Participants should reach out their group counselor/madrich(a) for any housing related problems. Different housing related issues can take varying amounts of time to address depending on the nature of the issue and when staff is made aware of the problem. Trip organizers will work as quickly as possible to address problems. If for some reason, a participant is not getting a response or update from their direct counselor/madrich(a), they should contact their program organizer directly.
I’m having a problem with my housing, who should I contact?
How are food arrangements handled?
Most Birthright Israel Onward participants buy and prepare their own food over the duration of the program. Participants are encouraged to pool their money with their roommates and use the opportunity to get to know their local neighborhoods and cities by grocery shopping in the shuk and supermarkets. Each apartment will make its own decisions about the degree of kashrut it wishes to maintain. Kosher dishes can be provided upon request.
Food that is directly provided by Birthright Israel Onward during seminars and other educational programming will typically be kosher (and if not, will be indicated and an alternative meal solution will be provided to those who wish to keep kosher). If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions please notify your program organizer prior to the start of the program.
Participants should plan to bring enough spending money to cover food and recreational activities outside of what the program offers. The amount of additional spending money depends on each person’s individual habits. Those who wish to eat out in restaurants more often for example, should budget accordingly.
Can I participate in an Onward Israel program without living with the group?
Living with your Birthright Israel Onward cohort is a central and required part of the overall experience. This arrangement not only ensures a supportive living environment, but also fosters strong connections and friendships among participants.
Will I share a room, and how are my roommates chosen?
The housing arrangements for Onward participants are generally two-to-three residents per room and eight per apartment (subject to more or less depending on room and apartment size). Roommate requests can be made, but are not guaranteed, and are generally handled by the program organizer. Participants cannot live with participants from different Birthright Israel Onward programs.
What is provided by the Birthright Israel Onward trip organizer? What do I need to bring?
All Birthright Israel Onward housing will include basic furniture;
- Beds
- Mattresses
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Linens
- Towels
- Air conditioning
All Apartment style accommodations will also contain an equipped Israeli style kitchen containing;
- Refrigerator
- Toaster oven
- Stove OR hotplate
- Cutlery and crockery
- Kosher dishes (provided upon request)
You will be responsible for bringing or purchasing your own cleaning supplies over the duration of the program, the housing accommodations might include some basic cleaning supplies to get you through the first few days.
Group-style housing arrangements (including hostels, hotels or dormitories) might not include a fully equipped kitchen. Group-style housing accommodations typically have common kitchen areas containing a microwave, fridge, and other kitchen basics. Participants should bring spending money, personal belongings, and other items as detailed on the packing list they will receive from the program organizer.
Where will I live?
Each Onward program provides housing for the participants based on the city or area of the country where the program takes place. Housing will be in close proximity to internship placements and program activities. Onward participants typically live in apartment, dormitory, hotel or hostel style accommodations. Birthright Israel Onward housing can vary from program to program as well as within the same program. Participants are not allowed to secure their own housing, at their own expense unless given explicit permission in advance by Birthright Israel Onward and the program organizer.