Eligibility

Are you eligible for a Birthright Israel Free Spirit Trip?

You are eligible, if you are:

  • Between the ages of 18-26
  • Jewish
  • haven’t been on a post-high school organized Israel trip
  • Didn’t spend more than 3 months in Israel after the age of 12
  • Not currently in a full-time Judaic studies program

If that describes you, then go ahead and complete your application now!

Still not sure? See below for further details, and exceptions to these eligibility rules.

As long as you are hitting greens and yellows below, you’re still in the game.

Which means you’re eligible for the trip of a lifetime with Birthright Israel: Israel Free Spirit.

If you hit a red, unfortunately you’re out.

Master Key:

Eligible
Exception (aka. you’re still eligible!)
Not Eligible

Age

You finished high school and are between the ages of 18-26

If you’re 17 when you apply, you must be 18 by the day of the trip and finished high school

 If you turn 27 years old before May 1 for summer trips or before December 1 for winter trips

Jewish Background

You’re recognized as Jewish in your community or temple and identify as Jewish.

You have a Jewish birth parent or a Jewish conversion that’s recognized by a Jewish denomination

You don’t have a Jewish birth parent and have not had a recognized Jewish conversion

Past Israel Experience

This is your first peer trip to Israel since you turned 18

You visited Israel with your family or friends, like Jewish Federation missions

You went on March of the Living in high school

You went to Israel with the Maccabi Games

You went to Israel during a summer or camp program before you turned 18

You volunteered for Magen David Adom

You were born or lived in Israel and left before you turned 12

If you were born in Israel or have ever held Israeli citizenship or Israeli passport, you must show paperwork that proves you left Israel before age 12

You’ve been on an organized peer program to Israel since you turned 18

Peer programs include:

  • Group touring programs
  • Study abroad or educational programs
  • Study programs
  • Residency programs

If you lived or visited Israel for 3 months or more after you turned 12

 If you served in the Israeli Army or volunteered on an Israeli Army base (such as Gadna or Sarel) since you turned 18.

Jewish Studies Students

You’re getting a major or a minor in Jewish studies at a secular college

If you’re part-time in a Jewish studies program that’s not in Israel

You’re full-time in a Jewish studies program which includes:

  • Jewish educational program
  • Jewish teaching program
  • Jewish communal service program
  • Yeshiva or seminary program
  • Rabbinical program

Looks like you’re eligible?! Complete your application now to secure your spot!

If you have any further questions, please email or call 212-613-8299.

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