Will I have Madrichim?
Hand picked, experienced Madrichim facilitate the educational processes and acclimatization into Israeli society. Madrichim will accompany the participants through the programme ; they are there to guide, to teach and to care… Israeli madrichim are chosen to facilitate the connection and integration into Israeli society. Madrichim are a crucial tool in this process acting as a bridge and facilitating the experience of IBC participants. We want participants to experience what it is like to ‘live’ in Israel as Israelis, and not as tourists.
Will I have any free time in Israel?
Israel By Choice is a structured programme but participants do have a large amount of free time, many of the weekends are free, and in addition there are vacation times during the hagim – Pesach and Sukkot.
Is it safe to be in Israel at this time?
Security and safety of Israel By Choice participants is of ultimate importance. Israel By Choice updates its participants with changes in the security situation and is in constant contact with the Jewish Agency’s Security Team, and through them the Israeli Defense Force and Israeli Government.
What about Shabbatot and Chagim?
Israel By Choice would like to create an environment where all participants feel comfortable with their ‘Jewish expression’. We do not require religious observance of any individual, yet no programme activities are contrary to the Laws of Shabbat. There will be group Shabbatot as well as options to celebrate some of the Chagim together, creating a warm ‘family’ environment.
Adoptive Families?
Participants will be ‘adopted’ by Israeli families with whom they can choose to spend free weekends and Chagim. They will become part of the Israeli family where they can truly create a ‘home away form home’.
Can family and friends come visit me during the programme?
While we do encourage family and friends to come visit you while you are in Israel we do ask that this is arranged with as little disruption to the participant, the programme and host community. We Prefer family and friends to come visit during the chofesh time and if this is not possible to make suitable arrangements ahead of time with the programme.
What kind of environment can I expect on IBC?
IBC has the advantage of offering an open environment and positive Jewish experience.
Will there be people from different countries on IBC?
IBC is being marketed to Australians, South Africans, New Zealand and English. As well as interacting with participants from other countries, there is a very strong emphasis on the interaction with Israelis. IBC will have a close relationship with an Israeli pre-army leadership academy (Mechina Kdam Zvaii). This is an opportunity to mix with boys/girls your own age religious and non religious who have also taken a year 'out' to spend time developing themselves, exploring and learning. There will be seminars, programmes, shabbatot and tiyulim together.
Will I learn Hebrew while in Israel ?
IBC will include a short intensive Ulpan in the beginning of the programme; Hebrew lessons will also take place throughout the programme. We view Hebrew as an important key to open the doors to Israeli society and culture.