FAQ

JNF-USA has been operating Alternative Break trips for 20 years. We have consistently met the needs of Jewish college students 18-24 years of age who want to participate in Israel volunteer programs for college students. We find a balance on our trips between independent time and group activities. Through JNF-USA’s partnerships across Israel, our participants are given access to different types of volunteerism which include helping the environment, working with children, supporting people with special needs, and assisting minority groups.

This is a subsidized trip to Israel. You are responsible for raising a minimum of $2,200 from 5 separate individuals. The money raised supports the projects you are volunteering on as part of our Blueprint Negev Campaign. A $360 non-refundable registration fee is required for all participants. Once you reach your fundraising minimum, JNF-USA is committed to sponsoring your trip to Israel, including airfare to Israel, accommodations, most meals, and ground transportation in Israel. Although JNF-USA covers most expenses, we recommend you bring spending money for snacks, and up to 1 independent meal per day. Please keep in mind you are responsible for booking and paying for your own domestic transportation to and from the group flight.

Yes, if you had an Alexander Muss High School in Israel experience, please contact education@jnf.org to see if you qualify for a $400 scholarship.

Volunteering opportunities may include, but are not limited to: planting, pruning, building, painting, harvesting, and working with children. Our main focus is volunteering, but we do have other activities and site visits built into the trip. They may include tours relevant to the work of JNF-USA, team building activities, hikes, and Shabbat-friendly activities. We do our best to balance time for volunteering, fun activities, and free time.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. Alternative Break is not intended as an introduction to Israel. While you may join us even if you have not previously been to Israel, you need to be aware that this is not a typical touring trip. We concentrate our efforts on one region in Israel and make the most of our volunteer time there. If you have never been to Israel, we strongly suggest that you register and participate on Birthright Israel prior to Alternative Break so you can first take advantage of your FREE 10-day trip. Alternative Break is a week-long community service trip where you volunteer in Israel.

We operate under extensive safety precautions and have developed a program that is as safe, secure, meaningful, and fun as possible.

Neither Jewish National Fund-USA nor Alternative Break is affiliated with any specific denomination of Judaism. Our Jewish participants come from all streams of Judaism, and we ask that everyone is respectful of each person and their practices during our time together. During Shabbat we respect the day of rest and do not work or travel. We provide a few religious service options. There will be considerable free time for participants to sleep or hang out with their friends. All provided meals are certified Kosher by the local Rabbinate. We will do our best to accommodate all Kosher requests or always have a vegetarian option.

The $360 registration fee for all participants is non-refundable.

Once you are accepted, you will be connected with the travel agent at Traveland to coordinate your travel. All students will be booked only on El Al to and from Israel.

You are responsible for your own primary health insurance and making sure it covers you while you are abroad. If you do not have health insurance that covers you abroad, you must purchase insurance that will cover you abroad. You can purchase travel insurance for this trip through Traveland.

A cell phone is absolutely necessary for the week. You must be able to make calls and send texts, data is also preferred. One option is to bring your own and make arrangements ahead of time with your local carrier to be able to use it in Israel. If you need a sim card or to rent a cell phone, we will send you a link before the trip to pre pay or you can purchase from the kiosk 019 Mobile at Ben Gurion airport and you will pick up your pre-ordered equipment before departing on the bus.

Each participant is responsible for raising a minimum of $2,200 from at least 5 unique donors for JNF-USA's Israel Resilience Campaign which is dedicated to rehabilitating the North and South of Israel. Your fundraising page is created upon registration by you putting a $360 non-refundable donation that will be applied to your fundraising goal. The fundraising goal must be met 2 weeks before the trip. if it is not finished by that time you will be responsible for providing us with a payment method to complete your fundraiser. The money that is raised is 100% tax deductible and does not pay for any travel expenses.

You can spread the word using all platforms you use to connect with your friends and family. Social media tends to be the best way to promote this trip and your fundraising efforts. Follow and tag us at @JNFCampus!.