Birthright Israel Onward is an immersive program in Israel for young adults ages 18–36. It offers resume-building experiences including internships, fellowships, remote work, and the Storytellers program for content creators. Some programs are available through partnerships with communities and campus organizations. Participants live together, explore Israel, and take part in educational programming while gaining professional skills, expanding their networks, and deepening their connection to Israel.
What is Birthright Israel Onward?
Who can I turn to with any questions while I am on the program?
Every Birthright Israel Onward program is overseen by a licensed Israel-based program organizer, who assigns a full-time Madrich (Counselor) for approximately every twenty-five participants. Your Madrich serves as your primary point of contact for any questions or concerns throughout the program. We strongly encourage you to discuss any challenges with the program staff on-site as they are best equipped to address and resolve issues promptly. In the rare instance that you encounter difficulties reaching out to the program staff in Israel, our central Birthright Israel Onward staff are available to assist. Please carefully review the contact page details for information on our response time and operating hours.
Is this a religious program?
Birthright Israel Onward is not a religious program. We welcome participants from all Jewish backgrounds. There are opportunities to explore your Jewish identity and heritage while on a Birthright Israel Onward program, and some programs include additional Jewish learning or are designed for more observant participants.
Dishes, cookware, and cutlery can be provided for those who keep Kosher upon request. It is not always possible to arrange housing based on Kashrut or Shabbat observance.
How long are Birthright Israel Onward programs? Do I need to participate in the whole program?
Birthright Israel Onward program lengths vary. Internship programs generally run 5–8 weeks, Remote Work and Fellowship programs are 4 weeks, and Storytellers programs range from 8 days to 4 weeks. Participants must be available for the full duration of their program.
If you are unable to attend the full program dates, please contact your program organizer directly for more information.
How is Birthright Israel Onward able to offer programs at this cost?
The full cost of a Birthright Israel Onward program is funded by up to 80% through the generosity of Birthright Israel donors and local Jewish institutions. This significant support helps ensure these programs remain accessible to Jewish students and young adults. Participants contribute toward the remaining cost through their program fee.
If my program is cancelled, will I get my program fee and security deposit back?
If Birthright Israel Onward determines we cannot run a program, the program fee and security deposit will be refunded in full.
What is Birthright Israel Onward’s Approach to Safety and Security?
The safety and well-being of our Birthright Israel Onward participants is our primary operating principle and our foremost concern. Birthright Israel takes great pride in its reputation for being cautious and responsible with a well-deserved reputation from hosting over 850,000 travelers over the past 24 years. We will not hesitate to further adjust our approach, as necessary.
These adjustments may include changes in housing arrangements, transportation, the ability of participants to travel freely on their own and the educational program, among other elements. Onward participants are not allowed to travel into areas in the West bank (Judaea and Samaria)- Areas A and B- that, according to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Israelis are not permitted to enter. Travel is possible to area C of the West Bank (Judaea and Samaria) under certain limitations).
Birthright Israel trips operate under strict safety and security standards set in accordance with the IDF's Homefront Command guidelines. These guidelines include geographical travel boundaries, limiting groups from travelling within a 20km range of the Lebanese border, exact protocols of how to operate during the sound of a siren, personal safety guidelines and more. Birthright Israel's operations department and field teams are in constant contact with trip staff and oversee the group's operations and safety.