SECURITY & SAFETY ON HASBARA FELLOWSHIPS IN ISRAEL
Hasbara Fellowships is committed to running a healthy and safe Israel experience. The health and safety of Hasbara Fellows is, and will always be, Hasbara Fellowships’ top priority. The following are a number of security precautions taken on the Hasbara Fellowships Israel program in order that all participants and their families will feel safe.
The safety and well-being of participants on our programs is our guiding principle and foremost concern. We operate our programs under extensive safety precautions and no effort is spared as it relates to the security of our participants, all while providing participants with a safe, meaningful, positive, and fun journey through Israel.
Security
- The government of Israel is devoted to the safety and security of visitors and citizens alike. Hasbara Fellowships is in constant communication with a central Israeli government office that coordinates the activities of the army, the police and the intelligence services. They issue specific guidelines as to where it is safe to travel and the best routes to use. We receive this most updated information that allows us to take the strongest precautions.
- A group’s itinerary will be changed immediately to reflect any heightened risk or security concerns.
- A First Aid professional accompanies the group at all times.
- Groups travel with cell phones and can be reached 24 hours a day.
- Hasbara Fellowships programs do not use public transportation. A chartered bus with one bus driver remains with the group for the entire trip. Our drivers never leave their buses unattended or unlocked.
- All participants will be given a safety and security orientation upon arrival in Israel. This orientation will include extensive travel safety tips and free time guidelines. Because of the intense nature of the program, there is limited free time. Students will be given detailed instructions as far as places they should not go during the limited free time they have. Optional activities in the hotel will be available for the participants during these limited free times.
- Anyone who leaves the group without prior approval will immediately be removed from the program.
Contact Information
- 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.
- Our office will be in regular contact with Israel program staff in Israel.
Medical
- You are responsible for your own primary health insurance and making sure it covers you while you are abroad. While in Israel, Hasbara Fellowships provides all participants with secondary medical insurance from an Israeli HMO. This insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions (including most psychological conditions) and does not cover you while you are in flight. If applicable, please inform us of what insurance you will be using to cover the pre-existing condition. This includes the insurance company, policy number, and phone number.
- You must confirm that your medical insurance also covers you in Israel, as many plans do not. If you do not have medical insurance that covers you in Israel or you would like additional insurance for lost baggage or flight delay, a good option is through the Israeli insurer, CTAS. To order or get more information, go to their website.
- Participants must indicate all medication currently prescribed, ongoing treatments, and any medical issues in your medical form.
- All necessary medication should be brought for the entire trip along with a copy of the prescription.
The following treatments are available in the event of an illness or injury:
- Basic first aid administered by a medic accompanying the group.
- Doctors are available to those who need additional care. These doctors can prescribe additional medication as appropriate and refer participants to specialists when necessary.
- Should urgent medical care be required, participants will immediately be taken to an authorized clinic or to an emergency room. A staff member will accompany participants on any visits to doctors, clinics, or hospitals.
Please feel free to contact our office at info@hasbarafellowships.org with any questions.
