1. Do I need to have had a COVID-19 vaccine to participate?

For programs starting on or after November 1, 2022: No, participants will no longer be required to be vaccinated in order to participate in an Onward Israel Program.

For programs starting before November 1, 2022: Yes, Onward Israel participants may only participate in a program if they are fully vaccinated with *2 or more World Health Organization (WHO) approved vaccines. The last dose must have been administered more than 14 days prior to your arrival in Israel. *Or 1 dose of a WHO single dose vaccine. For more information, please refer to our COVID guidelines.

2. Do I need to take a COVID-19 test before I go on my program to Israel?

No. The government of Israel no longer requires you to perform a PCR test / antigen test before arrival in Israel. However, participants should stay up to date with our COVID guidelines in case entry or program requirements change.

3. What if I test positive during the program?

If you do not feel well during the program, you may be asked to take a home antigen test. If your result comes out positive you will have to go into immediate quarantine and conduct an official antigen test. Your program organizer will help arrange this for you. Your quarantine period starts on the day you conduct the official antigen test. For more information, please read our COVID guidelines.

4. Do I need a COVID-19 test before I return to my home country?

Currently, most countries do not require a COVID test (PCR/antigen) before arrival. However, we advise participants to check with the airline of their departure flight and ministry of health (of their destination country) to review all entry requirements.

5. How is Onward Israel making its health and safety decisions?

We are working closely with Israel’s Ministry of Health and will maintain the highest level of precautions on our trips  and adjust whenever necessary.

6. How are decisions about program cancellations and/or shifts to Remote made?

Onward Israel is committed to providing young adults meaningful and exciting resume building experiences in Israel in a safe and secure way. Decisions about cancellation and/or a shift to remote are not made lightly. They are made in accordance with Israeli and global safety and security guidelines.

Specifics about the date at which a decision to shift a program to remote and/or cancel it can be found on the program specific webpage. 

6. How will social distancing guidelines affect my program if they are still in place in Israel?

Safety and security of our participants is our number one priority at Onward Israel. We will follow all guidelines put in place by the Israeli government. This includes, but is not limited to, limiting the number of participants per apartment, limiting the number of participants per bus for tour days, extra cleaning supplies given at the start of the program and extra cleaning crews brought into apartment before participants arrive

7. Will I keep my internship if the program becomes entirely Remote? 

As mentioned, throughout the internship matching process you will be able to discuss your interests and desires with your internship coordinator and our goal is to provide one internship placement for the entire duration of the program. That said, as the nature of work can shift from in person to remote, there is a possibility that your placement will change. 

8. Will I receive a refund if the program becomes entirely Remote?

If the program becomes entirely remote, the program fee will be reduced to $150 and you will be refunded for the difference. Onward Israel is not responsible for other costs incurred, including the purchase of your flight. 

9. Can I withdraw from the program if it becomes entirely Remote?

If the program becomes entirely remote, you can withdraw and you will receive a full refund of the program fee. 

10. What do remote education and enrichment sessions entail?

At the core of Onward Israel’s vision is the opportunity for all participants to engage in a meaningful way with issues and topics connected to personal-professional development, to deepening Israel engagement and fluency, and to Jewish identity and identification.

Onward Israel will offer a variety of on-line activities, all sessions will last for about an hour and will include both presentation and interactive sections.

11. What does a typical week on the program look like while in Israel?

Please refer to the above sections in the FAQ for specifics regarding in person program elements