Here's what you need to know about qualifying for a Birthright Israel Trip.
YOU ARE ELIGIBLE IF:
-
You are between the ages of 18-26
-
You have not participated in any educational trip or program in Israel after the age of 18
-
You have not lived in Israel past the age of 12
-
You identify as Jewish and are recognized as such by your local community and/or by one of the recognized denominations of Judaism
​
Applicants must also have at least one Jewish birth parent, or have completed Jewish conversion through a recognized Jewish denomination.
AGE REQUIREMENTS:
All participants must be between 18 and 26 and have finished high school or have obtained a GED by the time their trip departs.
​
I'VE BEEN TO ISRAEL BEFORE. AM I ELIGIBLE?
If you have been to Israel before with your family, for leisure or business purposes, you are still eligible, as long as the duration of your trip was under 3 months.
-
Applicants who traveled to Israel prior to turning 18, on a program designed for high school teens, for a period shorter than three months in length are eligible. Even if you were 18 at the time of the trip, you are eligible, as long as the trip was designed for high school students.
-
Applicants who participated in most “High School in Israel” programs for up to a semester are eligible.
-
Applicants who traveled to Israel since turning 18 on a family trip, a multi-generational trip, or some interfaith/secular experiences are eligible.
-
Applicants who traveled to Israel after turning 18 on programs designed for college students or young adults are not eligible. Programs include University, study abroad, gap year, yeshiva/seminary, internship and any other experience under the umbrella of Onward Israel or Masa Israel.
​
Volunteering on programs such as Magen David Adom, participating in the Maccabiah games and/or traveling with multi-generational and family Federation missions will not affect your eligibility as long as you were in Israel with these programs for under 3 months.
I AM AN ISRAELI CITIZEN. AM I ELIGIBLE?
If you are an Israeli citizen, you are only eligible if you never lived in Israel or left before the age of 12 (official documentation will be required). If you are accepted to the program, you will need to obtain army exemption papers from your local Israeli consulate.​