Eligibility

In a nutshell, you're eligible for a Birthright Israel trip if you are: (1) age 18-26, and (2) meet the Birthright Israel Jewish eligibility criteria. Additionally, you must have already graduated high school by the time of the trip, and cannot be attending a full-time Jewish studies program. Finally, this must be your first Jewish peer trip to Israel since turning 18.

Read on below for more detailed information regarding the eligibility requirements or sign up now for your trip!

Ages 18-26

Applicants must be between ages 18-26 at the time of the trip and must have already graduated from high school. Anyone who is still age 26 as of May 1st is eligible for a trip in the upcoming summer season (May, June, July, or August). For winter trips (November, December, January, February, or March), anyone who is still age 26 as of December 1^st is eligible for the winter season of trips. Contact us for additional details.

Jewish Background

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (1) have at least one Jewish birth parent, or (2) have converted to Judaism. That's it! You don't need to be religious to qualify or to 'fit in' on our trips. In fact, many of our participants have more of a cultural connection to Judaism than a traditional one.

NOTE: We strongly believe there is no "right way" to be Jewish, and you will never need to worry about being "Jewish enough" on any of our trips. Our groups are comprised of people of diverse backgrounds and our approach is entirely welcoming.

Prior Israel Experience

You ARE likely eligible for a trip if:

-- You traveled to Israel on a peer program designed for high school teens that was less than three months in length and before your 18th birthday (if you were age 18 at the time of the trip, you're still eligible, as long as the trip was designed for high school students).

-- You traveled to Israel on a family trip, multi-generational trip, or some interfaith/secular experience since you turned 18.

-- In general, you're still eligible for a trip if you participated in a 'high school in Israel program' for up to four (4) months. Check with Israel Outdoors to find out about your program.

You ARE NOT eligible for a trip if:

-- You traveled to Israel after your 18th birthday on a program designed for college students or young adults. Programs include university, study abroad, gap year, yeshiva/seminary, internship or any other experience under the umbrella of Onward Israel or Masa Israel.

Additional Criteria

-- Must have graduated high school by the time of the trip

-- Have not lived in Israel for more than three (3) months since the age of 12

-- Have not served in the Israeli Army

-- Not currently enrolled in a Jewish Studies program at any institute of higher learning. This includes Jewish Teacher Training programs, Jewish Studies programs, Rabbinic programs, Yeshiva/Seminary, Jewish Communal Service programs, etc.

-- Must have a current US address (for USA trips) or Canadian address (for Canadian trips) -- which includes being a resident, citizen or full-time student in the US or Canada. However, applicants living in Canada are eligible to take part in most of our Specialty Trips departing from the United States.

When you click on the SAVE YOUR SPOT button above, you’ll be taken to the Birthright Israel website. From there, you can complete your online registration and get ready for this once-in-a-lifetime experience with Israel Outdoors!