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Frequently Asked Questions Questions:
1. Q. Do I have to be a college student ? What if I am a current high school senior? Family, private and March of the Living trips do not disqualify you.
If you are just turning 27 years old please contact us at losangeles@secjerusalem.org or call our office at 310-441-9361 to determine if you are eligible. Our trips are co-ed and non-denominational. Our trips are suitable for, and sensitive to, participants from all Jewish backgrounds. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Not eligible? Click here for your free trip to Israel!11. Q. What about safety and security? A. More North Americans have chosen to travel with the SEC than with any other Taglit-Birthright Israel organizer, This is due, in part, to the fact that the SEC team is 100% committed to providing a safe, secure and enjoyable educational trip to Israel for all participants. As Israelis, we are particularly aware of how the security situation impacts on daily life. We know the importance of taking the right precautions, and believe in the importance of forging onward with life. SEC constantly reviews all security measures for Taglit-Birthright Israel trips and implements the most stringent security measures at all times throughout the program. These precautions include the careful planning of itineraries. Our tours do not travel to or through areas of the West Bank, Gaza or East Jerusalem (We do visit the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City). Throughout each day, itineraries are cleared through the official government authorities, which also reviews all educational field trips for Israeli schools and educational institutions. A group's itinerary will be changed immediately to reflect any heightened risk or security concerns. Each group is given a detailed safety and security orientation upon arrival in Israel. In addition, the guides and counselors of each trip brief participants regularly regarding special security arrangements for particular trips or days. The orientation and briefings include guidelines for free time and general travel safety. Free time is always supervised and takes place in specified locations as security considerations warrant. Finally, at least one Israeli security escort accompanies every SEC group. SEC trips do not use public transportation and participants are advised to avoid the use of public transportation at all times. The tour bus companies and drivers used by SEC are subject to Taglit-Birthright Israel approval, and drivers are instructed to never leave buses unlocked or unattended. Again, our primary concern is the safety of our participants. Perspective on Please feel free to contact us if you have specific security related questions or concerns. TOP 12. Q. Can I extend my ticket and stay in Israel A.Yes you can extend your ticket and we can help you see this side of the world while you're here! TOP 13. Q. How can I rent a cellular phone? A. The SEC recommends you use Amigo for your cellular rental needs. The counselors and trip leaders will be using Amigo as well. The Amigo phone offers superior cellular service as well as exclusive walkie talkie capabilities (similar to Nextel), so all members of the group can talk amongst each other for free. These phones are on the military lines & have a GPS so it is secure and safe. ALL INCOMING CALLS ARE FREE! To order your phone please chick below: http://www.amigous.com/agent.cfm?agentid=sec& CFID=3355203&CFTOKEN=455735%20%2052 &jsessionid=d430881ecb6287c352b5 If you have any additional questions regarding cellular phone rentals please call Amigo at 1-888-264-4687, be sure to mention you are traveling with Sephardic Educational Center Taglit-Birthright Israel trip. TOP 14. Q. What if I am in the USA with a Visa? ( NON USA / Canadian Citizens) A. To participate on a Taglit-Birthright Israel : SEC trip, you must have valid documentation and possibly an Israeli entry visa. To see if you need an Israeli entrance visa visit http://www.israelemb.org/sanfran/Consular/visa_country.htm . If you have not yet obtained valid documentation, please do so immediately as the process can take up to 3 months. completed application form, two passport photographs per visa, confirmation of travel (which you need to get from the SEC office), and cash or money order for the processing fee. Taglit-Birthright Israel : SEC trip, will require a visa from the local Israeli Consulate. for a reasonable fee at the country's local consulate. This process can take weeks to months reentry permit for permanent residents (valid for 2 years), or a refugee travel document (valid for 1 year). This may take 3 months or more, though there are agencies that can expedite this process for a fee of several hundred dollars. After receiving the INS travel documentation, students will then need to obtain a visa from the Israeli Consulate as described above. If this situation applies to you and you are interested in participating on Taglit-Birthright Israel : SEC program you must begin this process now. Israeli Citizens: If you require forms such as army exemption papers please be sure to contact your local Israeli Consulate to obtain them immediately. TOP 15. Q. Do I need a visa if I hold a USA or Canadian Passport? A. To participate on a Taglit-Birthright Israel : SEC trip, you must have a United States or Canadian passport that is valid for a minimum of six months after the program. You