ISRAEL JOURNEY
Registration for Summer 2022 is now open! Register to experience a life-changing summer filled with friends and fun RISK-FREE—meaning trips are fully refundable through March 1, 2022.
OVERVIEW
Join us for BBYO’s flagship summer experience in Israel! Form new friendships as you travel on this iconic cross-country and cross-cultural journey. Open to all Jewish teens!
DESTINATION: Israel
TRAVEL DATES
Jun 7 - Jun 28, 2022 Available
Jun 14 - Jul 5, 2022 Wait-list
Jun 21 - Jul 12, 2022 Available
Jun 28 - Jul 19, 2022 Limited Availability
Jul 5 - Jul 26, 2022 Available
Jul 12 - Aug 2, 2022 Available
Jul 19 - Aug 9, 2022 Available
Jul 26 - Aug 16, 2022 Available
current grades CURRENT GRADES: 9-11
COMMUNITY SERVICE: ~6 Hours
DURATION: 22 Days
PROGRAM FEES
LAND COST (Nov. 19 and on): $5,240
Need based scholarships and other funds are available.
SUPERVISED FLIGHT: $TBD
Group supervised flight information will be available in the spring.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Accommodations (hotel, kibbutz & desert tent)
- All meals
- All programming
- Private transportation
- Security escort & monitoring
- Medical insurance
- Laundry service
- Gratuity for program staff
EXPLORE MORE
DETAILS
Discover Israel's many treasures on a transformative journey with a focus on historical exploration, exhilarating adventures in nature, and cultural connections.
Travel from the far north in the Galilee to the deep south at the Red Sea as we visit ancient Jerusalem, modern Tel Aviv, the lush Golan Heights, the vast Negev Desert, the unsinkable Dead Sea, and the stark mountaintop fortress of Masada. Along the way, you’ll take part in an authentic archaeological dig, sample the world’s very best falafel, spend a night sleeping under the desert stars, and experience the innovative energy of Tel Aviv first-hand.
More than a tour, this is an opportunity to understand Israel's dynamic society first-hand while finding your own connection to this storied land. Explore what it means to be Jewish from an Israeli point of view, understand the complex politics of the Middle East with real-world insights, and practice Jewish values through hands-on volunteering and Shabbat experiences.
Some of our Israel Journey trips will have the opportunity to attend The Maccabiah Games. Often referred to as “the Jewish Olympics,” this is the world’s largest Jewish athletic competition that takes place every four years in Israel.
Registration for Summer 2022 is now open! Register to experience a life-changing summer filled with friends and fun RISK-FREE—meaning trips are fully refundable through March 1, 2022.
We have provided the following sample itinerary to give you a better feel for this experience. The actual program will vary. An updated itinerary, including confirmed accommodations, is distributed three to four weeks prior to the start of the program.
DAY #1 | The Journey Begins
- Meet at airport in departure city
- Orientation and meeting the group
- Depart on our group flight to Israel
Overnight: Departure Flight
DAY #2 | Baruch Habah—Welcome to Israel!
- Arrive at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, meet our staff team, and ascend to Jerusalem
- Shehecheyanu—Welcome to Israel blessing and ceremony overlooking the unique topography of Jerusalem from the Haas Promenade
- Check in, dinner, and orientation at our accommodations in the Jerusalem region
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY #3 | Foundations of Jewish History in Jerusalem
- Walk the Rampart Walls of the Old City from Jaffa Gate to Zion Gate
- Enter the Old City at Zion Gate and explore the ancient neighborhoods of the Jewish Quarter
- Free time to explore and shop in the Jewish Quarter, including a pizur lunch
- Reflections at the Kotel—the Western Wall—and explore the Western Wall Tunnels
- City of David Excavations—discover the foundations of Jerusalem dating back to King David's time—then cool off in the spring-fed Hezekiah's Tunnel below Jerusalem
Overnight: Jerusalem
Day #4 | Forming a Traveling Community
- Morning hike in the Jerusalem foothills and outdoor leadership group-bonding workshop
- Head north to the Galilee along the Mediterranean Coast, stopping for a picnic-style lunch at Caesarea Aqueduct Beach
- Tour of the Caesarea archeological complex—Herod's Roman amphitheater and grand palace
- Continue north, stopping to view the Kinneret—or Sea of Galilee—along the way
- Arrive at our country accommodations and prepare for our community Shabbat
- Kabbalat Shabbat and dinner experience at our accommodations
Overnight: Galilee
DAY #5 | Shabbat by the Beach
- Staff-led Shabbat programming and group lunch at our accommodations
- Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat
- Dinner at our accommodations, followed by Havdalah
- Cruise on the Sea of Galilee followed by a group night out in Tiberias
Overnight: Galilee
DAY #6 | Mystics of the Galilee
- Ancient Tsfat—explore the historic center of Jewish mysticism in the Galilee highlands
- Meet with Kabbalistic artists, with free time to browse the Tsfat artists' colony
- Hike to the waterfalls of the Banias Nature Reserve in Israel's upper Galilee region
- Cool off rafting down the upper Jordan River followed by a fresh-cooked pizza dinner
Overnight: Galilee
DAY #7 | Perspectives From the Golan Heights
- Get wet hiking down Nahal Jilaboun Canyon in the Golan Heights
- Explore the history and terrain of the Golan Heights on an off-road jeep tour
- View Israel's neighbors and navigate former IDF bunkers at the summit of Mt. Bental
