Who participates?
Sixteen-year-olds who have just finished GCSEs
Do I need a passport?
All participants need a passport that is valid for 6 months after the conclusion of the programme.
What is the typical group size? What about girls and boys?
The typical group ranges from 35 – 40 participants. While some groups are close to 50:50 male:female ratio – it is not unusual for there to be more girls than boys.
Will I be placed with all my friends?
RSY-Netzer will guarantee you being placed with at least one of your friends that you name on your Application Form.
Is Financial Assistance Avaliable?
We want to include as many people as possible. Financial assistance is available through the Movement for Reform Judaism (MRJ) and UJIA to applicants who can’t meet the full cost of the programme. The MRJ and UJIA aim to offer young people the opportunity to take part in our Israel Tour. The MRJ and UJIA bursary funds will assist individuals to the best of their ability based on a means tested process. The MRJ and UJIA Bursary Fund Committees guarantee complete confidentiality throughout the process and that the identities of the recipients of bursaries remain anonymous.
If you are in a financial situation where you are unable to afford the full cost of the programme, please download the financial assistance form here.
Financial Assistance forms must be sent to the RSY-Netzer office no later than Friday 29 January 2016. The £500 deposit must be sent with the Enrolment Form. Forms received after this date may not be considered. For more information contact Alyson Joseph on 020 8349 5666.
Who supervises the groups?
RSY-Netzer strives for the highest standard of staff supervision. Staff to participant ratio is at least 1:10. There are at least 4 staff members with each bus;
two RSY-Netzer leaders, an Israeli Tour Guide and an Israeli group leader and medic.
Each person selected to serve as an RSY-Netzer leader has extensive experience working with teens, knowledge of Israel, and often is a graduate of our camping system.
All staff members participate in a thorough staff training orientation covering issues of education, health, safety, security, community building and adolescent issues.
What about medical care?
Participants on our Israel Programmes are provided with basic medical insurance. The details of this insurance policy are available in the Important Information Booklet on the online registration form.
Can I hold my own medications?
Participants must hand in medications to their leaders along with a consent form. This medication will be looked after by the leaders who will hand it out as and when needed.
Are the programmes safe?
RSY-Netzer is exceedingly cautious and conservative. Itineraries are reviewed on a daily basis to ensure that all groups are travelling on the safest and most appropriate routes. Each bus group has a GPS mobile phone and is in daily contact with the office. Changes can be made on a moment’s notice. The tours are in touch with security authorities on a daily basis and their representatives are responsible for the safety of all youth trips.
Who can parents reach during the summer?
The RSY-Netzer Mekasheret in Israel is the primary contact for Israel Tour. This person is available 24 hours a day and can be in immediate contact with the groups in Israel if need be.
How about food and lodging?
Our groups stay in kibbutzim, guesthouses, youth centres, hotels and camping sites throughout Israel. There are usually 3 – 4 per room with a private bathroom – most places are air-conditioned. Our accommodation is safe and appropriate for teens. Participants are provided with three complete meals a day. All meals are kosher and veggie options are always available.
What about my valuables?
Passports and airplane tickets, are held for safekeeping by group leaders. Typically, participants bring £150 – £250 with them to Israel. We recommend using travellers cheques.
Don’t see your question answered here? E-mail ajoseph@rjuk.org and let us know – we’ll get the answer to you and on our FAQ page.
For more information please contact:
Alyson Joseph
020 8349 5666
ajoseph@rjuk.org