FAQ — Community Mission to Israel | Jewish Federation of Broward County

Why should I travel with the Jewish Federation?

The Jewish Federation has access to resources and partners that can make for an amazing first-class experience. Plus, travel with the Jewish Federation is a great way to connect, not only with Israel, but with people and activities in Broward County – and to continue to grow your connection and relationship with Israel upon your return. Together with our partners in Israel, we can provide you with an inside, close a personal view of life in Israel and the Middle East. Whether this is your first time, or whether you are a repeat visitor, you will see new things and meet new people – and create memories that will last a lifetime.

What are the travel requirements for Israel?

Passport Validity:
All travelers to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end of their trip. Please check your passport’s expiration date and renew it if necessary.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL):
As of January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to Israel for tourism or business (for stays up to 90 days) are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before departure

The ETA-IL can be submitted online and costs ₪25 (approximately $7).

It is valid for two years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.

Travelers are encouraged to apply at least 72 hours before travel.

To learn more, check eligibility or start your application, please visit: https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/

Visiting Other Countries?
If your itinerary includes destinations beyond Israel, please consult the respective consulates or a visa agency to determine if additional visas or travel authorizations are required.

I've never been to Israel before; is this the best trip for me?

Absolutely! The Jewish Federation is a one stop shop for Jewish life and culture. With years of experience planning trips to Israel we are the best at making your first visit to Israel a memorable experience. Our trip is being put together by experts, and is designed to give you a holistic overview of life in Israel. You will get to witness our community’s impact on life in Israel - up close and personal. We live and breathe Judaism daily with Israel at the center, and therefore can provide you with the most meaningful journey.

I have been to Israel before; is this the best trip for me?

Why should I travel with a group?

Our missions are the ultimate bonding experience for our Jewish community. You will form friendships to last a lifetime. You get the benefit of personalized, VIP service along with group pricing. You will have access to certain sites and personalities that would be difficult to see on your own. You get the benefit of experienced tour leaders. You also don’t have to worry about most meals, transportation, portage, or the itinerary; we take care of that.

What will SECURITY be like on the trip? Should I be concerned about my safety?

The safety and well-being of participants is our top priority during this trip. Experienced travelers know that there are no guarantees when it comes to travel or safety anywhere, we are taking all appropriate precautions to organize a safe and successful program.

While Israel is in a tough neighborhood in the Middle East, life in Israel these days is rich and vibrant. Over the years, we have perfected our skills in providing top level programming and service, while at the same time maintaining the highest safety and security standards possible. This is how we do it:

During the initial preparation stages of any trip, we make sure that the routes and sites suggested are accessible and appropriate in terms of safety and security for tour visits.
The day prior to a group’s arrival, the entire trip route is vetted by relevant security personnel and our staff.
Each day throughout the trip, prior to departure from the hotel, our team consults Israeli security authorities to verify that the trip route is acceptable and accessible on that given day.
We are in constant contact with Israeli security and safety officials and receive daily and sometimes hourly updates about all areas of the country.
We work with security companies, all licensed by the Israeli Ministry of Justice, whose employees are all individually licensed and trained for personal protection. When recommended by security authorities, we will have an armed guard escorting the group; this is a precaution and not a necessity.
The safety and security of our participants is our utmost concern. If for any reason, we believe that routes need to be changed, altered or cancelled, we will not hesitate to do so.

Most importantly, when it comes to safety and security, we relate to participants as we would members of our family, with the same level of concern and desire to make sure that they have the best possible time while traveling through Israel.

Do I need TRAVEL and HEALTH insurance?

Getting insurance can be a very good thing for travel, but you need to do your homework. Also, when thinking about insurance, there are two different things to consider: do you want travel insurance in case you need to cancel your trip, or do you need additional health insurance for coverage when you travel abroad? You might need both, and some travel policies cover both - but you need to ask and read the details...as many policies only cover one or the other and can be quite specific about eligibility.

A few recommended companies:

We urge you to purchase cancellation insurance & supplemental medical coverage (which covers preexisting conditions). This is a smart way to safeguard against life's surprises.

We strongly urge travelers to check international coverage through their current health insurance provider as they are responsible for any and all personal medical expenses during the course of the trip.

Is the trip handicapped accessible?

Presently the trip and our transportation are not set up for someone traveling full-time in a wheelchair or with serious mobility issues. If you use a wheelchair or scooter full-time, please contact us immediately to discuss options before you book.

