Frequently Asked Questions

Participation and attendance for the entire length of the program is mandatory. If you require a program with a shorter time commitment we recommend looking into our four week fellowship programs or our eight and fourteen day long Volunteer program.

Birthright Israel Onward is a once in a lifetime opportunity. We strongly encourage our alumni to explore our volunteer program and Masa Israel Journey programs as the best options to return to Israel after a Birthright Israel Onward program.

Once a participant has completed a Birthright Israel Onward program, they are no longer eligible for a 10-day Birthright trip. We encourage participants to attend a Birthright Israel 10-day trip before participating in an Onward program.

Alumni of long-term MASA Israel Journey programs longer than three months are typically not eligible for Birthright Israel Onward programs. Exemptions may be available on a case by case basis. In addition, alumni of mid-length MASA Israel Journey programs, including during high schoool, are also not eligible for Birthright Israel ONward programs. Please reach out to the contact person on the specific program page you are interested in for more information.

Previous visits to Israel with an organized program are not a pre-requisite to participate in a Birthright Israel Onward program. Our programs are designed for students and young adults who have already had one short-term organized peer experience in Israel and we strongly recommend attending a 10-day Birthright Israel trip prior to an Onward program.

Birthright Israel Onward partners with local Jewish communities and organizations, which can influence your program eligibility. In some cases, your geographical location (either your permanent or current address) will be a key factor in determining which program you qualify for. In other cases, your affiliation with a specific university, organization, or framework may affect your eligibility. Your application will only show you programs for which you meet the eligibility requirements.

Birthright Israel is a journey for young Jews into their heritage. Regardless of where you are starting from, we are interested in deepening your Jewish identity and strengthening your Jewish links to Israel. Your Jewish connection, identity, and journey are unique. Many of our participants come from interfaith homes, and we know that your connection (or disconnection) to the Jewish community may be an uncertain one. We want you to feel comfortable enough to ask questions and inquire about your eligibility for the gift of a highly subsidized Birthright Israel Onward Program.

Birthright Israel’s determination regarding eligibility for the program will simply be a statement of that; not a judgement or determination about your own path, self-definition and/or connection to Judaism or the Jewish community.

To be eligible for the gift of a highly subsidized Birthright Israel Onward Program, you must be considered Jewish by one of the recognized Jewish denominations.* You must not be exclusively practicing another religion, and you also need to have at least one Jewish parent who identifies as such. You may also be eligible if you are a Jew by Choice through conversion to Judaism (documentation will be requested).

Please note that final eligibility for Birthright Israel Onward is only determined after you complete the full registration process and is subject to change.

If your Jewish story feels complicated and you have questions about your Jewish eligibility, or if you practice another religion, or if you are adopted, we take these cases seriously and prefer to talk to you 1 on 1. Please contact us

*Birthright Israel recognizes the following denominations:

Reform

Reconstructionist

Conservative

Orthodox

Sephardic

Most Birthright Israel Onward programs follow the general criteria listed below, although some Birthright Israel Onward programs may have additional or unique eligibility requirements. If you have any questions about the criteria for a specific Onward program, please contact the program coordinator or staff directly.

• Age Requirement: Must be between 18-36 years old (participants who are 18 must be at least one year post-high school graduation, and participants cannot be older than 36 by the first day of the Onward program). The age requirement can vary by program.
• Jewish Identity: Most programs require applicants to identify as Jewish. Refer to the specific program page and the FAQ for more information.
• Previous Time in Israel:Typically, applicants must not have participated on any previous MASA program during or after high school or ANY program more than three months in Israel after high school (including semester abroad, gap year or MASA programs).
• Language Proficiency: Must be fluent in English.
• Passport Validity: Must have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the program end date.
• Previous Participation: Participation in a 10-day Birthright Israel Taglit trip or other short-term programs in Israel is encouraged but not required. Individuals who participated in a previous 10-day Birthright Israel trip are eligible for an Onward program, but Onward alumni are no longer eligible for a 10-day Birthright Israel trip or a second Onward program.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the specific program coordinator or staff.