About the pro-Israel student leadership mission
Page Contents
A Preview of the Israel Experience
Program Takeaways
Over the course of the program in Israel, you will...
- Tour strategic points throughout Israel, such as the Syrian border, the Gaza border, key Jerusalem landmarks, and Palestinian towns.
- Visit Israeli humanitarian organizations, hi-tech companies, the Knesset and Supreme Court.
- Meet with Israeli leaders and influencers including journalists, diplomats, military leaders, and academics.
- Receive practical training in public speaking, social media content creation and management, and other effective ways to defeat anti-Israel campaigns.
- Learn how to create strategic impact plans; effectively communicate about Israel, build relationships with other student groups, plan and host campus initiatives, and answer the difficult questions about Israel.
Israel Program FAQ
Hasbara Fellowships has been operating Israel programs for college student leaders for over 20 years. The Hasbara Fellowships Israel program is unique in that:
- It’s competitive. The students in the program are all leaders from across the US and Canada dedicated to learning from experts and each other on how to bemore vital ambassadors for Israel on campus.
- Learn through experiences. Students will have the opportunity to see things with their own eyes and speak to Israelis and Palestinians across the political spectrum, experts, and civilians, to deepen their understanding through conversations.
- Leadership training. The Hasbara Fellowships Israel program provides ten high level leadership training workshops, from public speaking, to planning effective programs on campus, to using the IHRA definition of Antisemitism on campus, and more.
These three factors create a holistic program that will allow student leaders to grow as an ambassador for Israel.
The total program cost amounts to $1000, with the following detailed breakdown:
- Program Fee: $500
- Refundable Deposit: $500, which will be reimbursed upon successful completion of two semesters as a Hasbara Fellow on campus.
Payment of program fee and refundable deposit can be made by credit card. Please note that your enrollment in the program will only be confirmed upon receipt of payment.
We have a limited amount of scholarship money available. No student will be turned away for financial reasons.
Hasbara Fellowships highly recommends that you reach out to your local synagogue, Hillel on campus, Chabad, and Jewish Federation, as they may have scholarships for you.
Additionally, please get in touch with our office about discounts if you are an AEPi brother, Onward Israel past participant, or a member of Students Supporting Israel on campus.
If you have any inquiries related to domestic travel scholarships or if you have any further questions, please reach out to us at info@hasbarafellowships.org
A sample itinerary is accessible at hasbarafellowships.org/israelprogram, offering insight into the day-to-day program activities.
Absolutely! In fact, this will only enhance your experience on the Hasbara Fellowships Israel program. This is not intended to be an introduction to Israel. While you may join the Hasbara Fellowships program even if you have not previously been to Israel, you must know that this is not your typical touring trip. We concentrate our efforts on the complexities in the region as they relate to being an ambassador for Israel on campus.
We operate under extensive safety precautions and have developed an Israel experience that is as safe, secure, meaningful, and fun as possible. Click here to access our complete safety regulation information sheet.
Hasbara Fellows come from a variety of Jewish denominations. We ask that everyone is respectful of each person and their practices during our time together.
Kashrut: All meals provided throughout the program will be Glatt Kosher.
Sabbath Observance: During Shabbat (Friday night through Saturday night) we respect the day of rest and do not work or travel. All programming on Shabbat will be Shabbat friendly. Shabbat meals will be together. There will be considerable free time during the day on Saturday.
In the event of cancellation:
- Prior to 45 days from the program commencement: Full refund except for the $500 USD deposit.
- Within 45 days of the program: No refund will be issued.
While most meals are included, there will be 8-10 meal instances during the trip where you will be responsible for your own dining expenses. Budgeting for these occasions is recommended, with affordable $8-10 food options within walking distance.
For special dietary needs, we strive to accommodate, but packing some snacks is advised. All provided food is certified Kosher.
Allocating at least $150 for meals and snacks beyond the program offerings is recommended.
Hasbara Fellowships Israel program includes your round trip airfare through our group flights from New York to Israel. Direct flights from LAX and Toronto may be requested for an additional fee, but are not guaranteed. For winter 2024, our delegation will be departing from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Israel, with return flights from Israel to Miami International Airport (MIA).
All students from the United States and Canada will need to get to the group flight on their own. Subsidies may be available for connecting flights.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TRANSPORTATION TO MEET YOUR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT. If you need to connect to New York City, Toronto or FLL for one of the group flights to Israel, you are responsible for the cost and arrangements for the connecting flight. If you are flying into the airport from another city, please ensure that your flight is scheduled to land in the airport at least 4 hours before the flight to Israel.
From which airport does the group depart to Israel?
Hasbara delegations fly to Israel on group flights from New York’s JFK Airport, New Jersey’s Newark Airport, Toronto, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Students are responsible for arranging domestic travel in order to board the group flight to Israel. Please ask Hasbara staff about your specific delegation
Extending time in Israel is a wonderful experience that many of our students have taken advantage of in the past.
Information regarding trip extensions and flight particulars will be available after registration for the program. Travel arrangements should be coordinated directly with our travel agency.
Health Insurance will be furnished by Hasbara Fellowships for the duration of the Israel program.
It is strongly advised to acquire travel insurance for your Israel trip, particularly if involving domestic flights.
We provide access to a comprehensive travelers insurance package at preferential rates.
On the Hasbara Fellowships Israel program, we spend most of our overnight accommodations in Jerusalem. There are a few nights up in Northern Israel and Tel Aviv. The overnight accommodations are hotels and youth hostels- all are clean and will provide excellent service. The preliminary itinerary will provide the confirmed accommodation. Depending on the housing, 2-4 Hasbara Fellows will be roomed together by gender.
Although Israel is generally a very casual country regarding dress code, it is essential to have the appropriate attire for the various places we visit to represent Hasbara Fellowships appropriately. When we go to the Kotel Friday night, your shoulders and knees need to be covered. Click here for a complete recommended packing list.
You are entitled to check in one piece of luggage weighing up to 50 pounds.
Additionally, a single carry-on bag may be brought on board at no extra cost.
Utilization of cell phones with data is compulsory during the program.
A discounted plan via 019 Mobile is available upon program payment.
A valid passport is a mandatory requirement for flying to Israel. It must remain valid for a minimum of 6 months from your departure date. That means that I’d your flight to Israel is December 2023, your passport must be valid through July 2024.
If your passport necessitates renewal, it is advisable to initiate the process without delay.
Selection Process and Pricing
Only highly recommended and engaged students will be accepted to the program. Participants must be undergraduate students with at least two semesters left on campus after the conclusion of their trip.
The following program fees apply: $500 + $500 refundable deposit. The full cost of the program is valued at $1,000, which is generously subsidized by Hasbara Fellowships.”
*The $500 REFUNDABLE deposit may be returned to the participant after two semesters of dedicated campus advocacy as a Hasbara Fellow.
