Q: What is the "Taglit-Birthright Israel" program at Livnot U’Lehibanot?
You can use your Taglit-Birthright Israel gift for a
free 14-day program at Livnot U’Lehibanot, a program geared to young Jewish
adults aged 21-26 who have little previous knowledge of Judaism and have not been
to Israel previously on an educational program.
Livnot is a unique Jewish-Israel-community experience that combines hiking, community
service and an exploration of Judaism in classroom, workshop and discussion settings.
Hike, bike, build, create, see and explore your way through Israel in a unique and
active experience.
Certain Livnot programs offer focuses on Hiking and the Environment, Spirituality
and Nature, and Politics and the Media.
Go to the Livnot Experience for more information
or take a look at our sample itinerary.
Q: What kind of people are going to be on the trip?
Young Jewish adults ages 21-26 who are looking for a meaningful experience in
Israel. People who can wake up early, who like being part of a community, who want
to share life experiences and grow together as a group.
Q: Is this "Taglit-Birthright Israel" trip really free?
Who is paying for it?
Yes, the entire fourteen-day trip is FREE. The first ten days of the Taglit-Birthright Israel program are providedto you free as a gift from Taglit-Birthright Israel. Livnot provides the funding for the remaining four days of
your trip to Israel. The gift includes roundtrip airfare from the New York area.
Domestic flights to the group flight are the responsibility of the participant.
Q: What is included in the Taglit-Birthright Israel gift?
Flights from gateway cities (New York or New Jersey), transport
from NY to Israel and back, program tuition and fees, accommodations, insurance
and meals. You will need money for personal expenses and items, and occasional meals.
Q: If the "Taglit-Birthright Israel" trip is free, why
the $250 deposit?
The $250 Taglit-Birthright Israel deposit is fully refundable
4-6 weeks after your successful completion of the program.
The purpose is to secure your spot on the trip. However,
if you withdraw from the program less than 30 days before the program begins, or
you leave the program in Israel before it is completed, you forfeit your deposit.
Q: How do I apply for the "Taglit-Birthright Israel"
gift?
It is a very simple process. Just fill out the
Taglit-Birthright Israel application and select Livnot U’Lehibanot
as your program option. We will contact you very shortly after we receive your application.
Q: If I apply does that mean I am guaranteed a place on the trip?
No. You must complete the whole application process
Q: How will I know if I am accepted?
Once you have completed your application form, please contact our office for a phone
interview. We will contact you within a few days after the interview to let you
know if you have been accepted. Check your email for acceptance information and
subsequent paperwork you must submit.
Q: What if I don't have a passport?
All participants must have valid travel documents relevent to their status (passport,
green card, visa) in order to participate in Taglit-Birthright Israel: Livnot
program. The process can take up to 3 months.
Q: Can I apply for Livnot if I don't qualify
for a Taglit-Birthright Israel gift?
Yes, fill out and submit the online application form. Part of the application process includes
an interview, in person or by phone, with a Livnot alumnus or staff member. You
will be contacted beforehand to prearrange a convenient time for this interview.
Q: How can I extend my flight?
All Taglit-Birthright Israel participants on US departures have the option
of extending their ticket to remain in Israel after the end of the program. (* In
RARE situations participants will not be permitted to make extensions. In such cases,
your organizer will notify you before ticketing that extensions won’t be possible).
Extensions on El Al flights can be made in one of two ways: For $125 you can extend
your ticket prior to departure from the United States directly through our travel
agent, Gil Travel. This is an online procedure done through their website:
www.giltravel.com/extensionsinfo.htm. Extending will only be possible after
your organizer has notified you that you have been ticketed on a specific flight.
You also have the option of waiting until you are in Israel to extend your ticket
. It costs $50 to extend the ticket through El Al once in Israel. However, should
you need to be home on a certain date, flights may not be available. If you know
you need to be back on a certain date, it is highly recommended that you make the
extension prior to your departure from the US.
Tickets are good for only 90 days from the departure date, and become null and void
after this time. Also, understand that you are ticketed are for a certain class
of seating. In cases of extending a ticket through Gil Travel before departure from
the US, every effort will be made to find a seat within the existing class of service
for the date you are seeking or adjacent dates. As a last effort Gil Travel may
be able to find you a seat in a different class of service. This may require payment
of a higher fee for the extension. Through Gil Travel this amount will not exceed
a total of $200.
Please know that once the Taglit-Birthright Israel program has concluded,
you will no longer be under the supervision or responsibility of Taglit-Birthright Israel or your provider, Livnot U’Lehibanot.
This trip is a gift
of Taglit-Birthright Israel.
