Shalom, Israel!

We will take a commercial flight from Chicago to Tel Aviv, with a connection in New York. Chicago to JFK is about 2.5 hours, and the overnight flight from New York to Tel Aviv is roughly 10.5 hours.

Travelers must have a valid passport, which should be valid for at least 90 days beyond our entry date of April 13, 2026 (through July 2026). Passport information will need to be submitted before the trip via CampInTouch so Keshet can secure the travel visa for each participant.

Participants will stay at two homebase hotels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. They will be well-known hotels with great amenities and facilities. Everyone will share rooms, and accommodations are designed to provide comfort and a stable base throughout the trip.

Tailor Made is an experienced Israel tour provider with more than 25 years in the travel industry. They specialize in planning and leading customized group tours across Israel, including as an official provider for Birthright Israel trips as well as trips for people with disabilties. Tailor Made’s team of professional guides and local experts supports logistics, transportation and sightseeing throughout the trip. Keshet has worked closely with them to create an itinerary that includes all the must‑see experiences while meeting the needs of our participants.

Israel is known for its amazing food, from legendary hotel breakfasts to shawarma stands and Aroma coffee along the way. To make sure everyone can enjoy it, all meals are included in the trip price. Some meals will be pre-planned, while others allow participants to choose what they order.

Travelers will be responsible for purchasing their own food on travel days as well as additional treats and snacks.

The safety and well-being of participants is our top priority. We will follow strict safety and security standards set by the Israel Defense Force’s (IDF) Homefront Command. Guidelines include travel boundaries, protocols for sirens, personal safety rules, and more. Trip itineraries are approved daily by the “Situation Monitoring Room,” which works closely with Israel’s security forces and local authorities to ensure a safe experience.

The total cost of the trip is $9,100. A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. At least $7,200 must be paid by February 9, 2026. Please contact Katherine if you need a custom payment plan.

Please note that Keshet is not able to provide financial assistance for this trip.

Payments made after February 9 are non-refundable. Refunds requested before February 9 will be issued minus the $500 deposit.

Yes! Participants are welcome to bring electronics including phones, headphones or larger devices, especially if they help with regulation or enjoyment. Devices should be labeled and participants are responsible for them. During daytime activities, unnecessary electronics will be kept in hotel rooms, but phones and headphones can come along for music, photos or videos. For phone usage in Israel, check with your service provider—some carriers like AT&T charge a daily fee for data. Wi-Fi will be available whenever possible.

Participants can bring the amount of spending money they are comfortable with and will be responsible for managing it. Staff will assist with exchanging money to the local currency upon arrival in Israel. We recommend bringing enough for souvenirs, extra snacks, and any personal preferences—especially if your participant is a picky eater and may want to buy preferred snacks.

Basic luggage and medical insurance is included in the trip price, provided through Harel and Chai Travel Assistance Services. The policy covers basic medical needs, some pre-existing conditions, and lost, damaged, or stolen baggage up to $800.

Trip insurance is optional. For those interested, additional coverage can be purchased through Traveland. To request a quote or ask questions, email [email protected] with the subject line “Keshet Group” and include the code KES26ISRAE. Quotes must be requested within 13 days of registration. Please note that Acts of War are not covered under this insurance plan.

Polly Cheeseman will be the main point of contact for families during the trip. She will provide updates when the group lands in cities and arrives or departs hotels. Families can also follow the trip through regular updates on our photos page or Keshet’s social media.