Teen Summer Israel Trip - Young Judaea Gesher

What is Gesher?

Gesher is an exciting, three and a half week summer Israel trip for rising 11th and 12th graders at one amazing cost. You'll see all the top sites and much more while you spend time in Israel’s most famous places as well as those off the beaten path, learning about their historical and modern significance and discovering amazing new places.

The early bird cost of Gesher Israel, including airfare, is $6,950. We are a proud partner of RootOne, a new 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.Our participants apply for a grant of $3,000 towards the cost of Gesher Israel. Click here for more information about the RootOne Israel travel voucher.

This year, we've made it easier than ever for participants from Young Judaea summer camps to join in the Israel experience while still doing camp. Gesher is really the best of both worlds!

Yalla, we'll see you in Israel!

Gesher Israel

July 1 - July 22, 2024
Early Bird Cost: $6,950 before RootOne Grant
Participants apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne
‍
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 and Camp TY

Camp Tel Yehudah: June 26 - July 1, 2024
Israel: July 01 - July 22, 2024
Early Bird Cost: TBD
Participants apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne
‍
‍Start your summer with two incredible weeks at Camp Tel Yehudah, Young Judaea's national teen leadership camp, on Gesher TY. 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!

‍

Gesher Israel & MIT at Camp Judaea

Camp Judaea: June 10 - June 30, 2024
Israel: July 1 - July 22, 2024
Early Bird Cost: $6,950 before RootOne Grant
Participants apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne
‍
‍Shadow the in-bunk counselors and learn what a position of a full-time counselor looks like at Camp Judaea. Make irreversible bonds and unforgettable memories with chanichim and the staff members all while learning what it means to be a junior counselor, leader, and role model.

Then, it's off to Israel on Gesher!

Click here for more information on Camp Judaea MIT

Gesher Israel & CIT at Texas

CYJ-Texas: June 13 - June 30, 2024
Israel: July 01 - July 22, 2024
Early Bird Cost: $7,700 before RootOne Grant
Participants apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne

‍Start your summer at CYJ-Texas as a Counselor in Training (CIT), 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!

Click here for more information on CYJ-Texas CIT

Gesher Israel & MIT at CYJ Midwest

CYJ Midwest: June 10 - June 30, 2024
Israel: July 1 - July 22, 2024
Early Bird Cost: $6,950 before RootOne Grant
Participants apply for a $3,000 tuition grant from RootOne
‍
‍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!

Click here for more information on CYJ Midwest MIT

Important Information

Who is Eligible for Gesher Israel?

Current 10th or 11th graders who are 16-17 years old, regardless of Jewish denomination, youth group or movement affiliation, are eligible to register for Gesher Israel.

Are There a Limited Number of RootOne Vouchers?

Young Judaea's goal is to bring as many participants as possible to Israel in Summer 2024, 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! 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 2024.

What Our Alumni Say

Mitchell Susswein

Summer Programs 2019

"The trip was amazing! I really got to explore Israel in a way I hadn't before and saw so much of the country. I had dozens of amazing experiences I'll never forget. Going to Israel with Young Judaea also gave me the opportunity to make friends that I know will last my entire life."

Lyndsey Lipson

Summer Programs 2018

"Traveling to Israel with Young Judaea was the perfect way to explore my Judaism and connect with other teens doing the same!"

Jereme Weiner