Registration

How do I register?
Please visit the UJC website to contact your local Jewish federation to find out if your community is planning to send a group of participants on this mission.  To register for this mission please click here.
Please check this FAQ and the rest of the NYL Summer Mission to Israel website regularly to read updates about availability, the mission program and more details.

When is the last day to register? May 28, 2009

What are the registration fees for the NYL Summer Mission to Israel?
• Pricing for the mission, exclusive of airfare**, is as follows. The mission registration fee is $2533. This cost is per person for double occupancy. If you would prefer your own room, there is an additional $1024 single-supplement fee. The mission registration fee will cover all program costs, buses, transfers, most meals, tips for the guides, etc.  This does NOT include airfare.

**For information about flights please contact Gil Travel directly at 212.284.6668.  Please mention the NYL Summer Mission to Israel to get the best flight dates and times.  
**When you register for this mission you are NOT automatically booked on a flight.  Please make sure you note on the registration if you require assistance with flights.  In addition, if you plan to book your own flights you must note this on the registration site so that we know when to expect your arrival in Israel. 

What is the NYL Summer Mission to Israel cancellation policy?
There will be a full refund if the cancellation is received 45 days prior to the arrival date to Israel.

Am I eligible for a subsidy?
Please contact your local federation regarding subsidy opportunities. To find the federation closest to you, click here or email UJCDirect@ujc.org for more information about local federations.

I’d like to travel on this mission as part of a local federation group. How do I know if there’s one being formed in my area? 
Please contact your local federation to see if they are arranging to travel as a group. Click here to find your local federation.

I'm traveling independently, not as part of a group. Do I register for the mission first, or make flight arrangements first?
You can register for the mission before you have flights. Once you book your flights, please make sure that they are consistent with your hotel check-in and check-out dates. Please add your flight details to your registration as soon as you have made those arrangements.

What if I need to modify my registration to change my arrival or departure details or other information?
Please send any change requests to our land agent, Batik Kasman, Batik@eshetil.co.il. An adjustment confirmation will be sent to you.

 Why do I need to supply passport information on the registration form?
This is needed for security purposes. Additionally, by Israeli law, hotels must have your passport information in order to reserve a room.

How do I register for a hotel before or after the mission (pre and post)?
The online NYL Summer Mission to Israel reservation form will ask for these details. Once the request has been received the land agent will be in direct contact with you.

What if I plan to share a room? Do we both have to reserve a room?
If you wish to share a hotel room for the NYL Summer Mission to Israel, you will be asked to name your roommate, and each person should indicate the name of the roommate at the time of registration.*   UJC is not responsible for assigning roommates. 

*Please note that if one roommate cancels, the remaining person will be charged for a single-person room.

What if I plan to share a room on this mission, but I do not have a roommate at the time I register for this mission?
If you wish to share a hotel room for the NYL Summer Mission to Israel, you should contact your local Jewish Federation Young Leadership professional about assisting to find you a roommate.  UJC is not responsible in arranging roommates. 

Will I be charged a deposit when I register for this mission?
Yes. A $500 deposit is required to complete registration.

What is the weather usually like in Israel over the summer?
Summer is hot in Israel! Average highs could be in the 80’s or 90’s. Bring a sweater.  It can get cool at night.

How should I dress for the NYL Summer Mission to Israel?
Dress for the NYL Summer Mission to Israel is casual and comfortable.  You may wish to wear some nicer outfits (but still casual) for the evening programs and for Shabbat. The key is to wear what makes you happy & comfortable! 

Will food provided by the NYL Summer Mission to Israel be Kosher?
Any meals provided by UJC on the mission will be Kosher.

What provisions are made for those with disabilities?
Please indicate the disability and special needs in the box provided on the registration form and we will be happy to address your needs.

How do I book my flight?
Gil Travel is available to handle your air travel needs. Please call their New York office at 212-284-6668 or email leslyeg@giltravel.com or francoisn@giltravel.com.  You may, of course, use any travel agent of your choosing.

Do I need a special visa? Are there any special passport regulations?
A valid passport is required for all U.S. participants. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure date. There is no visa requirement for U.S. citizens traveling to Israel. Other nationalities should contact the appropriate consulate to find out about their regulations. No inoculations are required at present for travel to Israel, but please check with local public health authorities for up-to-date information.

Can I use U.S. dollars during my trip, or will I need to get Israeli currency?
The constantly changing exchange rates due to the strong Shekel and weaker U.S. Dollar have forced some businesses to post prices only in Israeli Shekels. We suggest that you use your credit cards for purchases or when going out to dinner, and use Israeli currency for taxis, etc. There are ATM's throughout Israel where you can withdraw Israeli Shekels from your account at a favorable exchange rate.

What if I wish to extend my stay at the hotel past the end of the NYL Summer Mission to Israel?
When you click the box on the form for hotel extensions and adjustments, and/or enter any modifications in the box online, the information will go to the appropriate agent who will then contact you directly. 

How will I get to and from Ben-Gurion Airport?
Airport transfers will be provided for NYL Summer Mission participants for those traveling on the group flights. Otherwise, transfers from and to the airport are available by taxi or shuttle.

Minimum Gift Requirement for the NYL Summer Mission 

Commitment
All participants will be asked to contribute to Jewish social services at home, in Israel and around the world by making a suggested voluntary minimum gift of $500 to the annual campaign of your local Jewish federation. Pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, the amount of payments that may be claimed as a charitable contribution are reduced by the fair market value of benefits deemed to have been received by the contributor. The cost of the mission is the fair market value of the mission, and, as a general rule, is not deductible as a charitable gift. In addition, as a general rule, the value of any subsidy received represents a benefit, which must be subtracted from the amount of payments made by the donor in determining the allowable charitable deduction. UJC does not render tax or legal advice; this statement of general principles should be reviewed with your own tax preparer.

Contact the NYL Summer Mission to Israel Staff

I have additional questions about the NYL Summer Mission to Israel. Who should I contact?
All questions related to flights and travel should be directed to Gil Travel, 212-284-6668.
Please forward any questions about registration, itinerary and logistics, or any other mission-related questions, to Mariana Nanu, our UJC Israel Missions Consultant, 972-2-6202018 or US Toll-Free 1.866.844.0070 or Mariana@ujc.org.il.