Trip Safety and Your Security
Trip safety and your personal security are our top priorities. We at Sachlav have over twenty years of experience in operating tours in Israel and we use our expertise to ensure an amazing and safe trip. In addition, as native Israelis, we are very familiar with need to take special precautions if the times dictate and are constantly monitoring current events.
There are a number of important points regarding trip safety that participants and their family members should know.
First, our trips are meticulously planned. Not only are our trips fun, exciting and educational, they are also planned according to the most stringent safety and security standards of Taglit-Birthright Israel. We review our trip itineraries on a daily basis and they are cleared through the official government authorities that review and approve all educational field trips of the Israeli schools system. Our tours do not travel to or through areas of the West Bank, Gaza or East Jerusalem, other than the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. A group's itinerary will be changed immediately to reflect any heightened risk or security concerns.
Secondly, on the trip itself, each group has its own chartered tour bus – we do not use public transportation at all. The tour bus companies and drivers we use are subject to Taglit-Birthright Israel approval, and drivers are instructed to never leave buses unlocked or unattended. Each bus/group is outfitted with a sophisticated GPS (Global Positioning System) so that we are aware of each group's location at all times. In addition, at least one Israeli security escort and trained medic accompany every group.
Finally, upon arrival in Israel, a safety and security orientation is held for every group. Participants will be briefed regularly regarding current events and any special security arrangements necessary. The orientation and briefings will include guidelines for free time and general travel safety. Taglit-Birthright Israel trips do not use public transportation and participants are advised to avoid the use of public transportation at all times, including free time and after the trip if remaining in Israel. Free time will be supervised and in specified locations as security considerations warrant.
When trips are running, Taglit-Birthright Israel operates a 24-hour hotline and Sachlav provides participants and their families with additional contact information.
If you have any questions or concerns about the trip safety and personal security we have in place, please contact us by phone or email and we will be happy to help.