Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Birthright Onward Israel offers scholarships for applicants in financial need. If awarded, the scholarship will partially offset the cost of the program by approximately 65%. If you are awarded a scholarship, your program payment will be reduced accordingly. If you are awarded a scholarship after you have paid the full program fee, you will be refunded the scholarship amount. You can apply for a scholarship by clicking on this link at any stage in your application process. Here is the link Apply for Scholarship

Please note that scholarships are only available for Onward eligible applicants, are not available for applicants for programs from the FSU which have built-in scholarships already and will be capped at a nominal amount for programs with higher participant fees.

Yes. All participants must have a cell phone with an Israeli number and data/calling plan. International calling plans are not permitted in place of an Israeli number. Your organizer will provide recommendations on where to purchase an Israeli SIM card or rent a local phone.

Participants are responsible for the setup and cost of their phone plans.

The participation and security deposit ensures your commitment to the program and covers any potential damages to housing. It will be refunded upon full participation and completion of the Onward program, provided you are in good standing (having fully participated in all required program components) and there is no damage to the housing.

What's included

• RavKav or HopOn with enough credit to travel to/from program placements and programming
• Transportation during Israel Now Days
• Transportation to/from your group Shabbaton or partnership Shabbaton, if applicable

What's not included

• Transportation to/from the airport
• Transportation for optional activities such as weekend trips within Israel

All Onward programs will either include laundry services or have access to laundry services within a short walk of the accommodations. Some accommodations have their own laundry facilities. Your program organizer will review how laundry is handled for your program during the pre-program Webinar.

The Birthright Israel Onward provided health insurance covers:

• Emergency Transportation to the hospital
• Hospitalization costs including payments for doctors, operations, emergency care, ambulatory care, tests, x-rays and medicine during hospitalization.
• Non-hospitalization medical costs stipulated as necessary by authorized doctors: doctor payments, tests, x-rays, prescription medications
• Emergency dental coverage
• Non-emergency medical needs in the same city that the participant is living in
• Covid-related health issues
• Please note that this insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions or any injuries/illnesses that result from drug or alcohol usage. If you have any pre-existing conditions you are required to provide proof of the purchase of additional health insurance to the organizer before coming to Israel, or alternatively, sign a waiver form releasing Birthright Israel Onward from any liability regarding such conditions. The insurance provided by the program only covers the participant while in Israel during the dates of the program.

Participants are responsible for their own flight and travel arrangements unless explicitly told otherwise. Your Birthright Israel Onward program begins when you arrive at the program housing. Required arrival times will vary by program and each specific program organizer will inform participants as to their required arrival times in Israel. Participants may arrive later on the day of their program start date with previous permission from the organizer. For more assistance on scheduling your flights please reach out to your program organizer.

Participants who arrive prior to their program start date and/or who wish to stay in Israel after their program finishes are responsible for arranging their own accommodations and insurance and will not receive program benefits.