- Encounter with Druze culture and share a traditional meal in the Golan village of Ein Kinya
Overnight: Galilee
DAY #8 | Valuing Israeli Diversity
- Co-existence dialogue with Arab teens facilitated by the Galilee Foundation
- Travel to Nazareth—the center of Israel's Christian-Arab community—to tour the Basilica of the Annunciation, explore the central market of Nazareth, and meet with a community leader
- Continue west to Haifa—Israel's most diverse city—for a visit to the Bahai Temple Gardens
- Israeli dance activity at our accommodations
Overnight: Galilee
DAY #9 | Adventures in the Western Galilee
- Rosh HaNikra—descend into the ocean-swept caves on Israel's far northern border
- Explore the ancient seaport of Akko and its Crusader-era history, including the Templars’ Tunnels
- Surfing class, beach time, and BBQ dinner on the Mediterranean Coast
Overnight: Galilee
DAY #10 | Celebrating the Spirit of Tel Aviv
- Travel to Tel Aviv—Israel's cultural and commercial capital
- Volunteer at the Jaffa Institute—an innovative charity dedicated to combating poverty in one of Israel's most diverse communities
- Take in the views from the ancient port city of Jaffa and browse the colorful Jaffa flea market
- Port-to-port bicycle tour of Tel Aviv from the ancient Jaffa Seaport to the modern Tel Aviv Port
- Enjoy a traditional Ethiopian meal while learning about the cultural and historical experience of Ethiopian-Israelis
- Check in to our accommodations in Tel Aviv
Overnight: Tel Aviv
DAY #11 | Resilience and Adaptation
- Machon Ayalon—honor the bravery of the pioneers who helped establish modern Israel at this secret underground munitions facility
- Dialogue in the dark—experience the world with new senses at the Holon Children's Museum
- Visit Netiv HaAsara—on the frontier of Gaza—and take part in a peace project on the border wall
- Afternoon beach time along the Mediterranean Coast
- Return to our accommodations and prepare for Shabbat with a musical pre-Shabbat experience
Overnight: Tel Aviv
DAY #12 | Shabbat in Tel Aviv
- Staff-led Shabbat programming and lunch at our accommodations
- Enjoy a relaxed Shabbat
- Dinner at our accommodations, followed by Havdalah
- Evening Israeli martial arts workshop at our accommodations
Overnight: Tel Aviv
DAY #13 | Transitioning to the Desert
- View the Ella Valley from Tel Azekah—the famous site of David's battle with Goliath
- Dig-for-a-Day Archaeological Seminar at Beit Guvrin National Park and explore the Bell Caves
- Explore the world's largest erosion crater at the Ramon Crater Visitor Center
- Continue south to the Arava Valley and check in to our desert kibbutz accommodations
- BBQ dinner and pool time on the kibbutz
Overnight: Arava Valley
DAY #14 | The Red Sea and Israel's Southern Borders
- Scale the Kasui sand dunes in the Arava Valley
- View of the Red Sea and Israel's border with Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
- Arrive to Eilat—guided snorkeling in the Red Sea at Coral Beach National Park
- Beach time and adventure water sports on the Red Sea
- Dinner at our accommodations, followed by a guided desert stargazing experience led by a professional astronomer
Overnight: Arava Valley
DAY #15 | Making the Desert Bloom
- Kibbutz workshop—learn how Israel thrives in the desert and protects its ecology
- Pool time and lunch on the kibbutz
- Travel up to the Judean Desert via the Arava Valley–shared by Israel and Jordan
- Experience effortless floating at the Dead Sea's Ein Bokek beach—the lowest point on Earth
- Arrive to Kfar Hanokdim encampment where we embark on a camel trek followed by a traditional Bedouin tent dinner feast and bonfire experience
Overnight: Judean Desert Tents
DAY #16 | Masada: Jewish Heroism, Dilemmas, and Leadership
- Pre-sunrise hike up the Roman Ramp to the summit of Masada
- Tour of Herod's desert mountaintop fortress and the bastion of an ancient Jewish rebellion
- Descend Masada via the Snake Path or cable cars and stop for breakfast at the base of Masada
- Nature walk in Ein Gedi National Park and cool off under the desert waterfalls at Nahal David
- Learn about the Dead Sea's environmental challenges for Israel and Jordan with an expert from the EcoPeace initiative
- Return to Jerusalem, check in, and rest time at our accommodations
- Dinner at our accommodations, followed by a t-shirt design project for a cause with NU Campaign
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY #17 | Sacrifice and Sovereignty
- Visit the Theodor Herzl Museum and explore the grounds of Mt. Herzl National Cemetery—honoring Israel's founders, national leaders, and fallen soldiers
- Experience the colorful Mahane Yehuda open-air marketplace
- Tour of the Knesset—Learn about Israel’s parliamentary system and how it safeguards the Jewish State’s democratic laws and traditions
- Pizur dinner and group night out at Ben Yehuda Street pedestrian mall
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY #18 | Understanding Our Past to Guide Our Future
- Pay your respects at Yad Vashem—The World Holocaust Remembrance Center
- Reflect on your experience over a lunch at Jerusalem’s Mifletzet Park
- Kol HaOt—understanding your journey in Israel through an art-based experience
- Re-enter the Old City to experience Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel
- Walk back to our accommodations for Shabbat dinner
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY #19 | Shabbat in Jerusalem
- Staff-led Shabbat programming and lunch at our accommodations
