Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enroll in the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership?
As a contributor to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley, you may enroll your children in the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership at any age. To qualify for a matching grant, the child must reside in the Lehigh Valley.
When is a student eligible for an approved Israel program?
VISIT participants may use their funds from the summer after 9th grade until they are 25 years old.
How does a family contribute to the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership?
A family contributes a minimum of $300 per calendar year in the name of each child enrolled in the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership for a maximum of eight years. Family contributions may be made in any calendar year up to the year prior to the child's trip to Israel.
How does the Federation contribute to the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership?
The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley adds $200 per calendar year to the $300 family contribution, for a maximum of eight years. Accrued interest is also added to the funds available for each child's trip.
Who keeps track of each VISIT account?
The Federation will send an annual statement to each family enrolled in the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership.
Which Israel programs are approved for the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership?
The VISIT program is designed to fund Israel programs that emphasize Jewish learning or living experiences for a period of at least four weeks in Israel. There are over 75 that are recognized by national, local or regional Jewish organizations, such as Alexander Muss High School in Israel, USY, BBYO, NCSY, NIFTY etc. For more information about approved programs, please visit the approved programs page.
What is the cost of an approved Israel trip?
Six-week summer learning experiences in Israel currently cost, on average, between $5,000 and $9,000, including airfare, program expenses and room and board. There are programs that may cost less and others that may cost more. You can find out about the wide range of available programs through our approved programs page, your synagogue, the Jewish Community Center of Allentown or the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley.
What is required of VISIT Israel Savings Partnership participants in the year of their trip?
Students are encouraged to spend a day in the Yoav region, our Partnership2Gether community in Israel. Students may be required to attend meetings sponsored by the VISIT program before and after their trip to Israel, and upon their return, may be called upon to talk about their experiences.
How can I enroll in the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership?
Print out a Participation Agreement and send it in to the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley at 702 N. 22nd St., Allentown, PA 18104, along with a completed W-9 form and a check for $300 made out to Firstrust Bank. This will establish a VISIT account in your child’s name. **You may enroll your grandchildren, if they reside in the Lehigh Valley.**
When I’m ready to pay for my program, how do I request my VISIT funds?
When you are ready to pay for your approved Israel experience, please e-mail the invoice to Abby Trachtman at abbyt@jflv.org.
Can I withdraw from the VISIT Israel Savings Partnership?
Should you wish to withdraw your child for any reason, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will refund your family contribution plus accrued interest.
What if we move from the Lehigh Valley before my child uses his or her funds?
If your family moves from the Lehigh Valley, you may keep your VISIT account. However, the JFLV will not continue to match the family contribution. If you choose to close your account, the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will refund your family contribution plus accrued interest.