FAQ
Updated: 9/18/2007
›What is Bnei Akiva's Mach Hach Ba'Aretz Program?
›What is the program?
›Who will be going to be on the trip?
›How much does the program cost?
›What if I change my mind and cancel?
›If my child applies does that mean he/she is guaranteed a place on the trip?
›How do I apply?
›How will I know if I am accepted?
›What if my child doesn't have a passport?
›What are the dates for the trips?
›How much luggage can I bring?
›Can I extend my stay in Israel?
›How much spending money should I bring? How/where will I change currency in Israel?
›What do I bring with me?
›Can I bring electrical appliances with me?
›What about sports equipment?
›What if I get sick in Israel? Do I need to have health insurance?
›What about the safety and security in Israel?
›Will laundry services be available on the program?
›Who will staff Bnei Akiva's Mach Hach program?
›Will there be time on the program to visit my friends and relatives in Israel? How much free time are we going to have?
›Do I have to participate in every scheduled activity?
›What is the time difference in Israel?
›Do I need to purchase insurance to cover my child's possessions?
›Can I send mail to my child while he/she is on Mach Hach?
What is Bnei Akiva's Mach Hach Ba'Aretz Program?
Mach Hach Ba'Aretz offers a unique way of exploring and visiting Israel. Through hikes, special seminars, visits to historical sites, kibbutzim, and meetings with Bnei Akiva members in Israel, Mach Hach Ba'Aretz participants EXPERIENCE ISRAEL first hand and develop a deeper understanding and connection to Eretz Yisrael. Mach Hach Ba'Aretz is not just another summer tour, but rather, is a unique Religious Zionist education program designed to deepen the appreciation and connection to our religious and national heritage, culture and history.
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What is the program?
The Mach Hach Ba'Aretz Israel Summer Leadership Program is an educational and very fun six week tour of Israel! It involves extensive touring of Israel, interactive discussions, recreational activities and much more!
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Who will be going to be on the trip?
Jewish high school students from across the United States and Canada participate in Bnei Akiva's Mach Hach Ba'Aretz Israel program. Your child will travel with students from your hometown and others as well. Your child will have a chance to travel with new friends and perhaps some old friends too. Bnei Akiva is a religious Zionist movement and is geared toward students who are Orthodox.
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How much does the program cost?
The cost of the Mach Hach Ba'Aretz Israel Leadership Summer Program for 2012/5772 will be $6700 for Adventure, Hesder, and MADA. Euro Mach Hach will be $7800. This fee includes all group programs, meals, trips, accommodations, and round trip airfare between the New York area and Ben Gurion Airport. Other fees that may be assessed are: - Change of flight itinerary
- Fuel Surcharge
- Late fee
- Connecting flights
TICKETS WILL ONLY BE ISSUED TO PARTICIPANTS WHOSE ACCOUNTS ARE FULLY PAID. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND MACH HACH BA'ARETZ WITH AN OUTSTANDING BALANCE.
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What if I change my mind and cancel?
Should you choose to withdraw your child from the program please note that a cancellation penalty will be applied toward any refund of monies paid. All cancellations must be in writing according to the following schedule. $150 of the $500 registration fee is refundable until Jan 1, 2012 after that the entire registration fee is unrefundable!!
For Withdrawal: - After February 1, and prior to May 1, 2012, a $500 penalty will be assessed.
- After May 1, and prior to June 1, 2012, an $850 penalty will be assessed.
- After June 1, 2012 or should your child be removed from the program for any reason, no money will be refunded.
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If my child applies does that mean he/she is guaranteed a place on the trip?
Mach Hach Ba’Aretz is open to those who have completed the 10th Grade (Grade 9 in Quebec) during the 2011-2012 academic year. Applicants must be in good health and must commit themselves to adhere to the religious and behavioral standards of the program. Prior to acceptance applicants will be called for a personal interview. Acceptance to Mach Hach Ba’Aretz is contingent upon the receipt of a completed application, signed rules and 2 recommendation forms. The applicant’s local Bnei Akiva chapter or affiliated Camp Moshava will be asked for an additional recommendation. Preference will be given to those applicants active in Bnei Akiva programs.
