If you’ve been looking for a reason to finally get to Israel, or to go back, this is it. YeahThatsKosher has partnered with Israel Free Spirit to organize a group Birthright Israel Volunteer trip open to Jewish adults ages 25–75. This is a fully subsidized, 8-day trip to Israel that combines meaningful volunteer work with touring, community, and an experience that’s unlike any other trip you’ll take.
We’re going to Israel. We want you with us.
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What is a Birthright Israel Volunteer Trip?
This is not your standard Birthright trip. The Birthright Israel Volunteer program is designed for adults who want to contribute something while they’re in Israel, not just tour. You’ll spend 4–6 hours per day (including travel time) doing hands-on volunteer work in areas like agriculture, logistics, social support, and rebuilding. The rest of your time is spent touring, learning, and experiencing Israel with your group.
The program includes two full-day trips: one in the North and one in the South, including a visit to the Nova site. These are two of the most powerful days on the itinerary.
About Israel Free Spirit
Israel Free Spirit is the Orthodox Union’s official Birthright Israel trip organizer, operating since 1999. As one of the most established and trusted trip providers in the Birthright Israel network, Israel Free Spirit has brought thousands of Jewish adults from across North America to Israel over more than 25 years. Since October 7, 2023 alone, the program has brought nearly 4,000 young Jewish adults to Israel. The OU’s track record with Israel Free Spirit includes running dozens of trips per season across a wide range of formats, from classic 10-day tours to niche interest trips, special needs programming through Yachad, and now the Volunteer in Israel program. Israel Free Spirit has consistently ranked among the top Birthright Israel organizers in participant satisfaction, and its experienced staff and on-the-ground infrastructure are what make a trip like this possible.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to Jewish adults ages 25–75.
If you were born in Israel or lived there previously, you must have left more than 8 years ago to be eligible. This trip is designed for people across all stages of life who want to show up for Israel right now.
What Does It Cost?
The program fee is $975, which covers a lot. Here’s what’s included:
- Roundtrip group flight to Israel, from JFK or EWR (for Americans & Canadians)
- Does not include the cost of connecting flights to NYC
- Accommodations in Jerusalem (triple occupancy) plus 1 night in the North, with dinner included that evening
- All volunteer placements (agriculture, logistics, social, rebuilding)
- Two full-day tours: North and South (Nova)
- Geopolitical speaker session
- Daily breakfast
- Shabbat dinner
- Ground transportation to volunteer sites and airport transfers
- Health insurance (non-pre-existing conditions)
- On-the-ground support staff throughout the trip
If you have already received a flight subsidy through a previous Birthright Israel Volunteer trip, you’ll need to purchase your own flight. In that case, your program fee is $275 instead of $975.
Room Upgrades
Standard accommodations are triple occupancy, included in the base price. If you’d prefer more space, upgrades are available:
- Double room: +$25 per person, per night
- Single room: +$100 per person, per night
Hotels used for past groups have included Jerusalem Gate, Jerusalem Gardens, Montefiore, and Eyal Hotel.
Extending Your Trip
Want to stay in Israel longer?
- You can extend your return ticket for a base fee of $150.
- Note that outbound flights cannot be changed, tickets are non-upgradeable, and seats are assigned at check-in.
- Extension policies vary by airline and are set by Birthright Israel’s contracts with the carriers.
Cancellation Policy
If you are on the group flight ($975) and need to cancel 66 days or more before departure, you are eligible for a $950 refund (the $25 registration fee is non-refundable). If you cancel within 65 days of departure after being officially accepted, you forfeit the full $975.
If you purchased your own flight ($275) and cancel 66 days or more before the group departure date, you are eligible for a $250 refund. If you cancel within 65 days, you forfeit the full $275.
How to Apply
Spots are limited and will fill up. Here’s how the process works:
- Submit your application using the link below.
- Complete registration and pay the $975 (or $275 if bringing your own flight) to reserve your spot.
- You’ll receive an official acceptance email confirming your participation.
Ready to go? Apply here: www.israelfreespirit.com/yeahthatskosher
Questions before you apply? You can also fill out the interest form below and we’ll be in touch:
