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. We also provide medical insurance for when you are with the group 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.

Applications are now open! Please note that you must apply to be accepted first (linked on our homepage). You will then schedule an interview and if you are accepted, you will receive a registration link to officially confirm your spot. Registration is open now until we fill up which we anticipate early March.

Yes, if you had an Alexander Muss High School in Israel experience, please contact EDalfen@jnf.org to see if you qualify for a $300 scholarship.

Volunteering opportunities may include, but are not limited to: planting, pruning, building, painting, harvesting, and working with children. A preliminary itinerary will be sent to you in November. 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. There will be a few opportunities to meet up with friends and family during the trip. Please speak with your trip leaders about when it will be best for you to meet up with friends and family.

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. Since Alternative Break is only 7 nights in Israel, you will still be eligible to participate on Birthright 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.

March- Applications is open until sold out 
October- Registration closes 
November 30th - All fundraising must be in

Once you are accepted, you will be connected with the travel agent from Traveland.
 

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.

Once you have applied for Alternative Break, you will have to interview and be accepted on to the program. Only after acceptance, will you officially register and create your fundraising page. Once your page is live, use social media to invite your friends to donate to your campaign. Please use the official JNF logo to promote your goals. Every online donation receives an automated email acknowledgment to be used for tax purposes. It is also a good idea to send a personal thank you note to everyone who contributes to your campaign. JNF staff will work with you to help you reach your goal.

Alternative Break has a component of fundraising, to help the projects that we are working on in the south. The money that is raised is 100% tax deductible and does not pay for any travel expenses. By fundraising, you are becoming a steward of Israel and helping the land and the people. The last day to fundraise will be March 30th, 2025 and you must have at least 5 unique donors. If your goal is not met, we will contact you and then charge your credit card on file for the difference. Your fundraising must be complete and taken care of, or your spot might go to someone on the waitlist. 

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 @JNFonCampus!.