Israel Discovered

Perspectives Trip to Israel

Israel Discovered – Perspectives Trip to Israel is an in-depth exploration experience of life in Israel 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: Janaury 5th-16th, 2026 (Including Flights)

Fill out our 2026 trip interest form

After you fill out our form, someone will reach out to you to set up a meeting! You may check out more details about the trip below.

 

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.

This program is staffed by our Hillel staff members, along with a variety of tour educators from Israel and the Palestinian Territories.

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

Eligibility

Open to all UMD students—of any background or faith—who will be on campus for the for at least 2 semesters after winter break 2025-26. Applicants should either hold a leadership role in a prominent campus organization or be highly engaged and well-connected within the student community.

Requirements

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

PROGRAM COST

The price to participate in Israel Discovered is $250. (This is different from the interest form which is free and quick to fill out)

You will receive a full 100% refund if the trip is cancelled.

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, 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