Shalom Friends,

I was born and raised in Israel. As the father of two daughters in their twenties I understand the importance of taking the right precautions in the face of life's uncertainties.

The safety of our participants is the primary factor in our trip planning. As a Taglit-Birthright Israel organizer, we must meet the highest security standards and strict safety requirements set forth by Taglit-Birthright Israel. Our commitment to security is expressed in part by the fact that Oranim has consistently placed in the top 5% of all trip organizers on quality assurance ranking by Taglit-Birthright Israel which includes a critical safety assessment.

As Taglit-Birthright Israel's leading organizer, we take pride in the fact that we have provided safe and meaningful adventures in Israel for thousands of students and young professionals worldwide. Over 35,000 North Americans have entrusted the Israelis of Oranim to provide them a safe, secure and enjoyable Taglit-Birthright Israel experience. We welcome you to ask these participants about how they felt in Israel and about how Oranim safeguards participants when in the country.

Another point of significance is that my entire team and I are Israelis. Many members of the Oranim team are native Israelis, while still others came to Israel on their own volition. Since we live here - day in, day out - we are keenly aware of the security situation.

Oranim constantly reviews all security measures for Taglit-Birthright Israel trips and implements the most stringent security measures at all times throughout the program. These precautions include:

• Careful Itinerary Planning - Our tours do not travel to or through areas of the West Bank, Gaza or East Jerusalem. We do visit the Jewish Quarter of the Old City.
• 24/7 Emergency Hotline - Full online contact with the proper authorities to provide assistance as necessary.
• Detailed Security Orientation - Upon arrival each group is given a detailed safety and security orientation. In addition, the tour educators and counselors of each trip brief participants regularly regarding special security arrangements for particular trips or days. The orientation and briefings include guidelines for free time and general travel safety.
• Security Escort - An Israeli security escort accompanies every Oranim group wherever they go.
• Private Transportation - Oranim's trips do not use public transportation and employ only those transportation companies that have excellent safety records.
• National Monitoring Room - which oversees all youth and school tours, through out the country. The Army, Police and other Security Services update the Monitoring Room.
• GPS - Each group carries a special Global Positioning Unit so that the National Monitoring Room can locate them immediately. The unit also has an emergency assistance button, that will summon help to the place the group is located.
• Flexibility - We will not hesitate to change and modify the group's schedule at the slightest hint of any security or safety issue.

Again, our primary concern is the safety of participants. Please feel free to contact me if you have specific security related questions or concerns. I will be happy to personally take your call to address any questions or concerns that you may have about our trip.

Look forward to seeing you in Israel!

Sincerely,

Shlomo (Momo) Lifshitz
Founder and President
Oranim Educational Initiatives
28 Ha'taas St. – POB 2135
Kfar Saba 44641, Israel
Tel: +972-9-767-4477
Mobile: +972-54-610062
Email: momo@israelfree.com

Competing Risks & Realities - An interesting perspective on safety in Israel from the Jerusalem Post.

Click here to listen to an Oranim participant describe his feelings about safety in Israel on Israel's National Radio (in English).

News Flash: The Israelis of Oranim will be in North America to discuss our trips and the safety and security measures in place to ensure a great experience! Click here for dates and locations!