While many sites in Israel are handicapped-accessible, this means they have ramps or elevators. Some still have dirt paths or uneven stone walkways. Please keep this in mind. Where possible, we will make arrangements to minimize the walking required, though if you are uncomfortable with certain elements of the program requiring walking, you can remain with the bus or at a convenient location to the tour.

IF YOU HAVE ANY MOBILITY ISSUES OR CONCERNS, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO REACH OUT AND DISCUSS YOUR INDIVIDUAL SITUATION WITH OUR TEAM TO BE CLEAR ABOUT EXPECTATIONS AND WHAT OPTIONS ARE.

Can I use my cell phone in Israel?

Yes, you can use your cell phone in Israel, but there are a few things to consider:

International Roaming: Most major carriers offer international roaming plans that include Israel. Check with your provider before departure to understand the costs and coverage. Roaming without a plan can be very expensive.
Local SIM Cards: Many travelers choose to purchase an Israeli SIM card upon arrival. This can be a more affordable option for calls, texts, and data. You’ll need an unlocked phone to use a local SIM.
eSIM Options: If your phone supports eSIM, you can purchase and activate an Israeli data plan online before or during your trip, without needing a physical SIM card.
Wi-Fi Access: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public areas, which can help reduce your data usage.
Messaging Apps: Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and iMessage work well over Wi-Fi or data, and are commonly used in Israel for communication.

When will the itinerary be finalized?

While a draft itinerary is currently available for this trip, it is subject to change up until the activities actually take place. We will share regular itinerary updates until the week before the trip. Even then, the itinerary is subject to change based on a variety of factors, including scheduling, traffic, other opportunities and safety considerations. Our goal is to be as accurate and prepared as possible, giving a good representation of what we will do on the program, and recognizing that flexibility is essential.

How does the trip deal with Shabbat and keeping kosher?

The trip is designed to accommodate travelers who keep Shabbat and/or kosher – though we expect a diverse crowd of participants, including many who don’t. All group meals on the program are certified Kosher under the Rabbanut in Israel, and all official programs are shomer Shabbat. Friday night, we will welcome Shabbat and then have a festive Shabbat dinner. During Shabbat day, in addition to provided walking tour options and information about local synagogues, there will be options for people to chart their own course should they choose – and they can work with our hostess on-site to arrange day trips like visiting museums or just lounging by the pool.

When can I see my family and friends on the trip?

Can we travel on our own during the program apart from the group? What if we want to relax on our own one day?

While we do not plan on forcing anyone to do anything, every effort has been made to put together a well-balanced itinerary and holistic trip experience. It is challenging to keep track of folks who go off on their own during the course of the program, adds an extra burden on trip staff to keep track of shifting participants, and detracts from the group dynamic we hope will develop during this trip. Other than in the case of illness or extreme circumstances, we ask and encourage all participants to remain with the group during the organized program.

What should I bring and pack?

Dress is generally casual and informal. We suggest that you bring comfortable, easily laundered clothing. Layers are recommended year-round as weather can vary during the day. Comfortable walking shoes are a must! A sweater or light jacket are recommended even in the summer, as Jerusalem can get chilly at night, and in winter, bring a warm jacket and umbrella. Don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.

To be respectful of religious sites, when in Jerusalem and in Tzfat, as well as on during Shabbat, men should consider wearing slacks and a polo or button-down shirt; women should wear a nice, festive outfit, either a skirt or pants, that cover the knees and a top with sleeves below the elbow. It is customary to wear white on Shabbat in Israel.

For women – have an easy, packable skirt, scarf and light shawl for covering up in Israel’s holy places. Throw it in your bag in the morning and you’re ready for whatever stops you make.

Expensive jewelry, electronics and other valuables should be kept to a minimum. If you bring any of these items, please pack them, your passport and a sufficient supply of any prescription medications you are taking, in your carry-on luggage. Once in Israel, we suggest placing your valuables in the hotel safe.

To ensure you can use your personal electrical appliances safely in Israel, a travel adapter is required. You'll need to pack a Type H plug adapter. Israel operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

How much luggage can I take?

Transatlantic generally flights allow one (1) checked piece of luggage per person and one (1) carry-on bag. Please check your carrier’s regulations as to the weight and size of the bags.

