Israel Progam 2023/4 FAQ's

General FAQs

What is the date of the trip?

10 December 2023 to 15 January 2024 (arrive to Australia)

Who is eligible?

The eligibility criteria to participate in the program are:

• Students must have at least one Jewish parent
• Students must be in Year 10
• Students must attend a non-Jewish school anywhere in VIC, TAS, SA, NT or WA – government or independent

When will registrations open?

Registrations are open. Apply here

Who will supervise the group?

Ketsev is a supervised program where participants travel together as a group. A very professional and prepared team who will look after each participant.

The Australian team: UJEB senior staff (Israel Program Manager & Executive Principal) and Australian leaders (madrichim/ot), who fly with the group to Israel (and return),

The Israeli team: Tour educator, madrichim/ot, medic and security guard.

What level of observance do you have to have to attend the program?

The UJEB program is for all Jewish students in Year 10 who attend non-Jewish schools regardless of their religious background. The program offers services for religious (including Kosher food) and non-religious students according to each student’s requirements.

What security measures are put in place for the program?

The safety and security of participants is the top priority to all staff and all service providers.

Ketsev is a supervised program where participants travel together as a group, and adheres to strict security measures and protocol, in accordance with the Israeli Government’s policies and intelligence. Every program is accompanied by security staff. When needed, additional security will be provided.

Safety measures:

• UJEB is in regular contact with Australian government authorities; 
• Regular contact with Israeli security and public safety authorities, and in particular with the Situation Monitoring Room (SMR), which is a service run by the Israel Ministry of Education in conjunction with the IDF, Police and other security authorities. The SMR operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and issues guidelines about where it is safe to travel in Israel and the best routes to use; 
• Ketsev uses only one private bus operator for the entire Israeli trip; 
• Armed escorts accompany the group during the entire trip, with the number of armed escorts to be increased in accordance with circumstances and instructions from the SMR;
• We require all hotels and hostels that will be accommodating the participants to have effective security systems; 
• We avoid public transport; and 
• There will be no unstructured free time. Participants are not permitted to leave the group, unless in exceptional circumstances with the written approval of the Ketsev Manager.

What’s the nature of the program like?

It is important to understand some key characteristics of the program to ensure all participants and families know what to expect on the trip and we can have the best experience for everyone. 

Social Environment: Participants will be living in a communal environment and will be required to undertake international travel (supervised). They will be sleeping in shared living quarters with other participants and eating in communal dining facilities. 

Activities: Participants will be expected to participate in extensive tours of Israel, which will include walking long distances, lots of travelling on a bus, climbing, hiking and other strenuous physical activities.

Does this trip have any impact on the participants?

International research shows that participating in Year 10 Israel Programs give Jewish youth closer connections to the Jewish community, and to Israel. Israel for Youth and UJEB strongly believe that increased participation in Year 10 Israel programs will have a profound impact on shaping, building and ensuring a strong Jewish identity for our future community.

On Ketsev, our students will connect to…

• The Sounds of Israel’s Dreams and foster awareness about the idea of Israel as the home of the Jewish people
• The Beat of Generations, and strengthen students’ Jewish consciousness, commitment and values
• The Vocals of the Locals and learn about to Israeli society and create ties with Israeli people

The Rhythm of the Land, and familiarise students with Israeli History, Geography, and Culture

We have family/relatives in Israel. Can my child visit them?

There will be two free weekends where students are able to go to their family for the weekend. They are also welcome to take friends with them if their family agrees. For those without friends/family to visit they are able to stay on campus (staff will also be on site).

The local Israeli family member must sign out and in.

Finance/Payment FAQs

What is the cost of Ketsev?

The total Program Cost $5,040 AUD + $6,200 USD

This, at an exchange rate of $1 AUD = $0.70 USD is approximately $13,900 AUD (***).

* Cost may change subject to foreign exchange.

** Flights from Perth incur an additional $125 AUD.

*** Pre-trip weekend seminar costs are not included.

When will I need to make payments?

The payment timeline is in the Ketsev Handbook

Can I arrange a payment plan?

Yes, payment plans can be arranged to assist you. This will have to be coordinated with our finance department.

Will participants need to take extra money?

Everything is included in the cost of the program (airfare, accommodation, group transport, all meals, entries to museum, organised activities and touring, etc.). It really depends on each participant and the family as to how much extra money to take. Not included in the cost of the program is all personal purchases (e.g. ice-cream, drinks, chocolate, souvenirs).

What is I4Y?

The Israel for Youth Foundation provides discretionary grants of up to $5,000 to Jewish students taking part in UJEB’s Year 10 Israel Experience. The discretionary grant aims to provide increased affordability for those who require it. Students must have at least one Jewish parent and live in VIC, SA, TAS, NT & WA.

Who is eligible for the I4Y discretionary grant?

The I4Y (VIC, TAS, SA, NT & WA) $5,000 discretionary grant is available based on eligibility criteria for participation in UJEB’s Year 10 Program explained above.

How do I apply for an I4Y discretionary grant?

After the information session, UJEB will provide you with a link to the I4Y Discretionary Grant form. You will need to indicate on this form if you will be taking all, part or none of the discretionary grant.

What If I don’t need the discretionary grant or only need part of the discretionary grant?

All families, regardless of whether you are taking all, part or none of the discretionary grant are required to complete the I4Y form.

The discretionary grant is not an entitlement. There are families who cannot afford the cost of the program and genuinely require financial help, many above the discretionary grant amount. If you can afford the full cost of the program, or only require part of the discretionary grant,  you are encouraged to indicate this on the I4Y form. In doing so you will allow I4Y to extend their assistance to those who genuinely need it.

What if additional assistance is required for the cost of the program?

Families who cannot afford some, or all of the remaining costs of the UJEB Year 10 Israel Program, can apply for further means-tested support. Further details are provided in the Year 10 Information Session.