The Gift of Israel

The Gift of Israel enables relatives and friends to help young people save for an Israel Experience program during high school or college.

How Gift of Israel Works

JUF/JF establishes a special interest-bearing savings account in the participant's name. JUF will provide a one-time $180 matching gift when a minimum of $1,000 is deposited into the account.

Gift of Israel Occasions

Bar/Bat mitzvah celebrations are a wonderful time for friends and relatives to give a Gift of Israel. One way to notify guests that the celebrant is saving for an Israel Experience is to use special invitation insert cards provided by JUF/JF.

Over the years, additional gifts can be added to mark birthdays, holidays, graduations and other special occasions. Youngsters also are encouraged to contribute to their Gift of Israel account through job earnings, portions of their allowance and monetary gifts they may receive.

Using Gift of Israel Funds

Gift of Israel funds can be used for a wide variety of approved Israel Experience programs from the summer following ninth grade until the participant's 23rd birthday. Contributions can continue until funds are used or refunded.

Gift of Israel is a perfect complement to the SKIP program. Like the family portion of SKIP, all funds deposited to the Gift of Israel account, plus interest, can be refunded without penalty at any time.

For more information please download an enrollment packet (PDF). Questions? Contact the Israel Experience Department at 312-444-2895 or IsraelExperience@juf.org.