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How do I apply?
We are asking all participants to submit their applications online at www.bneiakiva.org. If you are unable to apply online, please call the Bnei Akiva office at 212.465.9536 and request a paper application or download one .
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How will I know if I am accepted?
Bnei Akiva will contact you via email as to whether or not you are accepted to the program. Please check your email as frequently as you can because this is how we keep you posted on all necessary information for the trip. If your email address that you put on your application has changed please contact us at
machhach@bneiakiva.org and let us know your new address.
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What if my child doesn't have a passport?
All participants must have valid passports in order to participate in Bnei Akiva's Mach Hach program. All participants holding a valid American or Canadian passport will receive a three-month tourist visa upon arrival in Israel. Please make sure that your passport is valid for six months after the entire duration of your stay in Israel. Participants not holding a valid American or Canadian passport must contact our office to ascertain if a tourist visa must be obtained prior to your departure for Israel. For your safety, all passports and tickets will be collected upon arrival in Israel and held until the conclusion of the program. Please submit a photocopy and passport number to the New York office as soon as possible.
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What are the dates for the trips?
Mach Hach Adventure
July 2, 2012 - August 7, 2012
12 Tammuz 5772 - 19 Menachem Av 5772
MADA
July 3, 2012 - August 8, 2012
13 Tammuz 5772 -20 Menachem Av 5772
Mach Hach Hesder
July 9, 2012 - August 14, 2012
20 Tammuz 5772 - 26 Menachem Av 5772
Euro-Mach Hach
July 11, 2012 - August 9, 2012
21 Tammuz 5772 - 21 Menachem Av 5772
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How much luggage can I bring?
Due to the mobile nature of the program, you will need to pack lightly. You are allowed only one piece of checked luggage- preferably a duffel bag. The buses can only accommodate one duffel bag per person and you will not be allowed to place additional bags on the bus. Luggage storage facilities are not available. Remember that you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the bus and in and out of your room. Pack wisely.
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Can I extend my stay in Israel?
Arrangements can be made to extend your ticket to allow for a longer stay in Israel and additional visiting time, at your cost and paid directly to the travel agent. Please contact the Mach Hach Ba'Aretz office for further details.
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How much spending money should I bring? How/where will I change currency in Israel?
While the cost of all transportation, meals and programs except during the free Shabbat are included in the Mach Hach Ba'Aretz tuition; most participants bring money with them to purchase souvenirs, snacks, drinks, stamps etc. While everyone's spending habits are different, past Mach Hach Ba'Aretz participants recommend that you bring between $350-$450 USD of spending money with you. In order to simplify the process of exchanging dollars for Israeli Shekalim, and to minimize the risk of theft or loss we will be utilizing the services of an outside company, Payoneer, which offers participants a pre-paid debit card. This will be the ONLY spending money system that WE are offering. Some of the major advantages to this system include:
¨Balance remains in US dollars it can be used after returning home or anywhere
in the world.
¨Parents can control and monitor spending throughout the summer and add money as they see fit ONLINE!
¨Our staff will have replacement cards available on the bus.
¨Cards are accepted at all Israeli cash machines or can be used as a credit card in stores.
There will not be any other currency exchange system available on Mach Hach Ba’Aretz. We do not recommend bringing traveler’s checks.
For those who wish to be sure that they have dollars available for the return trip to Israel, small amounts of cash (up to $100) may be placed in our safe in Israel at the beginning of the program together with your passport and plane ticket. These will be distributed upon departure from Israel. BNEI AKIVA ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILTY FOR ANY CASH, TICKETS OR PASSPORTS UNLESS PLACED IN THE BNEI AKIVA SAFE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PROGRAM. SORRY, NO CAMERAS OR VALUABLES MAY BE STORED IN THE SAFE.
Please Note:
We encourage the Mach Hach participants to drink Israeli tap water, which is readily available. There are always those who wish to drink only bottled mineral water. We will attempt to make this water available on each bus, at a reduced price. Please take this in account when deciding how much spending money to deposit.
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What do I bring with me?
