INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP SEMINAR IN ISRAEL (ILSI)

Leading and Learning in the Land of Israel

Information

BBYO STANDS WITH ISRAEL

Connection with and travel to Israel have always been part of BBYO's values, and continue to be so. Our commitment to providing a safe and enriching experience for teens remains steadfast. We will update our community as we keep in contact with our Israel trip providers and security contacts. We are hopeful for a renewed chance for even more teens to safely explore, give back, and have fun together in the Jewish homeland in Summer 2025. Read about our safety measures →

OVERVIEW

Designed for BBYO members worldwide, ILSI is an elite leadership seminar that offers a transformative summer of growth, using Israel’s complex realities as a powerful backdrop for learning and development.

DESTINATION: Israel
TRAVEL DATES


Jun 25 - Jul 16, 2025  Available

current grades CURRENT GRADES: 10-12
COMMUNITY SERVICE: ~6 Hours
DURATION: 22 Days

Not a BBYO member but interested in travel to Israel? Check out your program options here.

PROGRAM FEES
LAND COST: $6,560

Airfare cost to and from Israel is not included in the land cost. Flight information will become available in the spring. Need-based scholarships are available.

RootOne

This program is eligible for a $3,000 RootOne voucher. On ILSI, the voucher is only available for teens in grades 9–11. Find additional voucher details and requirements here.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • Accommodations (hotel, kibbutz & desert tent)
  • All meals
  • All programming
  • Private transportation
  • Security escort & monitoring
  • Medical insurance
  • Laundry service
  • Gratuity for program staff
EXPLORE MORE

DETAILS

ILSI offers an elite leadership experience that immerses teens in the dynamic and complex society of Israel. Amid the ongoing conflict, participants will engage with leaders and communities directly impacted by current events, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges and resilience of the Jewish homeland. This program brings together Jewish teens from around the world, fostering deep discussions about Israel’s role as a democracy in the Middle East and the critical issues it faces today.


What Makes ILSI Shine?
  • Personalized Experience: Teens have the opportunity to tailor their journey—choosing from various tracks and tours, and actively participating in planning programming for their peers.
  • Global Perspectives: Engage in meaningful conversations with peers from different countries, enhancing your understanding of how global issues, including the ongoing conflict, affect Jewish communities worldwide in diverse ways.
  • Leadership for Life: ILSI is the perfect culmination for teens ready to transform their BBYO leadership experience into a lifelong commitment to Jewish leadership.

WHY ILSI?
This program is the culmination of BBYO's leadership experiences for Jewish teens. It takes everything taught at our Camp Leadership programs and puts it to practical use, with Israel as the background for learning. There are several aspects of the trip that make it different from other experiences offered by BBYO Passport.

Small-Group Learning—Experience personalized education in small clusters with a senior educator. Within these groups, teens will participate in deep discussions and reflections, ensuring a close-knit, supportive learning environment.

Global Jewish Peoplehood—Meet Jewish teens from North America, Europe, Israel, and other countries around the world. Live the value of Kol Yisrael Arevim Ze La Ze (we’re all responsible for one another) in a truly global context.

Jewish Leadership Modeling—Explore the leadership stories of key Jewish figures, from ancient to modern times, and learn how their approaches can guide responses to current events and inspire your future.

Connecting with Israeli Society—Engage directly with Israeli citizens, including teens from Maccabi Tzair (BBYO's sister movement in Israel), IDF soldiers, and leaders from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. Hear their experiences and perspectives on the ongoing war and the challenges they face, offering you a deeper understanding of Israel’s resilience.

A Summer Adventure in Israel—Enjoy the beauty of Israel’s landscapes—raft down the Jordan River, sleep under desert stars, hike through lush canyons, and relax on the Tel Aviv beachfront. Your summer will be filled with unforgettable memories that blend adventure with meaningful experiences, set against the backdrop of a nation navigating complex realities.

Information

BBYO has launched a new summer registration system! Families will need to create a new account in this system; it is not linked to any previous systems which may have been used. Please visit bbyo.my.site.com/s/login and click Create an Account to start this process. Need help? Read this document for step-by-step instructions.

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the rich tapestry of Israeli society through immersive experiences, including a visit to a Druze village, Bedouin tent stay, and Moroccan cultural workshops


Celebrate Shabbat in the mystical city of Tsfat and at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, surrounded by the unique atmosphere of these sacred sites


Delve into Israel’s complex history with visits to Yad Vashem, the Knesset, and the ANU Museum of Jewish Peoplehood


Experience diverse perspectives through in-depth discussions with Jewish teens from across the BBYO Global Network


Participate in community service projects that focus on coexistence and social responsibility, connect with diverse communities, and hear firsthand from inspiring voices


PROGRAM REVIEWS

BBYO Menorah White

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