do not need to obtain a visa. If you need to order or renew a passport, please do so immediately as the process may take up to three months. For details on ordering or renewing a passport please visit the Department of State's http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html which also has a list at http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/. Expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. For more information inquire at your local passport agency. If you require a confirmation letter from us please don’t hesitate to contact us at 310-441-9361. TOP 16. Q. How much spending money do I need to bring? A. We suggest bringing approximately $200 to $300 USD in cash. If you do not have a credit card, you may want to bring a little more. Almost all stores in Israel accept credit cards. Do not rely on ATM machines as they can be difficult to find. Travelers Checks are also difficult to cash so we do not recommend bringing them. TOP 17. Q. How much gratuity do I need to bring? A. Please bring $65 USD, in addition to your spending money, which will be used as gratuity for your amazing Israeli staff. TOP 18. Q. What currency is used & exchange rates? A. The currency in Israel is Shekel or New Israel Shekel (NIS). For the current US dollar exchange rate, please click on the link below http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=ILS&submit=Convert%20 TOP 19. Q. What is Taglit-Birthright Israel? A. Taglit-Birthright Israel is a unique, historical partnership between the people of Israel through their government, local Jewish communities (North American Jewish Federations through the United Jewish Communities; Keren Hayesod; and The Jewish Agency for Israel), and leading Jewish philanthropists. TOP 20. Q. What does the gift cover? A. The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift covers roundtrip airfare (from designated cities), hotel, transportation, most meals and other associated land costs for the approved 10-day trips to Israel offered by approved Trip Organizers. Gratuities, personal purchases, and travel medical insurance are not included. TOP 21. Q. Who has gone on Taglit-Birthright Israel trips? A. Over 200,000 young adults from all over the world have been to Israel on Taglit-Birthright Israel trips. Our participants are from 52 countries, including the United States, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Uruguay, South Africa, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Germany, England, the Former Soviet Union, India, New Zealand and Australia, among others. They come from all Jewish religious backgrounds and degrees of travel experience. All return from Israel with a new understanding and appreciation for the people of Israel and the country. Learn more about what Taglit-Birthright Israel does and how it works by clicking here. TOP 22. Q. How can I contact some alumni to ask about their experience? A. You can email a member of our alumni association by sending a message to alumni@birthrightisrael.com. They are happy to answer any of your questions to the best of their knowledge. TOP 23. Q. Do these trips have any impact on the participants? A. Our alumni have many nice things to say about how the trips impacted them in a variety of ways. In addition, independent research conducted by Brandeis University's Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies confirms this. To see the research, click here. TOP 24. Q. Is this the same as other free 10-day trips to Israel? A. Taglit-Birthright Israel is indeed responsible for the vast majority of the free 10-day trips to Israel for young Jewish adults. The trips you may see advertised in this fashion are most likely Taglit-Birthright Israel sponsored trips. We allow a wide variety of organizations to be approved Trip Organizers so that each participant can find the trip that fits their individual needs and interests. Need some help figuring out how to choose a Trip Organizer? Click here. TOP 25. Q. How will I get local currency? A. You may not need that much money with you but for incidentals and shopping, many establishments accept credit cards like Visa and Mastercard. ATM machines are in the urban areas only so you are encouraged to use them at the airport or when you see them, which may not be daily. Most hotels offer currency exchange. In addition, many establishments and individuals will accept major foreign currencies like the Euro and US dollars. Keep in mind that once you are fully registered, have paid your deposit and are assigned a flight group, you will be issued a Payoneer PrePaid MasterCard. After your trip ends, your deposit will be refunded on this card. You may also choose to load the card with personal funds for spending (or withdrawing Israeli currency at ATMs) while on your trip. If you decide to do this Don’t forget to bring the card with you to Israel!TOP 26. Q. What do I need to pack? A. Keeping in mind that you will be responsible for packing and transporting your bags almost daily, click here to view our recommended packing list. Weather in most parts of Israel are similar to Los Angeles- mild in the day and cool in the nights. As the highest altitude city in Israel, Jerusalem is the exception and is generally about 10 degrees F cooler than the rest of the country and experiences more rainy/cloudy days in the winter. TOP 27. Q. Who is eligible? A. The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift is open to all Jewish young adults, ages 