Group Travel

Travel with confidence knowing that BBYO organizes supervised group flights to and from Israel. Our staff are present at departure airports to greet teens and help them feel welcome right away, and they accompany each group throughout the journey—both on arrival and on the return trip home. To learn more about how we organize travel for our programs, click here.

Northern Israel

Discover the beautiful landscapes and rich history of northern Israel while building connections with Jewish teens from around the world. Explore the Sea of Galilee, enjoy a nighttime boat ride on the Kinneret, and hike through the natural beauty of the Golan Heights. Visit Mount Bental for views of the surrounding region and explore Ancient Katzrin, where you'll discover what Jewish life looked like during the Talmudic period. Take part in an archaeological dig at Korazim National Park and learn about the Jewish pioneers who helped shape modern Israel.

In the ancient city of Tzfat, explore the traditions of Jewish mysticism while discovering how Judaism has inspired generations of artists and scholars. Choose from hands-on cultural experiences, which may include exploring the art of Jewish calligraphy, visiting local galleries, or watching a glassblowing demonstration. Celebrate Shabbat with your group in the Galilee, sharing traditions and perspectives with teens whose Jewish experiences may be different from your own.

Along the Mediterranean coast, discover the diverse communities of Haifa and Acco. Visit the beautiful Bahá'í Gardens, meet members of Israel's Druze community, and engage in conversations with Jewish and Arab Israelis about identity, coexistence, and life in a shared society. Through visits to community centers and cultural organizations, hear different perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing Israeli society today. These encounters encourage you to ask questions, listen thoughtfully, and consider how understanding different viewpoints can make you a stronger leader.

Central Israel

Experience the energy and creativity of Tel Aviv while exploring the history, culture, and ideas shaping modern Israel. Walk the Independence Trail to learn about the country's founding, explore Rothschild Boulevard and Carmel Market, and enjoy time along the Mediterranean coast. Through themed experiences, discover different sides of Israeli society, from the colorful street art of Tel Aviv to its LGBTQ+ community and culture, or the innovation and entrepreneurship helping shape the country's future.

ILSI offers opportunities to explore topics that interest you while learning alongside Jewish teens from different backgrounds. Engage in conversations with guest speakers, hear perspectives on Israel's challenges and opportunities, and discover how young people can help shape the future of their communities. Connect with BBYO alumni and Israeli peers, and celebrate Shabbat together while reflecting on what it means to be part of a global Jewish community.

In Jerusalem, connect with thousands of years of Jewish history while examining the leadership, traditions, and decisions that have shaped the Jewish people. Explore the ancient streets of the Old City, walk through the City of David and its underground tunnels, and visit the Kotel (Western Wall). Experience a meaningful Shabbat in Jerusalem and take time to reflect on your own relationship with Judaism and Israel.

Visit Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, Mount Herzl, and the Knesset, Israel's parliament, to explore the country's history and democratic institutions. Meet educators and community leaders, participate in thoughtful discussions, and consider how the lessons of the past can inform the decisions we make today. Connect with teens from Maccabi Tzair, BBYO's sister movement in Israel, to experience youth leadership from another perspective and discover the connections that unite Jewish teens across the world.

Southern Israel

Explore the Negev Desert, where the landscapes, cultures, and communities of southern Israel create opportunities for adventure and learning. Discover the beauty of Mitzpe Ramon through stargazing and time under the desert sky, hike through Ein Avdat National Park, and visit Sde Boker to learn about David Ben-Gurion's vision for Israel's future. Take part in cultural experiences in Yeruham, including Moroccan art workshops and opportunities to meet local chefs who share the traditions of Sephardic Jewish cuisine.

Meet members of Bedouin communities and learn about organizations supporting youth leadership and opportunity in the Negev. Through conversations and cultural encounters, explore the diversity of Israeli society and consider how leadership can help bring people together across different backgrounds. Participate in volunteer activities with local youth and discover how community involvement can create lasting connections.

The journey also includes opportunities to visit Sderot and communities in the Western Negev along the Gaza border. Hear firsthand perspectives from local residents, learn about the region's history and current realities, and take part in group conversations that encourage reflection and a deeper understanding of the people who call southern Israel home.

Experience one of Israel's most memorable adventures with a sunrise hike to the top of Masada, where you'll learn about its significance in Jewish history. Spend time floating in the Dead Sea, ride camels, and share an evening under the stars at a desert encampment. Alongside these adventures, strengthen your friendships with fellow Jewish leaders and reflect on the experiences and perspectives you'll bring back to your own communities.

What are the rules for Israeli citizens or children of Israeli citizens?
If either of your parents is an Israeli citizen, or if you have ever lived in Israel, it is your responsibility to make sure your status with the Israeli Defense Forces is worked out and clear. Moreover, you may still have obligations to the State of Israel that must be resolved prior to your trip, even if you do not have an Israeli passport. These matters must be taken care of before you arrive in Israel.

