Registration opens on Wednesday, February 19th at 10:00 am eastern time.
(Tuesday, February 18th for previous applicants)
at
www.freeisraeltrip.org (referral code GMU)
NEW ELIGIBILITY FOR SUMMER 2014 ! MORE PEOPLE THAN EVER ARE NOW ELIGIBLE!
If you are a Jewish college student, age 18-26, you’re invited to visit Israel as our guest. This gift is made possible through a $210 million partnership from a group of prominent philanthropists, local Jewish Federations, the people of Israel through their government, Keren Hayesod and The Jewish Agency for Israel.
FAQ:
• When is the trip?
Our summer trip is leaving at the end of May and returning in early June. We will share information about the final dates as soon as we have it.
• What if I am not sure of my summer plans, but I want to try to go on the trip this summer?
If you aren’t sure about your summer plans, but you are interested in the trip, we encourage you to register and pay the refundable deposit. There will be plenty of time to withdraw once we announce the dates; however, if you do not register before registration closes, we unfortunately will not be able to get you into the system.
• What if I sign up and then I can’t go? Will I get my deposit back?
When you register, you are required to pay a deposit to be considered for admission. If you decide you cannot go, you can withdraw and receive your deposit back if you do so before the withdrawal deadline. If you withdraw after this deadline, you will lose the deposit. The deadline will be communicated to all students who register, so that there is no confusion.
• If I register am I guaranteed a spot?
Registration is a bit of a numbers game, because we cannot predict how many students will register; however, we truly work very hard to accommodate everyone who registers. If we have more registrants than spots, a waiting list will be created, and we will do our best to accommodate people from that list.
• Can I go with friends from other schools?
Non-Mason students can sign up for the Mason trip.
• Is there anything I have to pay for?
Participants will receive their deposit back upon completion of the trip. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the point of embarkation (usually in the New York area) and for the cost of an average of one meal a day on their own. Participants are also asked to bring $70 in tip money for tour providers in Israel. Any shopping or additional spending money is at your discretion.
• Can I see a sample itinerary?
Sure! email rdiamond@gmu.edu
• What’s the catch?
None at all. We are offering you this gift because we believe that a Jewish journey to Israel is your birthright.
Eligibility:
The short version of who is eligible:
• Someone who is 18-26 who will have graduated high school at the start of the trip and who identifies as a member of the Jewish people with at least one Jewish parent or a formal conversion.
The short version of who is not eligible:
• Someone who lived in Israel after their 12th birthday, or who has begun but not completed the conversion process or who identifies as a member of another faith or who has been to Israel on a peer trip after the age of 18. Please contact rdiamond@gmu.edu if you have questions about your eligibility for the trip.
Taglit-Birthright Israel is an amazing, FREE, ten day trip to Israel for Jewish young adults between 18 and 26 who have not been on a peer trip to Israel after the age of 18.
This trip is a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel
