Redeeming Your Israel Experience Funds

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago’s Israel Experience Savings Programs funds (including SKIP, Gift of Israel, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Experience Certificates, Walk With Israel Vouchers and Naftali Steinfeld Israel Experience Certificates) and scholarships are intended to help cover tuition/fees for approved* Israel Experience programs.  However, we understand that sometimes it makes more sense to use your funds for your airfare if it isn’t included in the program cost already.  Therefore, we have created the following guidelines for use of Israel Experience funds and scholarships:

1. In order to use your funds towards your tuition/fees for your approved* Israel Experience program, you must submit a completed Israel Experience Savings Request form (PDF).
2. Israel Experience funds and scholarships may not be used toward any expenses associated with Birthright Israel trips, including but not limited to travel to/from NY or any other departure city, hotels the night before the flight to Israel or spending money.
3. With regard to low- or no-cost programs and programs that provide airfare stipends: Israel Experience Savings Programs funds can only be used to cover the difference between the cost of airfare/program and the stipend provided. 
4. 8th grade Israel Experience programs: Under certain circumstances, families may be able to use a portion of their Israel Experience Savings & Incentive program funds (SKIP, Gift of Israel, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Experience Certificate, Walk with Israel vouchers) for 8th grade Israel Experience programs, such as Ta'am Yisrael or day school trips.  Please contact our office at israelexperience@juf.org to make sure that your trip is eligible and then use the 8th grade Israel Experience Savings Request form to redeem your funds. 
5. Please note that funds used towards airfare cannot be issued prior to the start of your Israel Experience program.
6. In order to use your funds for airfare reimbursement, you must submit the following after you’ve started your program:
   1. a completed Israel Experience Savings Airfare Reimbursement form (PDF)
   2. a copy of your itinerary
   3. proof of purchase of your airfare (either a receipt from the airlines or a copy of your credit card statement with your credit card number covered)
   4. a letter (print or email are acceptable) from your approved* Israel Experience program confirming that you have in fact started your program. 
7. Israel Experience funds (including SKIP, Gift of Israel, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Israel Experience Certificates, Walk With Israel Vouchers and Naftali Steinfeld Israel Experience Certificates) and scholarships may not be used toward travel insurance, spending money, cell phone, or other expenses associated with your approved*Israel Experience Program.

*What is an approved Israel Experience program?  Approved Israel Experiences are identity-building, peer group programs run by non-profit organizations that allow participants to learn in-depth about the land, culture and people of Israel.  The list of approved Israel Experience programs is constantly changing as new programs are developed.  Since not every program is approved, please contact us (israelexperience@juf.org) if you have a question about a specific Israel Experience program.