Winter 2024 Trip Status

The post-October 7th conflict continues to impact Israel’s southern and northern border regions – and our itineraries have been modified to avoid these areas of concern. The incidence of rockets threatening major Israeli population centers has become increasingly uncommon, and we are hopeful this trend will only improve. Meanwhile, Israel continues to benefit from the protections afforded by its world-leading anti-rocket technologies.

Beyond the impacted border areas, the rhythm of everyday life is returning to Israel. While the gravity of the October 7th attacks is still felt, Israel is a resilient and vibrant country that is ready to welcome back visitors.

For upcoming trips, we anticipate only minor modifications to our routes, and travelers can still look forward to experiencing the beauty of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada, the Dead Sea, the Sea of Galilee, Tzfat, the Negev Desert, Haifa, and the Mediterranean Coast.

Birthright Israel is a fully supervised experience. We travel as a group, accompanied by a professional tour educator, two staff members, and at least one trained guard/medic. When needed, added security is provided. Our trip itineraries are approved and monitored by a special "Situation Room" in coordination with Israel's security authorities. Take a moment to review our standard approach to safe travel.

Israel Outdoors is offering our classic Birthright Israel trips this Winter 2024. Our trips are designed to showcase the epic history, natural beauty, and cultural complexity of Israel. We are not inviting you to participate in a volunteer trip, a political tour, a solidarity mission, or to make a point. Of course, we will address the current events of the region during our travels with an open dialogue, and we will welcome a diversity of views – just like there is a diverse dialogue in Israel as a whole.

Yes. After thoughtful deliberation, the conclusion was reached that trips can responsibly resume in a manner that is safe and positive. The first trip of the Winter 2024 season begins on January 1, 2024, and we are waiting to warmly greet our travelers again with open arms.

Trips will continue so long as we are confident in being able to provide you with a safe, meaningful, and joyous experience in Israel. If the security situation in Israel were to worsen while you are traveling, we will adjust our approach, including relocation of the group, if warranted. We appreciate our responsibility for your well-being in Israel, and our decision-making will be guided by this understanding.

Although increasingly uncommon, the possibility exists, and we follow standard protocols just like everyone does in Israel. Keep in mind that we will be traveling as a group with a professionally trained staff team, including a licensed security escort. Beyond these standard precautions, Israeli society as a whole benefits from sophisticated anti-rocket protections.

Yes, you can still extend your stay according to the airline terms, and you will be solely responsible for yourself after the Birthright Israel program has concluded.

Israel is situated in a challenging region, and the past decade has witnessed periodic threats. Birthright Israel trips have continued with similar adjustments and with the same commitment to providing a safe, meaningful, and joyous experience. Birthright Israel takes great pride in its reputation for being cautious and responsible with a well-deserved reputation from hosting over 850,000 travelers over the past 23 years. 

We recognize this is a sensitive moment, and the typical deadlines have been relaxed. For the Winter 2024 season, travelers will be able to withdraw up to 35 days before their departure date without penalty. In the unexpected event Birthright Israel cancels a trip, deposits will be considered refundable even within 35 days of departure.  

You will receive a series of pre-trip preparation details via email. We'll also hold an orientation to connect as a group before departure, get you ready for the trip, and answer questions. You can also reach us directly at [email protected] or 202-537-0006.