Here are answers to frequently asked questions about traveling with a UJA-Federation mission overseas, as well as questions relating specifically to travel in Israel.

Q: What is an overseas mission?
A: Our missions program educates participants about issues facing the global Jewish community and fosters relationships among Jews around the world. We provide experiences for you to see firsthand where UJA-Federation campaign dollars are spent and to help develop an understanding of the responsibility of Jewish leaders and donors to support the Jewish community in general and UJA-Federation’s campaign in particular. Our missions department coordinates travel programs to Israel, the former Soviet Union, Eastern and Western Europe, Latin America, and other worldwide destinations.

Q: What is a domestic volunteer mission?
A: We’ve expanded the scope of missions to include service programs within North America, including domestic missions that provide hands-on volunteer opportunities connected to national crises; people-to-people volunteer missions that connect UJA-Federation donors to other Jewish Americans through visits to a local Jewish community; and family volunteer missions for 12-14 year olds and their parents to deepen the family’s connection and understanding about UJA-Federation. Each of these missions has a hands-on volunteer component.

Q: What is a domestic mission, and what’s a site visit?
A: Domestic missions tour two or more agencies within any given day or half day and often include some general tourism of the area and usually encompass a theme. Site visits involve a tour of one agency, including a meeting with staff members, executives, and recipients of services and a briefing of the agency’s inner workings and relationship with UJA-Federation.

Q: I’d love to go on a trip with UJA-Federation of New York. How do I apply?
A: Contact Dana Silberstein, Overseas Missions Coordinator, at 1.212.836.1657 or .

Q: May I make my own arrangements to travel before or after the mission?
A: Yes. Just speak to our Missions department when making your reservation.

Q: How do I pay for a mission?
A: Submit a deposit with your application form. The balance must be paid before departure.

Q: Can I receive a tax benefit for my gift to UJA-Federation?
A: Under the Internal Revenue Code, any contribution to UJA-Federation is deductible only if the gift, plus the payment for the mission, exceeds the benefit received (based on the fair-market value of the mission). Payments for airfare or land costs for trips are not tax-deductible.

Have questions about traveling to Israel? Let us help.

Q: Do I need immunization shots to travel to Israel?
A: No. If you have any medical problems, visit your physician before traveling.

Q: How should I pack my medications?
A: Label all your medications and medical supplies, and put them in your carry-on luggage. Bring refill prescriptions and a second pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses.

Q: What should I expect to happen at Israeli customs?
A: Passing through customs is quick and painless, unless you plan to bring expensive gifts into the country. If you’re traveling with a video camera or other costly equipment, customs officials might ask for a deposit equal to the cost of the item. You’ll get your deposit back when you leave Israel.

Q: Do I need to pay sales tax in Israel?
A: Yes, but you’re entitled to a refund. When you purchase any item of $50 or more, you’ll pay an 18 percent value-added tax (VAT). Ask the storekeeper for a VAT refund form, which you’ll need to submit to customs when departing Israel.

Q: What are typical business hours in Israel?
A: Sunday through Thursday, most businesses are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Most businesses close on the Jewish Sabbath — from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday — including UJA-Federation’s Israel Office. However, some businesses are open on Friday until 1 p.m. When in doubt, ask the hotel concierge to call first.

Q: I’d like to do some traveling on my own in Israel. How do I get around?
A: You can travel within Israel by bus, sherut, or taxi.

• Bus: Israel’s intercity bus system is one of the best in the world. Ask the hotel staff for schedules and locations.
• Sherut: A sherut — Hebrew for "service" — is a shared cab with a set fare, offering a convenient, inexpensive way to travel on the Jewish Sabbath — from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday — when public transportation is unavailable. Each sherut leaves as soon as it is filled. Ask the hotel staff to call one in advance.
• Taxi: Taxis offer an easy, convenient way to travel. Ask the hotel staff to call one for you. If the cab has a meter, ask the driver to turn it on (cab drivers sometimes “forget”). Tips are not necessary, but you can add 10 percent if you wish.

Q: Is the water in Israel safe to drink?
A: Yes, perfectly safe. However, to avoid any bad reactions to a different water system, you may want to purchase bottled spring water.

Q: How will I keep track of what’s going on in the world?
A: You can watch CNN in most hotels, and Israel’s Channel 1 offers television programs in English. For a daily newspaper in English, you can purchase The Jerusalem Post or The International Herald Tribune. Most hotels also offer English-speaking television stations via satellite.

Q: What is Israel’s currency and exchange procedure?
A: The new Israeli shekel (NIS) is divided into 100 agorot. You can exchange money at the airport and at your hotel. However, you don’t need to exchange a large amount, since United States dollars are widely accepted. Many stores and hotels may even give you a discount for using United States dollars, so be sure to bring a lot of $1 and $5 bills. Traveler’s checks, personal checks, credit cards, and ATM cards are also widely accepted.

Q: What is the time difference?
A: Israel is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. When it is noon in New York, it is 7 p.m. in Israel. There are two weeks out of the year when there is a 6 hour difference, as Israel changes its clocks before the U.S. does.

Q: What is Israel’s climate?
A: In the summer, from mid-April to October, temperatures range between 75 and 85 degrees. During the winter, temperatures range between 45 and 55 degrees. You can check the weather online before your trip for more accurate readings.

Q: Do I need a passport and visa?
A: Every United States citizen must bring a passport that’s valid for up to six months after your return date. United States citizens don’t need visas and may stay up to 90 days. If you’re not a United States citizen, call the Israel embassy or consulate.

Q: Should I purchase travel insurance?
A: Yes. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance online, or through your travel agent or personal insurance broker.

Q: What are current luggage regulations?
A: Baggage regulations for transatlantic flights allow two pieces of checked luggage, measuring no more than 106 square inches for both (measured by width, height, and depth). Each piece must be under 62 square inches and cannot weigh more than 70 pounds. You are allowed one carry-on piece, which must not exceed 38 square inches. Items that can be perceived as weapons — for example, lighters, metal nail files, scissors, razor blades, and pocketknives, as well as liquids over 3 ounces — are prohibited on the flight, but may be packed in check-in baggage. Call the Missions Department for any updated requirements before you travel.

Q: Should I bring my own cell phone or rent one?
A: You can bring your own cell phone or rent one. If you need a recommendation for a rental, please speak to a member of our Missions Department when you fill out your application.