- Visit the Israel Museum to discover the Dead Sea Scrolls, Temple Model, and Israel’s most prized cultural and historic treasures
- Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying a Jerusalem-style Shabbat at Sacher Park
- Dinner at our accommodations, Havdalah, and group night out at the First Station Market
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY #20 | Conflict and Co-Existence
- Explore the geopolitical complexity of Jerusalem in the Gilo neighborhood
- Roots Tent—take part in a constructive Arab-Israeli dialogue in the West Bank
- Break for lunch in Efrat—one of the largest settlements and the center of the Gush Etzion Bloc
- Closing speaker—bringing Israel home with Gil Troy
- Return to Mahane Yehuda to view its graffiti art visible after market hours, and learn how to make your own graffiti creation
Overnight: Jerusalem
DAY #21 | Looking to the Future
- Late wake up, packing time, and depart Jerusalem
- Return to Tel Aviv and explore modern Israel's founding values at Independence Hall
- Walking tour of Tel Aviv's historic Neve Tzedek and grab lunch at the Carmel Market
- Learn how Israel became the "Startup Nation" at the Peres Center for Peace & Innovation in Jaffa
- Tree planting ceremony, final wrap-up session, and celebration dinner at Neot Kedumim Park
- Return to Ben Gurion Airport for an overnight flight home
Overnight: Return Flight
DAY #22 | Shalom U'lhitraot
- Arrive back from your group flight
Have questions? We’re here to help! Our most frequently asked questions for this program are answered below. Additional program-wide FAQs are also available. Schedule a call to learn more.
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?
Your teen can travel to the program in multiple ways, at an additional expense for a group flight and domestic flight. The most common option is taking our supervised group flight, organized by our team. This flight often departs from the New York City area. Flight arrangements will be released in the spring and you are responsible for your teen’s transportation to and from the departure location. If you choose to book on your own but correspond with the supervised flight itinerary, you have the option to use miles or points. Alternatively, you can book a separate flight for your teen that meets the group at the first location (additional fees may apply if a special pick-up/drop-off is needed). Learn more about our supervised flights.
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 joined by an armed guard and bus driver. Senior field staff circulates between the groups for extra support as well. Staff names are sent out approximately 3-4 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation email series. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to families 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?
Temperatures range from hot to hotter in the summer. 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. Overexposure to the hot Middle Eastern sun can cause heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburns. 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 practically zero- no umbrellas needed! Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly – frequently into the 50s or 60s. 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.
Note: There will be a way for teens to communicate with each other before the program in late spring.
What's the food like?
As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, specially catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO 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 or pescatarian options available, but we will also not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice. Some meals may be provided via an allowance system whereby teens will be given cash to purchase the food of their choice. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options, and teens can choose the food of their liking. In situations where time is of the essence, 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. Expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, schnitzel, shakshouka, bourekas, and much more.
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's the Host Family Weekend?
The second Shabbat on all Israel Journey and Israel Trek programs is an optional Host Family Weekend. This is an opportunity to visit with relatives or family friends during your time in Israel. Host Family Weekend begins Thursday evening and ends on Saturday night. Typically, a third of teens take advantage of the Host Family Weekend, and we provide organized programming for the teens who remain under our supervision.
NOTE: Teens without family or friends they want to visit can join onto the plans of another teen in the group (if invited) and with parent authorization. We are unable to find host families for teens without local connections.
What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Registration Terms.
For more information, check out our general FAQs.
BBYO makes it easy to combine two experiences for an extended summer of adventure, learning, and self-discovery. Check out what connections we have available for this trip in 2022.
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
Navigate the wilderness on a camel trek and enjoy a delicious desert feast in Bedouin tents
Get your hands dirty and learn a new skill on the Dig-for-a-Day Archaeological Seminar
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
Soak up the innovative spirit of Tel Aviv and enjoy its lively beach culture
