Our Approach to Safety and Security

Updated: 9/19/2007

Bnei Akiva recognizes security is a chief concern for parents of potential participants in Israel summer programs. As the oldest and largest provider of Religious Zionist Israel Programs in North America, Bnei Akiva shares this concern and monitor developments closely. The information provided below describes our approach to security.

What is Bnei Akiva’s approach to safety?

For more than 50 years Bnei Akiva has operated Israel programs for Jewish youth from North America. We strive to provide an enriching and exciting Israel experience while always being cognizant of the safety and well-being of our participants.

We plan our itineraries in coordination with the Ministry of Education which receives regular reports from the army and government security agencies and provides us with alerts and precautionary directives. Our programs are designed to enable us to adapt to changing security concerns as the situation requires.

How does Mach Hach Ba'Aretz know which areas and sites are safe to visit?

Every decision regarding the itinerary, whether travel route, lodging locations, or spots for evening and night activities, is made in conjunction with the Security Department of the Ministry of Education. The Security Department of the Ministry of Education is in constant contact with the police, army (IDF), and other intelligence sources and provide Bnei Akiva with frequent and constant updates and precautionary directives. Generally speaking, Mach Hach Ba'Aretz exercises an even higher level of caution and takes precautionary measures in advance of those recommended or required by the Ministry of Education's Security Department. We have accepted upon ourselves not to travel in any area which requires traveling in an armored bus.

How will I remain updated during the summer?

Prior to and during the operation of the program, our staff in New York and Jerusalem are available in emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are also pleased to provide regular e-mail updates to parents during the programs.