RSY-Netzer - The Zionist Youth Movement for Reform Judaism

A: 16 year olds who have just finished their GCSE year at school.

A: All participants need a passport that is valid for 6 months after the conclusion of the programme.

A: 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.

A: RSY-Netzer will guarantee you being placed with at least one of your friends that you name on your Application Form

A: The Movement for Reform Judaism works hard to provide a Financial Assistance Fund and endeavours to give everyone the opportunity to take part in RSY-Netzer events by providing financial assistance in addition to our partners the UJIA.

Financial assistance is available on our summer programmes for those who are unable to cover the whole cost of the programme. Funds are made available by the UJIA which believes that no child should miss the opportunity to take part in a UJIA Israel Experience programme due to financial circumstances. If you are in a financial situation where you are unable to afford the full cost of the programme, please tick the appropriate box on the Enrolment Form and you will be sent a Financial Assistance Application Form. The UJIA Israel Experience Bursary Fund will assist individuals to the best of its ability based on a means tested process. The UJIA Israel Experience Bursary Fund Committee guarantees complete confidentiality throughout the process and that the identities of the recipients of bursaries remain anonymous.

RSY-Netzer strives for the highest standard of staff supervision. Staff to participant ratio is at least 1:10. There are minimally 4 staff members with each bus.

• RSY-Netzer leader
• RSY-Netzer leader
• Israeli Tour Guide
• 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. Each team is comprised of: men and women, British and Israelis.

All staff members participate in a thorough staff training orientation covering issues of education, health, safety, security, community building and adolescent issues.

A: Participants on our Israel programs are provided with medical insurance that covers everything except pre-existing conditions. RSY-Netzer strives to provide the highest standard of medical care available.

A: 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.

A: 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.

A: 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.

A: Our groups stay in kibbutz guesthouses, youth centres, hotels and camping sights throughout Israel. Usually 3 - 4 per room with a private bath - most places are air-conditioned. Our accommodations are safe and appropriate for teens. Participants are provided with three complete meals a day. All meals are kosher and veggie options are always available

A: 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.