We are constantly asked what the eligibility requirements are for the Birthright Israel trip, so let’s clear the air!
In order to qualify for Birthright Israel, you must be Jewish, between 18-26 years old, and not have spent more than 3 months in Israel.
Let’s break it down.
1. You must be Jewish
To be eligible for a Birthright Israel trip, you need to be Jewish. Let’s talk about how Birthright Israel defines being ‘Jewish’.
Birthright considers you Jewish if you have at least one Jewish birth parent or have completed Jewish conversion through a recognized Jewish denomination*. If you have converted to Judaism, you might need to provide conversion documentation during the application process!
If you practice another religion and have questions about your Jewish eligibility, we prefer to speak with you one on one. Please contact us at info@goyael.com.
*Birthright Israel recognizes the following Jewish denominations:
Reform
Reconstructionist
Conservative
Orthodox
Sephardic
2. You must be 18 to 26 years old
In order to qualify for a Birthright trip, you must be 18 to 26 years old at the time of the trip and have already graduated from high school.
Are you on the upper end of the age bracket?
For summer trips, you must be 26 before May 1st.
For winter trips, you must be 26 by December 1st.
3. Stayed less than 3 months in Israel
The last qualification to be eligible for a free trip to Israel with Birthright Israel is that you have stayed in Israel for less than 3 months.
If you have been on vacation or studied in Israel before your 18th birthday, that’s ok- if you stayed for less than 3 months, you are still eligible to sign up for a Birthright Israel trip!
If you participated in young adult or college student programs (after the age of 18) which includes university, study abroad, gap year, yeshiva/seminary, internship or any other experience with an organization involved with Onward Israel or Masa Israel—you are unfortunately not eligible for Birthright Israel.
Am I eligible?
It’s important to know that final eligibility for Birthright Israel is determined after you complete the full registration process and is subject to change, so consider these qualifications as the minimum to be eligible.
If you still have more questions, feel free to check out our FAQs page.
Otherwise, shoot us an email at info@goyael.com for any specific questions!
See you in Israel 🇮🇱
The Yael Adventures Registration Team
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