18 to 26, post high-school, who have neither traveled to Israel before on a peer educational trip or study program nor have lived in Israel past the age of 12. Eligible individuals are those recognized as Jewish by the Jewish community or by one of the recognized denominations of Judaism; or if either parent is Jewish AND the applicant does not actively practice another religion. TOP 28. Q. I have been to Israel before, am I still eligible? A. It depends. Taglit-Birthright Israel strongly believes in the value of the peer trip experience. Therefore, if you have been to Israel before but only with your family or on other personal business, you are still eligible. However, if you have been to Israel as part of a touring group, educational program, study program or an organized extended residential program since you were 12 years old, you are not eligible. If you participated on the March of the Living when you were in high school you are eligible to participate on one of our programs once you turn 22 years of age. If you were born in Israel or are an Israeli citizen you are only eligible if you left Israel before the age of 12. If you have served in the Israeli Army or volunteered on an Israel Army base, you are not eligible. TOP 29. Q. What if I'm 18 years of age, and still in High School, can I apply? A. Taglit-Birthright Israel requires that applicants must be 18 years of age and out of High School to be eligible for a program. TOP 30. Q. What if I am turning 27 this year? A. If you are turning 27 prior to May 1, 2009, you are not eligible to participate in this upcoming round of trips. TOP 31. Q. What if I'm 17 years of age, and finished High School, can I apply? A. Taglit-Birthright Israel requires that eligible applicants must be 18 years of age and out of High School by the date of your trip departure. TOP 32. Q. If I was born in Israel or was ever an Israeli citizen or ever held an Israeli passport - am I eligible? A. If you were born in Israel or have ever held Israeli Citizenship or have held an Israeli passport you are not eligible unless you prove by official documentation that you left Israel before the age of 12. If you are accepted to the program you will need to obtain Army Exemption papers from your local Israeli Consulate. TOP 33. Q. Am I eligible if I am a full time Jewish Studies student? A. Students in exclusively Jewish Studies programs in any institute of higher learning, including Jewish Teacher Training Programs, Jewish Studies Programs (not including Jewish Studies major or minor candidates at secular institutions), Rabbinical Programs, Yeshivot/Seminaries, Jewish Communal Service Programs and the like are not eligible for the Taglit-Birthright Israel gift while they are still in the study program. TOP 34. Q. What is the role of Taglit-Birthright Israel? A. Taglit-Birthright Israel works with Trip Organizers to provide the gift of a free 10-day trip to Israel. Taglit-Birthright Israel coordinates all air travel, sets high educational and quality standards, procedural guidelines, security policies for all programs and performs extensive quality control reviews of every trip. The 10-day trip is developed and implemented by individual Trip Organizers that Taglit-Birthright Israel puts through a rigorous approval process. TOP 35. Q. Trip Organizers? I thought there was just one program called Taglit-Birthright Israel. A. In North America, Taglit-Birthright Israel is the umbrella organization that funds the gift and that accredits individual Trip Organizers to run Taglit-Birthright Israel-approved programs and sets down the basic guidelines, standards and security policies by which Trip Organizers must operate. There are over 20 Taglit-Birthright Israel-accredited Trip Organizers running programs this session from North America and you are encouraged to choose the program which best suits the type of experience you're looking for. For more information on Taglit-Birthright Israel-approved Trip Organizers please visit the Trip Organizer page. Need some help figuring out how to choose a Trip Organizer? Click here. TOP If you are not from the United States or Canada, you may still be able to participate on a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip. Click here to view Taglit-Birthright Israel contacts in other countries. 36. Q. How can my friends and I all get on the same program? A. The only way for friends (or groups of people) to be on the same program, is to apply to the same Trip Organizer. Taglit-Birthright Israel doesn't guarantee that any one person or group of individuals will be selected, however, applying to the same trip organizer can lead to being in a group with your friends if any or all of you are selected. TOP 37. Q. Can I apply for more than one trip? A. Due to the overwhelming response to our trips, each applicant is limited to applying one time during each registration period. However, you will be able to go back to your application and change your trip choice until the end of registration. TOP 38. Q. Will this be a "religious" trip? A. You may apply for the Taglit-Birthright Israel gift regardless of your Jewish background or affiliation. All Taglit-Birthright Israel programs will provide opportunities for participants to celebrate Jewish life together. Some Trip Organizers represent different religious movements, or Zionist ideologies. To learn how to choose among all the Taglit-Birthright Israel-approved trip organizers, please go to 'How to Choose a Trip Organizer'. By asking some key questions like, "How will Shabbat be observed?" will help ensure that the program you are choosing is right for you. TOP 39. Q. Is this a vacation? Will there be free time? A. The trip you participate in will be a lot of fun and one of the most special experiences you have ever had. Your days will be packed with touring and cool activities. You will be required to travel with the group on the appropriate departure date. When you agree to go on a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip you are making a commitment to participate in a peer group experience for the duration of the program beginning with your flight to Israel. Although there will be no free days on this program, there will be certain time blocks that are designated as unprogrammed time in which your group may make various arrangements as a group. TOP 40. Q. If I meet my spouse on a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip, do we get a free honeymoon? A. No. Taglit-Birthright Israel does not give and has not given free honeymoons to couples that meet on our trips. TOP 41. Q. Is there a waiver I need to sign? What does it say? A. Yes, there is an online waiver that all participants must sign by pressing "I ACCEPT" on the registration form. You may also view the Summer '09 Participant Waiver online. In short, it relates to the validity of the information you submitted on your registration form (you stated that you were indeed 18-26, Jewish and never been on a peer educational trip to Israel), that you understand that the trips are offered through independent organizations called "Trip Organizers," that you are healthy enough to travel and other items related to liability and well-being of participants. TOP 42. Q. What are the deadlines for registration? When is the best time to apply? A. Registration for the Summer 2009 trips (May through August) will open February 19 at 9am EST. Pre-registration for those who applied in the past and were wait-listed will open February 17 at noon EST. We suggest applying only to a trip that you will fully enjoy and that will help you explore Israel within the context that you choose. Some Trip Organizers may have more availability than others and may accept applicants on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please be sure to check with your first choice of Trip Organizers to determine how many spots may be available. TOP 43. Q. This gift sounds too good to be true, what's the catch? A. There is no catch, no strings attached. Participants are only responsible for a $250 deposit, fully refundable upon their return home after successfully completing the program. Participants are under no obligation to Taglit-Birthright Israel, which finances the trip, or their Trip Organizer, who implements the trip, for any future activities or financial obligations. Of course, should participants decide to become more involved in the Jewish community, go back to Israel or explore other aspects of Jewish life, we encourage them to regularly check out the rest of the website for resources that may fit their needs. TOP 44. Q. What is the $250 deposit for, how is it paid, and how do I get my money back? When will I get the deposit back? A. The deposit serves a few purposes. During the application process it acts as one of a few measures designed to reflect the fact that an applicant is serious about the prospect of participating in the program. Once an applicant is accepted to the program it acts as a guarantee that he/she will not withdraw from the program, thereby forfeiting their spot and preventing another person from benefiting from the opportunity to go to Israel for free. Moreover, should a participant withdraw less than approximately 30 days prior to departure (you will be notified by your Trip Organizer as to the exact dates), it provides us with revenue to pay the penalties that are incurred from the airlines for last minute cancellations. In Israel, it also serves as a guarantee that each individual will participate in all aspects of the program. Deposits are paid, handled and refunded through a company called Payoneer. Once you are fully registered, have paid your deposit and are assigned a flight group, you will be issued a Payoneer PrePaid MasterCard. Within 30 days after you successfully participate on a trip, your deposit will be loaded onto the Payoneer Pre-Paid MasterCard for your usage. You will be notified by email when your deposit is loaded on the card. That email may also contain information about how you can voluntarily donate all or part of your deposit in support of future Taglit-Birthright Israel trips. (Note: If you are not assigned a flight group, your deposit will be returned through the original method of payment). TOP 45. Q. What if I am unable to go at the last minute? A. If you cancel your participation on the trip after the published deadlines for cancellation, then you will forfeit the security deposit. TOP 46. Q. Can I extend my stay in Israel? A. Yes, you can extend your stay in Israel for a fee determined by the airline you are flying with. You may request an extension once your Trip Organizer has confirmed your acceptance to a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip and assigned you to a flight. You may have to be very flexible with your dates as the airlines are very busy this time of year. Certain terms and conditions apply; please contact your Trip Organizer to inquire about specific details