Eligibility

You are eligible for the Taglit-Birthright Israel gift if you are Jewish. This means that:

• You are recognized as Jewish by the Jewish community
• You are recognized as Jewish by one of the recognized denominations of Judaism
• At least one parent is Jewish and you are not practicing another religion
• You converted to Judaism (proof of conversion required)

There are certain age and previous Israel travel restrictions as well. These include...

• You must be at least 18 years old, but cannot be enrolled in high school at the time of your trip.
• If you are not yet 27 by May 1, 2012 you are considered eligible.
• If you are registered as a full time student in Jewish Studies programs in any institute of higher learning, you will no longer be eligible for the Taglit-Birthright Israel gift (This includes Jewish Teacher Training Programs, Jewish Studies programs, Rabbinic programs, Yeshivot/Seminaries, Jewish Communal Service programs, etc.)
• You have never been to Israel on an organized peer educational tour/program after the age of 12.
• You have not lived in Israel since the age of 12.

Important Notes and Exceptions:

• If you were on the March of The Living, you are still eligible but you must be 22 or older.
• If you were on a peer educational trip that was for 5 days or less, you ARE eligible.
• If you participated in the Maccabiah Games, you ARE eligible.
• If you were born in Israel or are an Israeli citizen and you have not lived in Israel since the age of 12 (proof of time outside of Israel required)