Israel Discovered

Perspectives Trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Israel Discovered – Perspectives Trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories is an in-depth exploration experience of life in Israel and the Palestinian Territories for a select group of student leaders from the University of Maryland.

The purpose of this trip is to give students an opportunity to participate in and discover the beauty and complexity of the land, and to give everyone the resources to create their own opinions and understandings of Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

Next Trip: August 2025 (A few weeks before school starts)

Fill out our 2025 trip interest form

*Important Note: Due to the ongoing war, we are closely monitoring the situation and proceeding with caution. While we remain hopeful for improved conditions by August, we are committed to keeping you informed about any updates to our policies and safety protocols. As it stands, if the trip were to take place today, we would not visit the West Bank. However, our itinerary would include meaningful visits to Palestinian and Arab Israeli villages and towns within Israel, as well as East Jerusalem. If you’re considering joining us, we strongly encourage you to complete our interest form so we can keep you updated.

EXPLORE

We’ll learn about current events, shining an international light on its complexities and nuances, in an immersive and experiential method. The students will meet with politicians, activists, civic leaders, academics, artists, Israelis, Arabs, Palestinians, Jews, Muslims, Druze, Bedouin, Christians, clerics, and humanitarians who can offer diverse perspectives on the societal and political underpinnings of the region.

Opportunities will be provided to reflect upon and understand issues relating to the region and to gain an appreciation of the political, religious, cultural and historical factors that form the politics and complexity of the Middle East today.

If you have any questions, email our Director of Engagement and Israel Experiences      Adam Bershad (abershad@marylandhillel.org)

Eligibility

  • Must be on campus in Fall 2025
  • Must be involved in leadership roles on campus
  • Must be a Sophomore, Junior, or a Senior with extra semesters on campus

Requirements

  • Valid Passport, must be secured 2 months prior to trip (In this case June 2025)
  • Passport must be valid 6 months post program (In this case February 2026)
  • Visa for Non US citizens. This must be applied for in advance as this may take some time
  • Participate in pre-trip orientation.
  • Participate in post-trip programming

PROGRAM COST

The price to participate in Israel Discovered is $250, as well as a refundable $200 security deposit, both due at the time of completion of the application form. (This is different from the interest form which is free and quick to fill out)

If you are not accepted into our program, you will receive a full 100% refund.

There are grants available to cover this fee on an at-need basis. The program will cover round-trip airfare to/from Israel, accommodation, transportation, two meals a day (breakfast & lunch or dinner) admission fees for all scheduled activities in Israel, and overseas travel accident insurance.

Students will be responsible to pay for:

  • Domestic travel to/from the departure airport, if needed.
  • Any passport/visa fees
  • One meal a day (lunch or dinner depending on the day)
  • Any personal shopping