Safety and Security - Birthright Israel: Shorashim
COVID-19 FAQs
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FAQ - Safety & Security

Overview

By traveling to Israel with Birthright Israel & Shorashim, you are taking advantage of an awesome opportunity to see Israel from the inside - through the eyes & hearts of Israelis. Since 1983, Shorashim has brought tens of thousands of Americans to Israel on incredible, safe, & fun journeys.

Our program is approved with the "situation room", administered by the Israeli Ministry of Education, who is in contact with the military, & police. They issue specific guidelines as to where it is safe to travel & the best routes to use.

Security Policy & Procedure

Security

  • The Birthright Israel program is approved with the "situation room", administered by the Israeli Ministry of Education, who is in contact with the military & police. They issue specific guidelines as to where it is safe to travel & the best routes to use.
  • Changes in itineraries are made, if necessary, due to weather or security-related concerns.
  • Each group is accompanied by a licensed security escort/trained first aid.
  • Groups travel with cellular phones & a GPS (Global Positioning System) app, so that "situation room" is aware of each group's location.
  • Travel by public transportation is not allowed.
  • All participants have a security orientation upon arrival in Israel, which includes travel safety tips & free time guidelines.
  • A 24-hour emergency number in Israel to use in the event of a family emergency or crisis at home will be sent to participants along with trip itineraries.

 

Medical Issues

  • All participants are responsible for having insurance that covers them while in Israel.
  • Shorashim offers limited, secondary medical insurance from an Israeli HMO while on the ground in Israel, but participants must have or purchase existing medical coverage that provides for coverage in Israel. The insurance provided by Shorashim does not cover pre-existing conditions, follow-up treatment, psychiatric conditions or illness cause by drug/alcohol use or abuse. Participants should contact their local insurance carrier to understand their coverage overseas & to confirm reimbursement policies.
  • Shorashim will not be responsible for any pre-existing conditions or any medical conditions during the trip.
  • Participants should consult with their physician regarding any existing medical conditions.
  • Necessary medication should be brought for the entire trip, along with a copy of the prescription.
  • Participants must indicate all medication currently prescribed, ongoing treatments, & any medical issues that are relevant to a program in your Birthright Israel Application & interview
  • Shorashim may require additional medical forms, including a doctor's note &/or waivers, due to any conditions or medical history.
  • If Shorashim determines that, for any reason, an applicant is not fit to participate in the Birthright Israel program, it is at our total discretion to deny the application.

Travel Security Tips

We ask our participants to abide by common sense travel tips, so that their trip to Israel can be both safe & memorable.

General Travel Tips:

  • Make a copy of your passport & keep it with you.
  • Store your passport & important travel information in a safe place, like a safe in your hotel.
  • Keep cameras inside a secure bag.
  • Travel light as the groups move around a lot & you will be less likely to lose or forget something.
  • Do not leave any packages or bags unattended. 
  • Participants are not allowed to have anyone enter the room besides the assigned roommates
  • Make sure to pack all prescription & over-the-counter medications in your carry-on bag.

Anyone who leaves the group without prior approval will immediately be removed from the program & forfeit his/her deposit.

COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Please visit Birthright Israel's FAQ for most up-to-date information about COVID-19 & summer 2021 travel.

Please note that:

  • In order to enter Israel, you need to refrain from traveling to the highest risk/red countries on this list within 14 days of your trip
  • The Ministry of Interior approval to enter Israel is valid for one-time entry only. As of May 2021, you cannot travel to Europe - or another destination - & re-enter Israel
    • You will not be allowed in the border, even if it is solely to catch a flight back to the states
    • Do not plan such a trip

COVID-19 Tests:

In addition to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine:

  • PCR test within 72 hours on departure time (you are responsible for booking this test & printing the results)
  • PCR test upon arrival in Israel
  • Serological (antibodies test) in Israel
  • An additional PCR test with faster results

The group must quarantine for 24 hours or until negative PCR results are received.

 

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