regarding extensions. TOP 47. Q. What if I get sick in Israel? Do I need to have Health Insurance? What about Travel Insurance? A. It is essential that you travel with your own Travelers and Health Insurance in addition to the Health Insurance that is provided by your Trip Organizer. During your 10-day Taglit-Birthright Israel trip, you are required to have your own health insurance policy. Your Trip Organizer provides you with a basic travelers health insurance policy that does NOT cover pre-existing conditions. If you are not insured on your own or if your local insurance policy does not cover you in Israel, then you need to arrange for your own insurance policy. In addition, you may want to purchase travel insurance that covers the following: - Insurance in case your connecting flight is delayed or canceled - Insurance in case you need to cancel the trip due to a family medical emergency - Insurance in case your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen TOP 48. Q. Do I need a passport? A. YES! For residents of North America, you must hold a US or Canadian passport: if you do not have either, you may need a visa and have other restrictions, please contact your closest Israeli consulate for more information. If you do not already have a passport, you should begin obtaining a passport as soon as possible. You will be required to provide your passport number and a photocopy of you passport to your Trip Organizer prior to Taglit-Birthright Israel issuing your flight ticket. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your last day in Israel. If you realize, after the cancellation deadline and after being assigned to a flight that this is not the case, your trip organizer may cancel your trip, without refunding your deposit, if you cannot obtain a new passport in a designated amount of time before the trip. No one can travel to Israel without a valid passport. TOP 49. Q. If I'm not selected for this session, can I apply again for the next trips? A. Yes, you can continue to apply for each new round of Taglit-Birthright Israel trips as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. TOP 50. Q. This sounds great but unfortunately I can't go this upcoming session...will there be future trips? A. Registration for Summer 2009 trips will open February 19 at 9am EST. Pre-registration for those who applied in the past and were wait-listed will open February 17 at noon EST. Information regarding future Taglit-Birthright Israel trips will be available on our website in August 2009. TOP 51. Q. I went to register but it only asked me a few basic questions (name, email, etc.), is this all I need to do? A. You have only taken the first step toward your free trip to Israel. There are just a few more steps. In order to complete your application, you will need to confirm the information you submitted on that first page, which will be sent to you in an email message at the email address you provided. You have two ways to complete the application form. - You may go ahead and keep filling out the eight sections of the registration form, which should only take a few minutes. - You may come back later to fill out the rest of the form at the same time you confirm your information in the email we send you. The email message will link you directly to the remainder of the registration form. IMPORTANT: Your application will not be processed unless you complete all eight sections of the registration form, accept the Terms and Conditions of the Waiver in Section 6, respond to the confirmation email AND pay your deposit. If you did not receive an email from us immediately, you may have another one sent to you by clicking here. TOP 52. Q. I have completed the registration form, I think...what happens next? A. Once you have filled out all the sections of the form AND responded to the confirmation email, if there is any information that you wish to update or change you may access your application up until the registration deadline for that program. Please be aware that the last change you make will be what Taglit-Birthright Israel considers your final application. If you have gone through all of the sections and provided information in all the required fields you can expect the following: 1) The Trip Organizer that you selected should be contacting you directly (a full list of Trip Organizers is under Trip Options). They will probably conduct a personal or over-the-phone interview with you. They may require some additional information from you. Many Trip Organizers have a full secondary application which they may refer to as "PART II" of your application. Please make sure you know what your Trip Organizer needs from you in order for them to accept you on to their trip. 2) Sit back, relax, be patient! The Trip Organizers and Taglit-Birthright Israel are going over thousands of applications. Your Trip Organizer will notify you as to your status. If you have not been contacted at all six weeks after you registered, please contact us by email at information@birthrightisrael.com. TOP 53. Q. I already registered, how can I change my Trip Organizer now? A. In order to change your Trip Organizer, click here. TOP 54. Q. Taglit-Birthright Israel, trip organizers, programs, trips, eligibility? I am confused!!!! A. If you still have questions that we haven't answered, or any of the above isn't clear all you need to do is ask. Learn more here or just email us at information@birthrightisrael.com and we will be glad to help. TOP |
