8 Sderot Yehudit, Tel Aviv, Israel
+1-917-595-2100
gesher@youngjudaea.org

Gesher Israel

Embark on our premier Israel program for Jewish teens, where ancient history, exciting adventures, and vibrant culture come together.

‍The cost of Gesher Israel, including airfare, is $7,950 until December 2026. We are a proud partner of RootOne, and our participants apply for a grant of $3,000 towards the cost of Gesher Israel.

This year, we've made it easier than ever to join in the Israel experience with TWO different Gesher sessions. Yalla, we'll see you in Israel!

Learn More about Gesher IsraelRegister Now!
Dashboard mockup

South

Southern Israel offers adventure, resilience, and inspiration while exploring the Negev desert, hiking through breathtaking landscapes and seeing the desert bloom.

Jerusalem

A profound encounter with Jewish history, spirituality, and identity. Walk the Old City, visit Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl, and explore bustling Mahane Yehudah.

North

A powerful mix of nature, history, and cultural discovery. Hike the land’s rugged beauty, explore ancient synagogues, float in the Kinneret, and learn about Israel’s pioneering spirit.

Tel Aviv

An exciting blend of modern culture, Jewish history, and Israeli identity. Explore the bustling Carmel Market, stroll through colorful neighborhoods, and discover Yafo’s ancient port.
See the Sample Gesher Itinerary
Register Now!
the classic summer Israel experience

Gesher Israel

First Session: June 28 - July 19, 2027
OR
Second Session: July 6 - July 27, 2027
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Cost: $7,950 before RootOne Grant
Participants apply for a $3,000 grant from RootOne
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Explore Israel's breathtaking nature from north to south as you experience heritage and history in ancient Jerusalem, modern innovation and non-stop culture in Tel Aviv, and so much more for three and a half eye-opening weeks. Gesher is so much more than a trip to Israel - it's the opportunity to truly connect with the country and create lifelong memories. Whether at the top of Masada, floating in the Dead Sea, navigating through the Negev desert, or strolling the colorful marketplaces, you'll find lots of things to love about Israel!

Click here for the full Gesher Israel Itinerary

Gesher Israel and Young Judaea Camps

This summer, we've made it easier than ever for Gesher participants to also enjoy a classic Young Judaea camp experience!

Camp Tel Yehudah
CYJ-Texas
CYJ-Sprout Lake
Camp Judaea
CYJ-Midwest
Gesher Israel & Camp Tel Yehudah

Camp Tel Yehudah: TBD
Israel: June 28 - July 19, 2027
Cost: $7,950
Participants will apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne in mid-winter.
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‍Have all the traditional camp experiences like activities with your bunk, rikud (Israeli dance), special days in camp, time to just chill with your old and new friends, and camp-wide events before heading off on Gesher Israel!

MIT at CYJ Texas + Gesher Israel

CYJ Texas: June 10 - July 6, 2027
Israel: July 6 - July 27, 2027
Cost: $9,250 before RootOne Grant
Participants will apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne in mid-winter.
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‍Start your summer at CYJ Texas as a Madrich in Training (MIT), available to campers entering 12th grade. Participants will get to enjoy camp as campers, exploring activities designed just for them. At the same time, they’ll get a hearty introduction to the life of a counselor, apprenticing with seasoned pros to see what the madrich/a life is all about.

Then, it's off to Israel on Gesher!

Gesher Israel & Yozma: CYJ Sprout Lake

CYJ Sprout Lake: Summer 2027 DATES TBD
Gesher Israel: Teens can choose from first or second session dates.
Cost: $7,950 before RootOne Grant
Participants will apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne in mid-winter.

‍Yozma is a special program for rising 12th graders who serve as paid staff at Sprout Lake, living in-bunk with campers and receiving 1 hour of professional development each day to help acclimate to being a new counselor. Make a difference in the lives of Sprout Lake campers this summer and learn leadership skills that will benefit you for years to come. 

Combine your Yozma experience with a trip to Israel on Gesher!

