The BirthrightGuru Blog
Answered: Is my Birthright trip canceled because of COVID-19 coronavirus?
🚨 All Birthright Israel trips are canceled or postponed 🚨 For the most accurate and up-to-date news, please refer to official government sites (in the US: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html, in Israel: https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/) and frequently updated media. BirthrightGuru information is limited to providing information on the impact to Birthright Israel trips related to the coronavirus. Visit the Birthright
Read MoreAnswered: Does Birthright make age exceptions?
Simple answer is “no.” We’ve never met or heard of anyone who was able to participate on an official Birthright trip who was younger than 18 or older than 32. Birthright Israel age requirements are strict, and not likely to be adjusted for individuals. Here are the official eligible requirements from the Birthright Israel Foundation:
Read MoreAnswered: What’s the best way to visit Petra from Israel in 1 day?
Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s just over the border from Israel in Jordan! It’s worth a trip if you are extending your Birthright program or in Israel for a more flexible adventure. It’s literally only a few hours away from Israel and
Read MoreBirthright, sexual assault, and #metoo
The magnifying glass of the #metoo movement looked in on Birthright Israel trips and uncovered troubling behavior on the trips. In a long story with multiple personal accounts, Jewish Currents took a look at the “often-fraught sexual and gender dynamics on the famous free trip to Israel,” and their reporting paints Birthright Israel, trip organizers,
Read MoreBirthright Israel Co-founder and Major Donor Michael Steinhardt Gave the Finger to anti-Birthrigh...
Birthright Israel recently set a new fundraising record of $125 million at their annual gala, raising money from over 650 people. At the same time, a group of protestors shared their anti-Birthright message outside of the venue. Their target was specifically one of the donors at the gala and one of the original founders of
Read MoreBirthright Turns 18, Announces 600,000 Participants
Lucky number חי. It’s a big birthday year for Birthright Israel: The program just turned 18! As part of the celebrations, Birthright Israel announced that 600,000 young Jewish adults have traveled to Israel on Birthright, hailing from 67 countries. That’s a lot of people going to Israel that might not have otherwise done so. Of
Read MoreAnswered: Who sponsors Birthright Israel?
Birthright Israel is a not-for-profit educational organization, and the main sponsor of Birthright trips to Israel. Birthright Israel operates separately, but in affiliation with, the trip organizers — those institutions that actually plan the trips to Israel. Confused by all of the terms and organizers involved? BirthrightGuru is here to help! Start by checking out
Read MoreAnswered: How old can I be to go on Birthright Israel?
Birthright Israel trips are open to participants ages 18-32. College students: College is definitely a typical time to go on Birthright, and we recommend strongly considering it if it’s an option for you at the right age. There are many trips for those ages 18-22, including campus-specific trips , classic itineraries, and
Read MoreAnswered: Can I go on Birthright Israel if I already graduated from college?
Yes, Birthright Israel trips are open to participants ages 18-32. In fact, there are some definitely advantages to traveling on a Birthright trip after you have graduated. In fact, if you’re close to graduating or at the top of your age range, we recommend considering a young professionals trip rather than a college trip —
Read MoreAnswered: Is there a Birthright trip for my college?
Many trip providers offer campus-specific trips — check out the list below to see if your school currently has a trip planned. Hillel, a campus-based organization, is the trip organizer for many of these, but other trip organizers have offerings as well, including great options from Israel Outdoors for the adventurous and Shorashim for those
Read MoreAnswered: Do I need to speak Hebrew to go on a Birthright Israel trip?
Definitely not! In fact, it’s pretty much the norm for participants on a Birthright Israel trip to not speak Hebrew since everyone is coming to Israel for the first time. If you choose to go on a trip with Jewish Youth Group alumni or with other Modern Orthodox travelers, you’re more likely to find
Read MoreAnswered: Which Birthright Israel trip should I choose?
There’s not much better than a free trip to Israel. But you only get one, and there are a ton of trip options to choose from. And the organizer of the trip impacts the other people on the trip, where you go, the style of travel, and much more, which makes a big difference in
Read MoreAnswered: Which trip organizer should I choose?
There isn’t one “Birthright Israel trip.” Instead, there are almost 600 trip options from 9 trip organizers, affiliated with the official Birthright Israel organization. The one you choose makes a big difference on the type of trip you go on and the experience you have in Israel (and traveling over there). Where to start BirthrightGuru
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