Safety & Security Updates

As fighting in the Gaza Strip continues, Israel Outdoors and Taglit-Birthright Israel understand that the safety and security of our participants must be the first priority. We also know that this can be a difficult time for both participants and relatives. We are grateful for your trust  and take pride in the 14 years that Birthright Israel has successfully, and safely, operated the Birthright Israel program. We encourage you to contact us by email or phone (202-537-0006) during this time should have any questions about the safety and security issues regarding your trip, or the trip of a relative. Below you will find a list of FAQ’s about our security measures, as well as live updates about our trips currently in Israel.

FAQ’s

What general safety measures can I expect? This is an especially tense time in Israel, but Taglit-Birthright Israel and Israel Outdoors already employ a number of security measures, even in the safest and quietest times. For information about standard security policies, please visit Safety and Security.

I’ve seen all the violence on the news. Will Birthright Israel trips be traveling to those areas? No, our groups travel only in specific areas, that authorities have determined to be safe in this difficult time. Of course, groups never travel to the West Bank and near the Gaza Strip. Additionally, minor modifications have are currently in place to ensure a safe experience. Read on…

How will the trip be different now, given the current situation? For the most part, our trips’ itineraries can actually remain the same while still adhering to the strictest security protocols. However, in order to be cautious we have made some modest modifications to avoid any areas within the general proximity of the Gaza Strip. Groups are currently not traveling to Tel Aviv and the western Negev desert. Other than that, all travel remains the same.

What about Israel’s Airport? Is that safe? Isn’t it in Tel Aviv? Like many airports in the U.S., Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport is not located in the city center. The airport is located inland, about a 30 minute drive from Tel Aviv. The airport continues to operate as normal, safely, under close monitoring by Israeli security forces.

What about the Iron Dome? Over and above all the precautions we already take, the vast majority of Israeli territory is covered by the Iron Dome defense system. The Iron Dome intercepts and destroys rockets fired into Israel, before they are even able land. The system is the very best in defense technology, and protects Israel’s citizens and visitors.

Live Trip Updates

Below we will post daily updates about our groups in Israel, starting from the top with the most recent updates about our groups. Check for the group code (starting with TL-30-) for a specific group…

JULY 17

TL-30-400:  Today’s update comes directly from staffer Matt L. – 

We have had such an incredible experience in Israel! From wading through the Jordan River to hiking through the Negev, we’ve seen and done so much. But nothing can compare to the majestic beauty of Jerusalem. After a quick driving tour, we stopped for a quick ceremony to bless our arrival in Jerusalem.

Afterwards we visited Har Hertzl, the Israel National Cemetery. It was such an emotional experience as our Israeli soldiers shared their personal experiences and stories of friends and family who fought to keep Israel safe and secure.

From there, we went hiking in Sataf outside of Jerusalem. Amongst the gorgeous views and wonderful history, our bus celebrated four of our members who had their Bar/Bat Mitzvah while there. It was a truly incredible and emotional day! Here’s to our continued adventures in Israel!

JULY 16

TL-30-398:  The last day of the trip! Sigh…Doesn’t seem like the participants are ready to head back to the US, but it was a great last day. The morning started with a visit to Zichron Ya’akov, a charming town on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. Back on the bus, the group then headed a bit north to Haifa, with an introduction at the beautiful Stela Maris Lookout and an exploration of the Carmel Mountain. Finally, back to Netanya for some beach time! The perfect way to end the trip of a lifetime…L’hitratot  (see you later)!

TL-30-399:  The day began with a leisurely stroll on camels in the Negev desert, then off to Nahal Haverim for a short hike through the desert canyon. Before continuing north, the group visited the grave of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, in the desert town of Sde Boker. After retiring from political life, Ben-Gurion moved to Sde Boker, and encouraged other Israelis to move to the desert as well. It was his dream that Israel’s desert  life would not only grow, but thrive as well. The participants saw that dream in action with a visit to the Naot Farm, a family-owned goat and cheese farm in the middle of the desert. The day continued with a night out on the town in Netanya, before departing tomorrow to return to the US.