Note: If you hold an Israeli passport, you must enter Israel with your Israeli passport.

If you do not take care of these matters prior to your trip, you may be obligated to stay in Israel by the State of Israel until resolution. If this applies to you, you will be solely responsible for your own situation and any costs involved. Again, we highly recommend you be extremely cautious about these matters and contact one of the regional Israeli consulate offices if you have any questions.

How will my teen travel to the program?
BBYO strongly recommends all North American participants to fly on the group supervised flight for this program. Flight costs are not included in the program’s land cost. The flight cost for programs with supervised flight options will be announced, along with the flight booking details for all programs, after registration. The supervised flight for this program will depart from the New York City area, typically Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Learn more about flying to the program.

Where will my teen be sleeping?
Most of the accommodations we stay at are kibbutz-based guest houses or hotels catered to group tours. All accommodations in Israel have security and we book rooms so that each teen has their own sleeping accommodation in rooms that typically accommodate 2 to 4 teens per room.

How is the program staffed?
Each group is accompanied by a team of madrichim (counselors) and a local Israeli guide. They are also joined by an armed guard and bus driver. Senior field staff also circulate between our groups for extra support. Staff names are sent out approximately 2–3 weeks prior to your departure as part of the pre-trip preparation emails. Staff are asked to make welcome calls to teens before departure. Feel free to ask them any remaining questions you may have. Learn more about our staff team.

What's the summer weather like?
The sun in Israel is strong—often stronger than teens are accustomed to—so dehydration, heatstroke, and sunburn are serious concerns, especially in a desert climate. Clothing should be lightweight and comfortable in the heat. Whenever outside for an extended period, teens will be required to have a hat, a shirt with sleeves, sunscreen, and water. The good news is the heat is mostly dry, there is very little humidity and the chance of rain in Israel during the summer is extremely low so no umbrellas are needed. Evenings in Israel tend to get chilly quickly. Because we will not always return to our accommodations to change before an evening activity, always bring a day pack with a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirt, or light sweater. Layers are key!

How do you approach security?
Since 1956, BBYO has organized teen programs in Israel with a fundamental commitment to providing a safe and meaningful experience. Our programs adhere to Israel’s comprehensive security policies and are centrally monitored by Israel’s Situation Room. Our itineraries are designed with caution in mind and our policies are calibrated to local conditions. Finally, each group is accompanied by trained staff and a licensed guard accompanies all touring-based activities. Learn more about our organization’s approach to safety and security as well as more specific details about our Israel policies.

What's the typical group size?
Group size varies depending on the date of the program. Our average group size for Israel programs ranges between 20-45 teens. In some cases, multiple groups will travel on a similar path, although each group has its own dedicated staff, guide, and guard.

What's the food like?
Expect to eat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods such as falafel, hummus, schnitzel, shakshouka, borekas, and much more. When traveling, your teen may encounter new foods that will not be to their liking, so we ask teens to be flexible and have snacks and other alternatives on hand just in case.

As a travel-based program, our meals take a variety of forms and may include hotel buffets, restaurants, catered meals, and allowance funds for participants to purchase a meal on their own. All food provided by BBYO Passport experiences in Israel is kosher. When a meal is served in a public buffet format (e.g. hotel breakfast), we will always ensure that there are vegetarian, pescatarian, or dairy options available and we will not restrict teens from eating the food of their choice.

Some meals may be provided via a cash allowance where teens will be given money to purchase the food of their choice, called a pizur meal. Such meals are typically arranged in an area where there are multiple restaurant options and teens can choose the food of their liking. When time is limited for meal choice, staff may choose to facilitate meal orders on behalf of teens using their allowance funds.

Participants with special dietary needs (i.e. lactose intolerance, gluten-free, kosher, etc.) should review our dietary restrictions commitment document and contact us in advance to be sure we can accommodate your needs during the program.

Will I need a visa?
Visitors from visa-exempt countries are required to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter the state of Israel. An approved ETA-IL, indicates that you are allowed to travel to Israel. Additional information about this system can be found here: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/.

All travelers to Israel must have a valid visa or an ETA-IL approval before they start their journey. An Israeli citizen or a permanent resident holding a valid Israeli ID number is not required to submit an application for ETA-IL.

The following data will be required for each ETA-IL application: A passport issued by a visa exempt country, valid for the duration of your stay; A valid email address; A valid payment method for the fee payment 25 NIS.

Fee: The cost of an ETA-IL is 25 NIS (You cannot get a refund after you apply)

What are the payment and cancellation terms?
All of these details are available here: Enrollment and Registration Terms.

How do I enroll my teen if we live outside of North America?
Visit this page to find all the information you will need and express your interest.

For more information, check out our general FAQs or the pre-trip guide.