seaport city of Akko, Ulamot HaAvirim, the Underground Prisoners’ Museum, and Ramchal Synagogue. Then, enjoy a wilderness therapy activity with teens at the Nirim Youth Village. As we make our way to Masada, we’ll spend time in Haifa experiencing the beauty of the Bahai Temple Gardens on Mount Carmel.
Swim under the cool desert waterfalls at Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, then crawl through Qumran Caves. The group will spend the afternoon effortlessly floating in the salt water at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Reflect on your trip with your peers as you gaze at the stars. One of the most anticipated moments of the trip, the group will take a pre-sunrise climb up Masada via the Roman Ramp Trail and arrive just as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. Tour Herod’s desert mountaintop fortress and the bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellion, then descend via the Snake Path or cable cars.
As we head back towards Jerusalem, we’ll stop at the observation point on the Mount of Olives. Our trip ends in a familiar city, but the experience will be completely different. Teens will have almost three weeks of travel under their belt and a completely different perspective on Israel. We’ll explore Mahane Yehuda’s open-air marketplace before making our way to the Kotel—also known as the Western Wall—for our final Kabbalat Shabbat service as a group.
DAY 19–21 | JERUSALEM
This Shabbat is different than the rest. Celebrate your new friends’ B’nai Mitzvot from the Old City (and maybe yours, too!) before a tour of Jerusalem where we’ll walk along the ramparts of the Old City walls from Jaffa Gate to Zion Gate and explore the ancient squares and rooftops of the Jewish Quarter. View the Dead Sea Scrolls, Temple Model, and Israel’s most prized cultural and historic treasures at the Israel Museum. Enjoy a group night out at First Station Market, followed by a Western Wall tunnel tour.
Pay your respects at Yad Vashem—The World Holocaust Remembrance Center—and hear from speaker Avram Infeld, who has dedicated his life to helping Jews find meaning in their Jewish identities. Teens will also engage with Anat Hoffman, an Israeli activist who serves as Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC) and is the director and founding member of Women of the Wall.
Tour the Knesset—Israel’s supreme state body—and learn about their parliamentary system and how it safeguards the Jewish State’s democratic laws and traditions. Visit the Theodor Herzl Museum and explore the grounds of Mount Herzl National Cemetery, honoring Israel's founders, national leaders, and fallen soldiers. We’ll explore a few additional spots before celebrating the end of our time in Israel at the Jerusalem Overlook.
DAY 22–24 | DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Head to Ben Gurion airport in Israel and take a transfer flight to the United Arab Emirates. Meet your guide and take a tour of Old City Dubai. Stroll through Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, a historic district in Dubai with preserved infrastructure that dates back to the 1890s.
We’ll cross the creek in an Abra Water Taxi before visiting the Gold and Spice Souk, an infamous market area in Dubai, and bargaining for goods at this treasured site in the city. Stop by the Textile Souk to discover vibrant fabrics and sift through an endless selection of raw silk, cotton, and embroidered materials at the bazaar. After our shopping spree, hop in a 4x4 SUV and drive to the Dubai Dunes, passing by Camel Farms on the way. Once we arrive, you’ll have time to go sand boarding and take photos of the beautiful sunset. We’ll also be welcomed at camp with Arabian tea, coffee, and sweet treats. Indulge in these refreshments, take a camel ride through the desert, and try Henna painting with your friends. We’ll end the day with a BBQ as well as a full light and sound display and fire show.
Take an early morning swim in the Persian Gulf as we relax at JBR Beach. Then, visit the Palm Islands, artificial islands that resemble the shape of a palm tree. We’ll travel by monorail to the Atlantis Hotel and peer into the Persian Gulf, then stop at “The Pointe,” a manmade beach in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods of Dubai. Take a few photos in front of Zabeel Palace—the ruler of Dubai’s residence—on the way to visit the Dubai JCC for a meeting with local Jewish leaders who will discuss Jewish life in the UAE. The group will spend some time at Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall that has one of the largest aquariums known to man. After this, we’ll ascend to floor 124 of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. End your time in Dubai watching the Dancing Water Fountains, a choreographed water show with music and lights that will dazzle and captivate you.
DAY 25 | ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES | RETURN FLIGHT
Make your way to Abu Dhabi for a day in the UAE’s capital. Visit the Grand Mosque, the largest in the country and a key place of worship for daily prayers. Take a breathtaking tour of Qasr Al Watan—the Presidential Palace—that will give your more insight on the culture, knowledge, and journey of the UAE. Enjoy a final group activity and dinner before we head to the Abu Dhabi airport for our overnight flight back to the U.S.
It’s never goodbye, just see you later. Give your friends one last hug and part ways once your flight arrives at the airport. While your summer trip with us is over, the memories you’ve made will last a lifetime!
Our most frequently asked questions about this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Still need something? We’re here to help! Contact us.
What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.
Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.
If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.
How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO requires all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. BBYO will purchase a ticket for each traveler and charge the family directly. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight details for all programs, in the spring. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.
Where will my teen be sleeping?
Many of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses that are located in Israel’s countryside and provide space for exploration within a secure environment. We use conventional hotels in Jerusalem and occasionally in other cities. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 5 teens per room.
How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. They are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver. Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.
What's the summer weather like?
The sun in Israel is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns, especially in a desert climate. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. The good news is the heat is mostly dry, there is very little humidity and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is extremely low so no umbrellas are needed. Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!.
How do you approach security?
Since 1956, BBYO has organized teen programs in Israel with a fundamental commitment to providing a safe and meaningful experience. Our programs adhere to Israel’s comprehensive security policies and are centrally monitored by Israel’s Situation Room. Our itineraries are designed with caution in mind and our policies are calibrated to local conditions. Finally, each group is accompanied by trained staff and a licensed guard accompanies all touring-based activities. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security as well as more specific details about our Israel policies.
What's the typical group size?
Group size varies depending on the date of the program. Our average group size ranges between 20-45 teens. In some cases, multiple groups will travel on a similar path, although each group has its own dedicated staff, guide, and guard.
What's the food like?
Expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, schnitzel, shakshouka, borekas, and much more. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.
As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.
Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.
Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.
Will I need a visa?
If you travel with an American, Canadian, or EU passport, good news! You don’t need a visa to enter Israel. If you travel with a passport from another country, you may need a visa. Contact your nearest Israeli embassy or consulate for additional details.
What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Registration Terms.
For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip preparation manual.
Looking to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery? BBYO makes it easy! This trip brings teens on our ILSI program that departs on June 27 and then extends and takes teens through Dubai and Abu Dhabi for an additional four days.
Learn more about our trip connections for Summer 2023.
HIGHLIGHTS

Discover 3,000 years of Jewish history and traditions in Jerusalem’s Old City

Float in the Dead Sea and scale the heights of Masada to watch the sunrise

Go dune bashing and try sand surfing down the vast Dubai Dunes during a desert safari

View the manmade Palm Islands from the top of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building

Raft down the Jordan River and swim under the Ein Gedi desert waterfalls

Experience Mahane Yehuda’s open-air market, the Nahalat Binyamin street festival, and nightlife on Ben Yehuda Street

Stop to see the Grand Mosque, the largest in the country, and take a breathtaking tour of Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace