Security and Insurance
Security
The safety and security of the participants on the Shalem program is of primary concern. Young Judaea has a designated security officer and committee which constantly review and update our security procedures. We retain as consultant the head of security of the Israeli Society for the Protection of Nature – the agency responsible for fieldtrips throughout the country – and he is in daily contact with all of Israel’s security services. We also receive in real time all security alerts posted by the Security Department of JAFI and its subsidiary company, The Israel Experience.
Shalem participants and their parents receive a detailed description of the standard security regulations and procedures for Shalem prior to their departure. In addition, Shalem participants receive an in-depth security orientation shortly after arrival in Israel. Security precautions may vary or be enhanced based on security considerations or directives issued by the Security Department of the JAFI, and Shalem participants are updated in the event that this occurs. Shalem is designed to adapt to changing security concerns as the situation requires and, therefore, itineraries are subject to change in Young Judaea’s sole discretion.
Medical Care
Medical services and insurance coverage for certain illnesses and injuries while in Israel (and abroad on an Olami trip) on Shalem are provided by Harel Insurance Company, the leading health and traveling insurance company in Israel. Insurance fees are included in the program tuition. There is no coverage for pre-existing conditions, but there is coverage for the worsening of some pre-existing conditions. Doctors affiliated with the Harel plan are located throughout Israel and participants can easily arrange to see one, no matter where they are located at the time. Emergency medical coverage is provided through HareI on Olami trips. Further details regarding health coverage (including differences in coverage provided in Israel and from that provided on the Olami trips) will be provided during the application process including certain vaccinations that are or may be required prior to participation on Olami. As Harel coverage is limited, it is required that additional personal medical coverage is maintained by all Shalem participants while they are on the program including Olami trips. There is a full-time social worker on the Shalem staff.
Staff and Supervision
A highly qualified administrative and educational staff in Israel is maintained under the supervision of Rav Yossela Ote, the Rosh Tochnit. Throughout the year, the staff in Israel and members of the Israel Programs Department in New York work together in order to ensure the proper communication necessary for the well-being of all program participants. During the year the Shalem staff in Israel is in regular communication with parents. Parents receive periodic e-mail updates including photos posted to our Web site. This communication serves as the main regular contact with parents.
Shalem is staffed by Israeli, American and British group leaders. They are selected on the basis of their Jewish and Israeli backgrounds and experience in youth work, as well as emotional stability and maturity. All non-Israeli group leaders are college graduates and all Israeli group leaders have completed their required military service or national service.