The safety and well-being of our Birthright Israel participants is our primary operating principle and our foremost concern. Birthright Israel takes great pride in its reputation for being cautious and responsible with a well-deserved reputation from hosting over 900,000 travelers over the past 24 years. We will not hesitate to further adjust our approach, as necessary.

Birthright Israel trips operate under strict safety and security standards set in accordance with the IDF's Homefront Command guidelines. These guidelines include geographical travel boundaries, exact protocols of how to operate during the sound of a siren, personal safety guidelines and more. Birthright Israel's operations department and field teams are in constant contact with trip staff and oversee the group's operations and safety.

Trip itineraries are approved daily with the "Situation Monitoring Room" administered by the Society for the Protection of Nature. The Situation Monitoring Room works closely with Israel's security forces including the IDF, Israel Police, and local security and reservation authorities.

Absolutely, Birthright Israel is a supervised program where you travel in a group setting. Each group is led by a Tour Educator and accompanied by two staff members from the group’s country of origin. Additionally, the group is accompanied by a security guard (who is also a first aid responder) and a bus driver.

Throughout the trip, you will be traveling in a group setting. At times, groups are provided with independent time to explore the area on their own. This usually takes place during scheduled lunch times, scheduled self exploration segments (exploring a central area within city limits on own) and scheduled night outs. All scheduled independent times are set to take place on foot. During scheduled night out, you will also be invited to use taxis if needed within predetermined city limits.

Yes. You will be accompanied by a trained security guard (who is also a first aid responder). If needed, additional security will be provided.

You will travel together as a group by bus. All trips, tour bus companies, and drivers are subject to Birthright Israel’s strict standards.

Generally no. You will have a bus dedicated to your group’s travel. During group programming in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, you will sometimes use the local light rail train for travel. The use of this form of transportation will be preapproved, and its purpose is twofold: (1) to avoid traffic and arrive on time at your destination within the city and (2) to support the greening efforts of the overall Birthright Israel program. At times and when permissible, based on safety and security guidelines, you may be invited to use taxis if needed, within predetermined city limits during scheduled nights out.

Yes. Birthright Israel works with several international airlines in order to safely bring you to Israel. The airlines we work with are all accredited members of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and operate within the guidelines of their Operational Safety Audit.

Yes. Many participants bring their own phone with an international calling and data plan. The best way for your parents to reach you is by contacting you directly on your mobile device. Your Trip Organizer will provide you with additional contact information which can be shared with your parents. In the event that your parents can't contact you or your Trip Organizer directly, Birthright Israel will leave the number to an after hours emergency service on our main line + 1-888-99-ISRAEL (7723). 

Yes. Trip itineraries are approved daily with the “Situation Monitoring Room” administered by the Society for the Protection of Nature. The Situation Monitoring Room works closely with Israel’s security forces including the IDF, Israel Policy, and local security and reservation authorities.

No. The best way to be safe while on your Birthright Israel trip is to stay with your group and follow directions at all times. Birthright Israel and your Trip Organizer have vast experience running trips, keeping participants safe, and making changes to the itinerary if necessary.