Please see our
Packing list
Can I bring electrical appliances with me?
You may bring to Israel (customs/duty free) the following: 1 electric shaver, 1 hair dryer, a personal audio player and a camera with film. DO NOT BRING PORTABLE DVD PLAYERS OR GAMING DEVICES AS THEY ARE NOT PERMITTED ON MACH HACH BA’ARETZ. Please remember that the voltage in Israel is 220 volts; please pack a suitable adapter for all electrical items. Please do not bring expensive photography and video equipment as Bnei Akiva does not have the ability to store your electrical items in a safety deposit box.
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What about sports equipment?
Mach Hach Ba’Aretz is not a regular camp; there is no reason to bring any Sports equipment this summer. Roller Blades and Hockey Sticks are NOT permitted and will be confiscated by our Staff at the airport. It will be returned to you upon returning to North America. We will provide sports equipment when we have free time in Israel.
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What if I get sick in Israel? Do I need to have health insurance?
Limited medical insurance is provided to participants while in Israel on the Mach Hach Ba’Aretz program. Our medical coverage does not include pre-existing conditions. Please be sure that your own medical insurance is current, and that it will cover you in Israel. You must submit a medical form, which is to be completed by your physician, and sent to Bnei Akiva prior to May 1, 2012.
There will be a Chovesh (medic) escorting each bus while touring. All medics are trained in basic first aid. Serious problems will be referred to a doctor, hospital or clinic. Every precaution is taken in regard to the health and welfare of the participant. Parents will be notified if any invasive treatment is deemed necessary.
Inoculations
Although you are not required to receive shots prior to your departure, we recommend that you consult your physician in regards to a tetanus or booster shot.
Medications
Bnei Akiva has strict policies regarding any participant who requires a regular (i.e. daily, weekly etc) dosage of medication. If your child suffers from any health ailment that requires a daily dosage of medication, either orally or via injection, you must contac t our office immediately.
*While our staff can occasionally remind participants to take their medication, they cannot administer or regulate your child's medication.
If your child cannot be relied upon to regulate and administer his/her medication on a regular basis, your child should not attend the Mach Hach Ba’Aretz program. There may not always be facilities to refrigerate or sanitize any medication or instruments. The program is extremely intense, with a great deal of hiking and physical exertion in the hot and dry climate of Israel.
Any physical limitations must be brought to the attention of the Director at the time of application.
Participants who are taking prescription medications, such as allergy pills or asthma regulating pills and regulate their own medications should bring sufficient supply of medication for the duration of the program. Bnei Akiva reserves the right to collect all prescription and non-prescription medication at any time.
Dietary Needs
An applicant who has dietary restrictions due to allergies, illness, or other circumstances must indicate this on their application. The parents will then be contacted by a Mach Hach Ba’Aretz staff member to discuss whether the program is able to accommodate the needs of the camper. Please note that because Mach Hach Ba’Aretz is a touring program, the staff does not set the menu and has no control over what ingredients are used in meal preparation. While fruits and vegetables are usually available at meals, we are not able to guarantee a full vegetarian diet nor can we offer any other special diet.
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What about the safety and security in Israel?
We are confident that this summer's Mach Hach Ba'Aretz program will be wonderful and meaningful. At the same time, our staffs both here and in Israel are hard at work to ensure that Mach Hach Ba'Aretz participants will be safe and secure. - Buses in Israel
Mach Hach Ba'Aretz travels on privately chartered buses. At least two Madrichim, two Madrichot, a Rosh Kvutza, and a security guard/medic staff accompany each bus of 25-40 campers. There are army trained staff members on each bus staff. - Itinerary
All Mach Hach Ba'Aretz itineraries are reviewed and approved by the Israeli Defense Forces (Tzahal). There is a daily updating of the security situation. Mach Hach Ba'Aretz will not travel to any areas that Tzahal does not consider safe, nor will we travel through or to any areas not under complete Israeli control. - Communications
Every Mach Hach Ba'Aretz bus has the capability for 24-hour communications with our base in Israel and with emergency services. Additionally, before the summer you will be notified of emergency phone numbers that will allow you to be in contact with the Mach Hach Ba'Aretz administration at any time of the day or night in the event of an emergency. Mach Hach participants are allowed to bring private cell-phones. We will suggest a proposal for renting cell-phones to those interested. - Accommodations
Most of our accommodations are youth hostels and dormitories in rural, enclosed communities such as Kibbutzim and Moshavim. No Mach Hach Ba'Aretz participant is allowed to leave the program base independently at any time. This is grounds for immediate removal from the program.