Security checks are routinely carried out for your protection and safety. Expect to be asked about the contents of your luggage – whether you packed your bags yourself and were they in a supervised place before reaching the airport. Do not take any mail, packages or unknown items from anyone before or after arriving at the airport.

What spending money will I need?

That depends on how much you like to spend! The New Israeli Shekel (NIS) is Israel's legal tender; you can change money at the airport. Credit cards are widely accepted, as are most bank ATM cards at Israeli banks (note – you will need a 4-digit pin).

Meals on your own can range from $15 to $50, depending on your tastes. Shopping and gift prices can also vary. While you can change money at the airport and at the hotels, most ATMs work and give you the best exchange rate, as does MasterCard, Visa and American Express. Check your credit card companies, though, as they often charge foreign transaction fees (except American Express Gold/Platinum, Capital One, and select other cards).

What's the deal with electricity?

What will the weather be like?

Israel enjoys long, warm, dry summers (April-October) and generally mild winters (November-March) with somewhat drier, cooler weather in hilly regions, such as Jerusalem and Safed. Rainfall is relatively heavy in the north and center of the country, with much less in the northern Negev and almost negligible amounts in the southern areas.

Regional conditions vary considerably, with humid summers and mild winters on the coast; dry summers and moderately cold winters in the hill regions; hot dry summers and pleasant winters in the Jordan Valley; and year-round semi-desert conditions in the Negev.

Weather extremes range from occasional winter snowfall in the mountain regions to periodic oppressively hot dry winds that send temperatures soaring, particularly in spring and autumn. The good news is that we travel on luxury, air-conditioned and heated buses throughout the trip.

Table of average temperatures in major cities in Israel:

What are gratuities like in Israel?

Tipping in Israel is a personal gesture and should reflect the quality of service you receive. While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary and appreciated. Below are some general guidelines to help you navigate gratuities during your trip. Tips can be given in Israeli Shekels (₪) or US Dollars ($).

Group Tours

For group tours, it’s customary to tip $15 per day, which covers the tour guide, security guard, bus driver, and hostess. For our trip, this would total approximately $125.
However, gratuities for mission personnel are already included in your trip cost—so there’s no need to worry about tipping them separately. That said, if you feel inclined to tip more, you are absolutely welcome to do so!

Private Guides

If you’ve hired a private guide, it’s customary to tip at the end of your tour.
We recommend a minimum of $60 per day per car (not per person) for groups of up to 6 passengers.
This is a guideline only—please tip based on your experience and satisfaction.

Hotels

Tipping hotel staff is similar to practices in other countries:
Bellboys/Porters: Tip per bag.
Housekeeping: A small daily tip is appreciated.

Private Drivers & Taxis

Private Drivers: If they’ve provided excellent service, a tip is appreciated.
Taxis: Tipping is not expected. Simply rounding up the fare is sufficient.

Restaurants: Tipping & Billing Etiquette

A 20% tip is standard, depending on the service and type of restaurant.
Before paying by credit card, let your server know if you’d like to add a tip. You can specify a fixed amount or a percentage.
Once the card is charged, gratuity cannot be added.
Cash tips (in shekels or dollars) are especially appreciated.
Note: In Israel, servers typically do not bring the bill automatically. When you're ready to pay, simply ask for it—this is part of the local hospitality culture that encourages a relaxed dining experience.

Are there other helpful hints for me to know?

Always ask your taxi driver to turn on the meter in the city. It is the law, but they may try to negotiate a “fixed price” which will almost certainly be higher than the meter.
Inter-city taxi travel is based on a fixed price – no meter necessary.
There is a great app in Israel like Uber for ordering cabs: GettTaxi.
Please carry drinking water with you at all times – the sun can be really hot. The tap water in Israel is very clean and safe to drink!
Please wear hats and sunscreen when you are out and about.
Make sure your valuables are secure on your person as pickpockets can be an issue in crowded places (particularly in and around the Old City). Men should carry wallets in their front pockets. Purses or handbags should be carried across your shoulder and securely closed.

What is the time difference between Florida and Israel?

Are there helpful phrases I should know?

A Journey Through Resilience and Revival

In the wake of October 7, 2023, Israel has emerged transformed—scarred, yet stronger. This mission invites you to witness the rebirth of a nation and stand in solidarity with its people. Join us for a powerful, immersive experience that blends history, healing, and hope.