Biluim Summer 2021 Handbook

Dear Israel Participant and Parents,

Welcome on board for Biluim Israel 2021. This handbook is meant to serve as a guide in preparation for the upcoming summer.

While this is a strange time to be planning a trip for Summer 2021, please know that your participants' health and safety is our top priority. As we plan to move forward with our trip this summer.

If you have questions or concerns please contact Agnes Epstein at 416 781-5156 x 222.

Yours Sincerely,

Risa Epstein Agnes Epstein

Biluim Israel Director Administrator, Biluim Israel

Canadian

STEP ONE - PASSPORTS

To participate in this trip you must have a valid passport.

The passport must be valid until at least January 8th, 2022.

If you are an Israeli citizen or if one of your parents is an Israeli citizen you must contact the Israeli consulate immediately to arrange for the necessary military exemption. In many cases, if one parent has Israeli citizenship then so does his/her children. The law is complicated and only the consulate can give you accurate advice. If you are classified as an Israeli citizen, please arrange for a valid Israeli passport. It is illegal for an Israeli citizen to enter the country as a tourist using a foreign passport.

STEP TWO - THE FORMS

The Supplementary Forms can be found on the Biluim Israel website. It is imperative in the interest of your camper’s health, welfare and logistical planning of the program that they are accurately completed and submitted online by April 1st, 2021.

In order to successfully fill out the online forms please have the following information accessible: ● Uploaded photo of Israeli passport ● Exemption from army service if your child is an Israeli Citizen ● Medical information including medications, allergies, date of last tetanus shot ● Bus requests ● Medical Insurance Information

Page 2 of 11 ● Uploaded copy of camper’s eyewear prescription (if applicable).

Travel Information:

Participants flying into to join the Biluim Israel trip must arrive at least FOUR (4) hours ​ prior to our departure. In order for staff to meet your child at the airport, please ensure that you indicate all accurate flight information no later than June 15th, 2021.

Flight Extensions:

Requests for extensions of the trip are subject to flight availability. Please note: If you are on the Poland trip, you must return from your extension via Poland.

To avoid disappointment it is in your best interest to make these arrangements with us no later than April 15th, 2021. ​

There is an additional charge of $200.00 CAD for the flight change.

Family Weekend Information

All information regarding family weekend is to be determined. Family weekend will be confirmed only if COVID-19 protocols permit.

The Statement of Responsibility and Waiver Form

Please read and sign the Waiver Form and submit it online by April 1st 2021. Retain a copy of this document at the end of the handbook.

The Code of Conduct and Behavior Contract

Due to the unique nature of our program, participants will at all times adhere to these rules and behave in a mature fashion. Please read over the list of rules carefully and discuss them at home. We will go over them again upon arrival in Europe/Israel, but it will be assumed that participants and parents are already familiar with them. After you have read the rules and regulations, sign the Code of Conduct and Behavior Contract and submit it online by April 1st 2021. Retain a copy for your records.

The Medical Form

Canadian Young Judaea and the Biluim Israel staff intend to rely on the completed medical form and any supplementary letters. Omissions and/or misrepresentations are at the risk of the participant, parents, and physician. Non-disclosure, or outdated information may lead to dismissal from the program at your own expense.

Page 3 of 11 The information on the medical form, supplementary letters, and reports concerning the physical, mental, and/or psychological condition of the participant shall be held by Canadian Young Judaea and the Biluim Israel staff as strictly confidential.

STEP FOUR - PREPARING FOR THE TRIP I

Spending Money:

We suggest $750.00 CDN as a reasonable amount of spending money.

**Bank Cards from major Canadian and American banks work in Israeli bank machines. There is a $5-$10 service charge for each transaction. Due to the time involved in locating a bank ​ machine, especially in remote locations, we recommend that bank/credit cards be used only for extra money** Most participants bring cash (approximately $300 to exchange upon arrival) and ​ a debit/credit card.

STEP FIVE - PREPARING FOR THE TRIP II – PACKING

A packing list is available on our website

But here are a few important notes: ● It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag liner for our camping trip. ● You must have one (or two) reusable water bottles that total two-to-three litres. Although this sounds like a lot of water, there will be certain hikes where participants will be required to have this much (and perhaps even more) at once, because of the inability to refill for a certain amount of time. Large water bottles or camel backs are both okay. If campers don’t have 3 litres worth of water, they will have to buy a water bottle for that particular day/hike.

Personal Medication:

It is advised that you bring any items that you regularly use, including Tylenol and Advil. Any prescription medications should be clearly labeled with your name and you should bring enough to last you for the entire trip.

STEP SIX - PREPARING FOR THE TRIP III – DEPARTURE

YOU WILL NEED YOUR PASSPORT AT THE AIRPORT.

On the day of departure, it is very important that you arrive at the airport on time and ready to go. You will be notified of the confirmed time a few weeks before the trip. You should have your duffle/suitcase and carry-on with you for departure. When you arrive at the airport check-in with your Biluim Israel staff member, or CYJ representative, follow their instructions. At this time you will be given your ticket, and a Biluim Israel t-shirt.

Page 4 of 11 STEP SEVEN - ARRIVAL IN POLAND and/or ISRAEL:

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is permitted on the program. They are strictly forbidden during programs and/or guided tours.

If you wish to purchase a SIM card for Israel and/or Poland through our a link will be provided closer to the departure date.

Security

The Biluim Israel staff takes the issue of security very seriously. Our itineraries are approved and ​ ​ monitored by the police, military, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Education and Society for the Protection of Nature. Our programs are under the full supervision of the security department of the Jewish Agency. All participants will receive a detailed security briefing upon arrival in Israel.

Emergency Contact

Prior to the program’s departure, you will receive all the Emergency Contact information.

Accommodations

While on the trip, we will be staying in various modern youth hostels and hotels. You will each be sleeping in private rooms with two-to-six other people from our trip. In most cases each room has its own bathroom and shower. Fresh sheets, pillows, and blankets are supplied at each base.

Food

All meals provided by Biluim Israel are Kosher.

Laundry

We will arrange to have laundry sent out every 8-10 days. Laundry is paid for separately by ​ each participant and is priced by the bag. Please label all of your clothing. In addition we ​ recommend that you bring a small bottle of liquid detergent for hand washing of delicate or valuable items. Canadian Young Judaea cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged items of clothing.

Medical Treatment and Coverage

Participants do not have medical insurance in Poland. Participants must obtain travel medical insurance for the duration of the trip in Poland.

Page 5 of 11 Participants have basic first aid coverage in Israel, and any medical issue that arises will always ​ ​ be handled right away. However, families must also purchase more extensive medical insurance, simply to cover the cost of any unforeseen medical issues that might arise.

Please make sure that you provide us your medical insurance information. If you already hold overseas medical insurance, please ensure that your participant will be covered for COVID-19 while in Israel and Poland.

If you are interested in purchasing medical insurance, please note that we are working with an insurance broker to provide COVID-19 health insurance. Please contact [email protected] to arrange.

Proof of Insurance must be submitted to the office prior to departure.

Theft

Earlier in this manual we advised you to leave valuable items at home. Here are some tips to protect your property.

● Never leave ANY item unattended, even for a moment. ● Keep your room locked at all times. ● Do not leave valuable items out in the open or unattended. ● Always carry your wallet with you in your front pocket or in a sturdy pouch. ● Count your change after purchases. ● Never show-off large amounts of money on the street. ● Report any theft to a staff member immediately.

Canadian Young Judaea is not responsible for any stolen, damaged, or lost items while on the trip.

Page 6 of 11 Biluim Israel Release Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement Please read through this document carefully prior to signing.

I, , , [Print Name] [Apt. and Street]

, , , [City] [Province/State [Postal/Zip Code] [Birth Date: dd/mm/yy] ] acknowledge and agree that in consideration of being permitted to participate in any Israel Programs or ​ Activities arranged, organized, sponsored, conducted, authorized, staged and/or operated by Canadian ​ ​ Young Judaea: ​

1. I HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT: ● Biluim Israel Programs and Activities may be dangerous, exposing participants to many risks and hazards, some of which are inherent in their very nature, others which result from human error and negligence on the part of the persons involved in arranging, organizing, sponsoring, authorizing, conducting, staging and/or operating the Biluim Israel and Activities; ​ ● some of the aforesaid risks and hazards are foreseeable, but others are not; ● I acknowledge that any Program or Activity (including travelling to or from such Program or Activity) can be an extreme test of a person’s physical, emotional and mental limits and carries with it the potential for death, serious injury and property loss. The risks include, but are not limited to: actions of other people including, participants, program monitors and/or organizers; lack of hydration, weather, and/or other natural conditions. I hereby assume all of the risks of participating in any Program or Activity; ● I certify that I am physically, emotionally and mentally fit and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person; ● I willingly agree to comply with the customary terms and conditions for participation. If however, I observe any unusual significant hazard during my presence or participation, I will remove myself from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official Biluim Israel ​ representative immediately; ● I understand that Biluim Israel does not undertake to provide health, accident, disability, ​ hospitalization, personal property, or other insurance for participants in our programs or activities. I affirm that I have appropriate medical insurance in the event medical attention is needed for me; ● I understand that I may be photographed. I agree to allow my photo, video, or film likeness to be used for any legitimate purpose by Biluim Israel; ​ ● I hereby consent to receive emergency medical treatment that may be deemed advisable in the event of injury, accident, and/or illness during any Program or Activity; ● Canadian Young Judaea, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse or retain any person ​ as a participant on the program, either in , Europe, or in Israel. In the event that it is decided to return a participant to Canada, whether this is the decision of CYJ, the participant, or his/her legal guardians, any expenses incurred as a result of such action are the sole responsibility

