Grants, vouchers available for travel to Israel

Applications for grants for Rhode Islanders and nearby Bay Staters to travel to Israel, as well as for RootOne vouchers for eligible teen summer trips to Israel, are now being accepted by several organizations.

Many groups that take teens to Israel will continue to operate this coming summer, though the trips may look a little different due to the Israel-Hamas war.

According to the BBYO website, the group has not canceled any of its summer teen trips to Israel. However, BBYO adds, “We will keep a careful watch on the situation and elevate the safety of our participants above all else. That said, we remain hopeful that by the summer, the Jewish homeland will once again be a place where Jewish teens can safely explore, connect and have fun together.”

A search of other trip providers’ websites essentially offers the same information. So be sure to look at specific websites for the latest updates.

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island offers grants for travel in Israel to those 26 or younger for scores of programs of all types, from a few weeks up to a year, including academic programs and internships. Needs-based scholarships are also available for current high school students, including for gap-year programs in Israel.

RootOne’s $3,000 vouchers are available for a limited number of teen summer programs. More trips are being approved by RootOne on a rolling basis. Check back regularly on its website, www.rootone.org, for your desired trip. If you need help finding a trip, email info@rootone.org and someone on the RootOne team will assist you.

To learn more about grants for travel to Israel for residents of Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts, go to https://www.jewishallianceri.org/connect/education-resources/israel-desk.