TL-30-395: Not long after sunrise, the group awoke ready and excited the final activities in the desert.  First a hike in the Nahal Haverim Canyon and then a visit to the Naot Farm, a desert farm to some of the cutest goats and tastiest cheese Israel has to offer. The group continued to the desert town of Sde Boker visit the grave of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister. Later in life, Ben-Gurion made Sde Boker his home and encouraged other Israelis to inhabit and build the land. After learning about Ben-Gurion, his life, and vision, it was off to Netanya for the final two nights of the trip, and a night out on the town!

TL-30-396:  After an early morning wakeup in the Bedouin tent, the group set out for one of Israel’s best most famous hikes in the Ein Avdat canyon. Next, a visit to the grave of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister. The group learned about his life, career, and vision, and then headed north for Netanya, where the group will stay for the evening, and enjoy a night on the town.

TL-30-400: This morning the group had an early rise after sleeping in the Bedouin tents. They set out on an awesome camel trek through the desert, conquered a canyon hike through the Negev desert’s Ein Avdat, visited the Naot goat farm, and rested on the bus ride to Jerusalem. They spent the evening on Ben Yehuda Street, Jerusalem’s center for nightlife, and will spend the coming days exploring the holy city of Jerusalem. 

TL-30-397: That’s all for TL-30-397. So long…and come back to visit us!

JULY 15

TL-30-395 and TL-30-396: A banner day for these groups in what many call “the best day of any Birthright trip.” Waking up at 4:00 a.m., the groups ascended Masada via the Roman Ramp and enjoyed watching the sunrise from the ancient mountain-top fortress. After having breakfast at the base of the mountain, the participants went on hike in the canyon and to the waterfall at Ein Bokek and then continued to the Dead Sea for a world-famous float. From there, they continued to their accommodations for the evening – a night of hospitality in a Bedouin tent. First the hosts led the participants on a camel ride in the desert, and then it was time for a traditional Bedouin dinner…one of the best meals of the trip. What a day!

TL-30-397: The morning began with an early-morning hike of Nahal Haverim before hopping on camels for a ride through the desert. Then it was off to Sde Boker to visit the grave of Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion. As a pioneer of desert life in Israel, Ben-Gurion would have been proud to see the group’s next stop, the Naot Farm. The Noat Farm is a family-owned goat and cheese farm. The participants toured the farm and met some of the furry residents. After a full day, the group headed north to Netanya for the final night of the trip.

TL-30-398: The group enjoyed one of Birthright Israel’s greatest highlights – riding camels in the desert! The day continued with one of Israel’s most popular  hikes, the Nahal Chaverim canyon and a visit to the desert grave of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister. Then it was off to Ein Gedi, a short hike to a waterfall in the middle of the desert for a welcome dip in the water. The group is now traveling north and will spend the final two nights in the beach town of Netanya. Check out some photos from the last couple of days…

TL-30-399 and TL-30-401: These groups awoke at 4:00 am and ascended Masada via the Roman Ramp, watching the sunrise from the ancient mountain-top fortress. After having breakfast at the base of the mountain, the participants went on a nature walk to one of Israel’s most famous waterfalls, Ein Gedi, and then floated in the Dead Sea. They wrapped up their day with a traditional Bedouin dinner, and spending the night in the Bedouin tents at Chan Hashayarot. Wow…what a day! Check out a group photos from a few days ago…

TL-30-400: Today the group awoke very early to enjoy a sunrise hike up Masada. Atop Masada, the group participated in a Hebrew naming ceremony for participants who previously didn’t have Hebrew names. After heading back to the base of Masada, the group enjoyed a leisurely float in the Dead Sea. They stopped for a quick bite to eat in the desert city of Arad, and headed to the Bedouin tents in the Negev desert where they will spend the night. They enjoyed Bedouin hospitality, eating Bedouin food, and learning about traditional Bedouin music. Check out some photos from the last couple of days…