Travel

Birthright Israel with Hillel

Queens Hillel’s Birthright trips are staffed by Queens Hillel staff members who get to know participants before the trip, and return to campus with them after their Israel experience. The Queens Hillel Birthright trip is open to all Queens College, Queensborough Community College, LaGuardia Community College and St. John’s University students.

You will get to learn about about Israel from YOUR peers – through Israelis on your trip, your Israeli tour educator, and through your own eyes – seeing Israel as it is. You will see the cities, industries and nightlife that aren’t covered on network news.

On Shabbat, focus on taking a break from the fast-paced regular itinerary. Shabbat is celebrated in a pluralistic manner, allowing for many opportunities and experiences. In addition to Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox services, we also offer non-prayer alternatives such as meditation, discussions, and/or yoga. Shabbat is also the time where you have the opportunity, if you would like, to choose a Hebrew name and celebrate becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

In addition to the major sites of Israel – Masada, the Dead Sea, and the Western Wall, we’ll take you to amazing places you didn’t even know existed. Ride a camel at the Bedouin tent, go Jeeping in the Golan, have lunch in a Druze village, and meet Ethiopian children at an absorption center. And of course, in addition to your American peers, you will be traveling with new Israeli friends and getting to know the real Israel.

Perspectives Trip

The Perspectives Tour is an educational trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The purpose of this trip is to give 10-15 QC students - from any ethnic, religious, and cultural background - the opportunity to engage in complex and nuanced conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, in an immersive and inclusive way.

Some Things You Might Get to Do:

• - Explore the Old City of Jerusalem - including the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish quarters

• - Hear speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences: Israelis and Palestinians, religious and secular, experts and grassroots activists

• - Guided tour of the security wall/separation barrier

• - Explore Haifa's Baha'i Gardens, the most holy site for the Bahai faith

• - Guided tour in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, including the Church of the Nativity, and lunch with the Mayor

• - Visit 2 college campuses, to discuss ways to improve campus diversity and inclusion initiatives 

Cost: This trip is heavily subsidized. The only cost to students is a $150 deposit, of which $50 will be refunded after the successful completion of the trip. All flights, hotels, travel, and 2 meals per day (participants will also have free time during some meals to explore) are included.

Masa Israel Journey

Masa Israel Journey is the global leader in immersive experiences for young diaspora Jews, lasting 2-12 months and including study, volunteer, and career development programs. Every year we accompany thousands of young Jews from all over the world for an in-depth and authentic experience of Israel, where they work to grow both personally and professionally. The immersion into Israeli society, connection to their roots and culture, and professional growth they experience on these programs contribute to their personal development, their Jewish identity, and their deepened relationship with Israel and the Jewish people.