Gesher Counselor Cohort + Gesher Israel at Camp Judaea

Camp Judaea: June 7 - July 1, 2027
Gesher Session 2: July 6 - July 28, 2025
Cost: $7,950 before RootOne Grant
Participants will apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne in mid-winter.
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Work first session as a paid in-bunk counselor and learn the ins and outs of how to become an exceptional staff member in the Gesher Counselor Cohort. While at camp, Gesher staff members will engage in leadership development training, Israel education programming, and social activities. 

Then, it's off to Israel on Gesher!

MIT at CYJ Midwest + Gesher Israel

CYJ Midwest: June 6 - July 5, 2027
Gesher Israel: July 6 - July 27, 2027
Cost: $7,950 before RootOne Grant
Participants will apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne in mid-winter.
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‍The CYJ Midwest MIT program is for rising 12th graders looking for a solid entry point not just into the staffing experience of camp, but the skills that help you beyond as well. Participants will be hands-on madrichim who have time set aside daily to learn important leadership skills.

Then, it's off to Israel on Gesher!

the details

Important Information

Who is Eligible for Gesher Israel?

Current 10th or 11th graders who are 15-17 years old, regardless of Jewish denomination, youth group or movement affiliation, are eligible to register for Gesher Israel.

Am I guaranteed a RootOne Voucher?

Young Judaea's goal is to bring as many participants as possible to Israel in Summer 2027, but vouchers are limited. We encourage you to register early to secure your spot on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I don't go to Young Judaea camp. Can I do Gesher Israel?

Absolutely! While we encourage people who do not come from the movement to go on our Odyssey program, we are happy to have you join us on Gesher! On all our programs, we welcome participants from all backgrounds and are dedicated to creating a fun and welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy your trip to Israel. We are looking forward to a diverse group of participants this coming summer.

What is RootOne?

Young Judaea is a proud partner of RootOne, an initiative that helps connect thousands of Jewish teens to Israel by lowering the financial barrier to participation in immersive summer trips to Israel and by investing in the educational quality of those experiences. Please visit www.RootOne.org for more information.

Can You Guarantee Gesher Israel Will Run Next Summer?

No Israel program can make that promise 100%, but we're using our experience in running Israel programs in the current climate to plan for a successful summer trip to Israel in 2027.

More Questions? Check Out Our FAQ!
testimonials

What Our Alumni Say

Hallie Liberman
Gesher 2026

Somewhere between hiking Masada and kayaking in the Kinneret, I found myself growing more than I ever expected. From late nights with friends and trying new foods to exploring Israel and learning more about its history and culture, every part of Gesher brought me closer to my Jewish community and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Gesher gave me a summer I’ll always wish I could go back to, with memories and friendships I’ll carry with me forever.
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Lyndsey Lipson
Summer Programs 2018

Somewhere between hiking Masada and kayaking in the Kinneret, I found myself growing more than I ever expected. From late nights with friends and trying new foods to exploring Israel and learning more about its history and culture, every part of Gesher brought me closer to my Jewish community and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Gesher gave me a summer I’ll always wish I could go back to, with memories and friendships I’ll carry with me forever.
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Jereme Weiner
Summer Programs 2018

Somewhere between hiking Masada and kayaking in the Kinneret, I found myself growing more than I ever expected. From late nights with friends and trying new foods to exploring Israel and learning more about its history and culture, every part of Gesher brought me closer to my Jewish community and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Gesher gave me a summer I’ll always wish I could go back to, with memories and friendships I’ll carry with me forever.
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Ari Kantorowitz
Summer Programs 2019

Somewhere between hiking Masada and kayaking in the Kinneret, I found myself growing more than I ever expected. From late nights with friends and trying new foods to exploring Israel and learning more about its history and culture, every part of Gesher brought me closer to my Jewish community and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Gesher gave me a summer I’ll always wish I could go back to, with memories and friendships I’ll carry with me forever.
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Gesher Starts Here!

Ready to plan the summer of a lifetime with Young Judaea? Our enrollment team is waiting to hear from you.

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