Important Information

For a more detailed explination please click here to download our Important Information Booklet

Communication with Parents

RSY-Netzer knows how important contact with your child is when they are far away. To facilitate regular contact, each participant will be required to rent a mobile phone for the duration of the Shnat Netzer year. We recommend that participants get a phone or SIM card through ‘Israel Phones’ (web link). ‘Israel Phones’ is an Israeli company which provides phones or SIM cards to participants on educational programmes in Israel. They have very competitive rates and their numbers are cheaper to call from abroad. They also have the added benefit of providing free calls between Shnat Netzer participants and staff.

Additionally, weekly group updates will be emailed to families of participants. RSY-Netzer, The Movement for Reform Judaism and Shnat Netzer staff are available at all times to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

The Role of RSY-Netzer

Shnat Netzer is a joint programme of RSY-Netzer and Netzer Olami, the International Reform Zionist Youth Movement. By partnering with Netzer Olami, we have created a culturally meaningful and exciting programme for recent school graduates. Programme participants are under the supervision and authority of Netzer Olami.

Safety & Security

RSY-Netzer, The Movement for Reform Judaism and Shnat Netzer staff are available 24 hours a day throughout the programme. All itineraries and travel plans (group and individual) are reviewed daily to ensure safety. Shnat Netzer uses the Jewish Agency’s guidelines for security and aspires to the highest standards of safety and security and has a well deserved reputation for care and caution in designing and implementing Israel programmes. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.

Guidelines

Upon arrival in Israel, staff members guide participants in a thorough review of the safety and security regulations they are responsible for following. Participants receive instructions on how to contact staff as well as security personnel, review of travel procedures, and learn how to be aware of their surroundings while out and about. Security updates are regularly provided throughout the year.

Travel & Transportation

All trips, activities and events are planned in coordination with security personnel and the appropriate Israeli Authorities such as the Nature and Parks Reserve, the Israeli army and the Israeli police. Private transportation will be arranged for all official programme activities.

Vacations & Free Time

During the Shnat Netzer year participants will have vacation at three different points during the year. During all vacation and free time participants must continue to follow the rules and regulations set forth by the Shnat Netzer Director. This includes avoiding areas designated as off-limits and maintaining contact with the Shnat Netzer Director as to participant whereabouts at all times.

During the extended holiday breaks, we encourage families to visit Israel so that they can begin to experience and explore Israel with their children. Participants will be allowed to leave Israel only with the express written consent of the Shnat Netzer Director and a “signing off” form from their parents.

Please note that food will not be provided during vacation periods.

Health Insurance

All participants will by covered by health insurance while in Israel. The coverage in Israel is basic medical coverage and does not cover prescription medications, pre-existing conditions, allergy shots, expenses associated with chronic diseases or counselling services.

Supervision and Staff

All Shnat Netzer groups are supervised during the entire programme by the Shnat Netzer Director, individual Experience directors and at least 2 group leaders. In addition to the Shnat Netzer staff, RSY-Netzer staff are available 24 hours a day to both participants and parents.

Accommodation

During all programme experiences, participants will be housed in group housing with dorm-like bedrooms and bathrooms. At all Programme Experience locations furniture, bedding and kitchen implements will be provided. Participants will be responsible for providing their own sheets. Participants are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their rooms and for respecting the rights of others to quiet and privacy.