Birthright resuming trips to Israel for vaccinated or recovered US Jews from May
Source: Times of Israel
After a yearlong hiatus, Birthright Israel will resume its trips to the Holy Land, the organization announced Tuesday. Starting in May, vaccinated or recovered participants from the United States will be able to travel to Israel to participate in a 10-day tour. Birthright discontinued its trips in March 2020 due to COVID-19.
The free 10-day trip takes participants throughout the country — from the stone streets of Jerusalem and the beaches of Tel Aviv to the ancient plateaus of Masada and the Golan Heights.
Participants will be required to present a negative PCR test before they fly and undergo a serological test upon arrival in Israel, which tests for antibodies. They will also be asked to maintain social distancing and mask-wearing measures in accordance with the Health Ministry guidelines. Groups will be limited to 20 participants, half the size of Birthright groups pre-pandemic.
Birthright Israel announced that over 400 tour groups are planned for July, August and October. It also expects dozens of trips to take place in May and June.
Before COVID-19 stopped Birthright’s operations, the organization provided tours for over 750,000 young Jewish Adults hailing from 68 countries.
To be eligible, participants must have at least one Jewish parent or have converted to Judaism, and be between the ages of 18 and 32.
Read more at the Times of Israel.