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Will laundry services be available on the program?
There will be laundry service available twice during the program. Please use the following guidelines in preparing your clothing list.
Clothing should be geared toward the warm Israeli summer and the informal nature of the program. The emphasis should be on lightweight and easily laundered clothing. Please take advantage of no iron clothing since you will not be able to iron your clothing.
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Who will staff Bnei Akiva's Mach Hach program?
Mach Hach Ba'Aretz is staffed with senior Madrichim and Madrichot who have proven their leadership capabilities in previous positions within Bnei Akiva and Camp Moshava. They serve not only as counselors, but also as role models and educators.
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Will there be time on the program to visit my friends and relatives in Israel? How much free time are we going to have?
There is one free Shabbat during Mach Hach B'Aretz lasting from Friday morning, to Sunday morning, This allows participants an opportunity to spend time with friends and relatives who live in Israel. Parents will need to submit a Free Weekend form prior to June 1, 2012 informing us as to where their child will be spending the free Shabbat. The participants are required to be under adult supervision during the entire Shabbat. Those participants who are unable to find suitable accommodations will be placed at Bnei Akiva host families. The pick-up points are at the Ramat Gan Stadium (opposite Gates 1& 2), the Latrun Museum parking lot, or at the Teddy Stadium parking lot opposite the Malcha Mall in Jerusalem. Every participant must be picked up and dropped off by their host, or may travel directly via taxi . Participants will not be allowed to travel on regular public transportation. We strongly suggest that the participants not spend the free Shabbat in a Yeshiva, school, or college dormitory.
Free weekend forms are to be sent to the New York office. Duplicates may be sent with your child to Israel but are not necessary.
IN EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES PARENTS OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS MAY VISIT MACH HACH B'ARETZ PARTICIPANTS OR TAKE THEM OUT OF THE PROGRAM AFTER RECEIVING PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR AND AT THE CONVIENCE OF THE GROUP.
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Do I have to participate in every scheduled activity?
The Mach Hach Ba'Aretz program is structured around the strict observance of Halacha. Tefillat Shacharit, Mincha and Aravit, and, Shiurim are all mandatory. So too are all other rules of Halacha, including, Kashrut and Shabbat observance and Tzniut. Participants’ punctual attendance is required at all Mach Hach Ba’Aretz activities. No part of the program is optional.
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What is the time difference in Israel?
During the summer months, Israel Is:
7 hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Time
8 hours ahead of Central Daylight Time
9 hours ahead of Mountain Daylight Time
10 hours ahead of Pacific Daylight Time
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Do I need to purchase insurance to cover my child's possessions?
Bnei Akiva and its assisting and handling agencies assume no responsibility for any loss, damage or theft to baggage or personal belongings -from the time of your originating flight in North America to the time of your return to your home. We strongly suggest that you check with your family's home insurance policy to see if you are covered for any such occurrence. The purchase of accident and baggage insurance is recommended.
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Can I send mail to my child while he/she is on Mach Hach?
Your child's mail should be addressed as follows: Bnei Akiva Maskirut Olamit
P.O. Box 7401
Jerusalem 91073
ISRAEL
Mach Hach Ba'Aretz
Name of Child, Bus Number
The words “Mach Hach Ba'Aretz” and the bus number must appear in the lower left hand corner to help insure proper mail delivery.
On average, mail from the United States and Canada will take ten days to arrive in Israel please do not send mail during the last two weeks of your child's stay in Israel, for it will not reach the group in time. Participants can purchase stamps and aerogrammes at most kiosks and drugstores. It is advised not to send packages (UPS/FED EX) due to Israel custom laws. In the past exorbitant taxes have been charged and many items were not permitted into the country.
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