Taglit Birthright Israel Birthright Israel Volunteer Birthright Israel Onward Birthright Israel Excel Birthright Israel Beyond
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave Israel during my program? Are there other travel restrictions?

Participants are welcome to travel on their own before or after their Onward program, but travel outside of Israel during the program is prohibited.

Onward participants are not allowed to travel to areas under control of the Palestinian Authority. Travel to Jewish areas in the West Bank is permitted with advance approval in writing from your program organizer, during daylight hours and by public bullet proof bus.

Travel outside of Israel, to areas under Palestinian Authority control, or to the West Bank without written permission is in violation of program rules, and may result in removal from the program.

Will I be able to see friends and family on other Onward programs? Will I meet participants from other Onward programs?

Birthright Israel Onward offers a diverse range of educational and cultural programming for participants across various programs. Much of the programming involves interaction between different Onward groups, and participants also have ample free time to connect with individuals from other groups.

How much free time will I have on the program?

The amount of free time varies among Onward programs. Typically, volunteer or internship placements are scheduled four to five days per week, with educational programming occurring once every two weeks. Optional educational and cultural programming is available in the evenings. Most programs include three Israel Now Days, which are tour days focused on contemporary Israeli life. Some programs may also feature additional Shabbat programs. Most Fridays and Saturdays are unscheduled, and participants are encouraged to explore Israel independently during this time.

What parts of the program are mandatory?

The Birthright Israel Onward program requires your participation in the following:

  • Full Program Duration: You must participate from the first official day until the final day, including opening orientation and closing sessions. Please check your specific program page on our website for inclusive program dates.
  • Placement Opportunity: This includes your internship, volunteer work, or other assigned roles.
  • Educational Programs: Participation in all educational content days, group activities, seminars, workshops (Sadna activities), evening events, and day outings (Israel Now Days) defined as mandatory by the organizer and/or Onward.
  • Weekend Shabbaton: Participation in a Shabbaton in your community’s partnership region, if applicable.
  • Pre-Program Initiatives: Engagement in initiatives in your home community, when applicable.
  • Surveys: Completion of pre-, mid-, end-of-program, and post-program surveys to provide feedback and help improve the program

Failure to participate in mandatory program aspects may result in disciplinary action, ranging from warnings and probation to removal from the program.

What kind of programming can I expect?

Birthright Israel Onward offers a variety of programming tailored to enrich your experience. Programming can vary between programs, but you can expect a mixture of:

  • Informal Educational Programming: Scheduled on weeks without an Israel Now Day
  • Optional Enrichment: Evening educational and cultural activities.
  • Israel Now Days: Three tours focusing on contemporary Israeli life.
  • Shabbat Programs: additional Shabbat activities

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