Page 7 of 11 of the participant and his/her legal guardian, including air transportation, land transportation, hotel accommodation, meals and any other expenses incurred; ● In the event that Canadian Young Judaea is required or requested to retain legal representation ​ for a participant as a result of the actions of such participant, the participant and or his/her legal guardian are responsible for all costs associated with such representation. Canadian Young ​ Judaea may require that a financial retainer be advanced to cover the initial and ongoing costs of such representation. ● I nevertheless freely and voluntarily assume all the aforesaid risks and hazards, and that, ​ ​ ​ accordingly, including traveling to and from, my preparation for, and participation in any Biluim ​ Israel Programs and Activities shall be entirely at my own risk; ​ ​ 2. I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby to the greatest extent permitted by law, RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY ​ Canadian Young Judaea and its directors, officers, employees, independent contractors and agents ​ from all liability, and all recourses, proceedings, claims, and causes of action of any kind whatsoever, present or in the future, in respect of any and all personal injuries or property losses which I may suffer arising out of or connected with travelling to and from or my preparation for, or participation in Biluim Israel Programs or Activities notwithstanding that such injuries or losses may have been caused solely or partly by the active or passive negligence or breach of duty of Biluim Israel/ ​ Canadian Young Judaea or any of their directors, officers, employees, independent contractors or ​ agents. I also recognize and agree that the Released Parties assume no responsibility for any liability, damage, or injury that I might sustain due to the intentional, unintentional or negligent acts or omissions of any other person or organization. 3. Jurisdiction The courts of Canada shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any claim, legal dispute, or cause of action for negligence or otherwise, arising out of, travelling to or from or my participation in any Biluim Israel Program or Activity(s), including but not limited to emergency medical treatment. It is hereby understood and agreed that commencement of any such legal proceedings will be held only in the Province of Ontario and I hereby irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the Province of Ontario, Canada. 4. Severability I expressly agree that the foregoing waiver and assumption of risks agreement is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by the law and that if any of its provisions are held to be invalid, the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. 5. Acknowledgement of Understanding I have read this Release Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement, fully understand its terms, and understand that I am giving up substantial rights, including my right to bring legal action or assert a claim. I acknowledge that by submitting this form, I am signing the agreement freely and voluntarily and affecting a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.

Page 8 of 11 CODE OF CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR CONTRACT

It is the responsibility of the CYJ Biluim Israel staff to provide for the safety and well-being of each participant on the program and, furthermore, to ensure that the overall success of the program is not jeopardized in any way by irresponsible behavior on the part of any participant. Therefore, it is mutually agreed upon that the following rules and regulations will be strictly enforced.

1. Any participant suspected of being in possession and/or under the influence of, or in the process of attempting to procure, illegal drugs or other illegal substances, illicit drugs or other illicit substances or prohibited substances, controlled substances, and recreational substances pursuant to the applicable laws of Canada, Israel, Poland, and any other transiting country, will be dismissed from the Program and sent home immediately. The possession of rolling papers, pipes, and/or any other drug related paraphernalia is also prohibited. 2. Any participant suspected of being in possession, in the commission of buying, and/or under the influence of alcohol, cannabis and/or non-prescribed drugs will ​ ​ be dismissed from the Program and sent home immediately. 3. All participants must adhere to all COVID-19 protocols as set out by the Biluim Israel staff team, Director, and Medical committee. Campers that are found to be non-compliant with these protocols will be dealt with by the Director, and Biluim Israel staff. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the program. 4. Any participant who, due to their behaviour, is deemed to be detrimental to the Program may, at the discretion of the Director, be dismissed from the Program. 5. Any participant who engages in destructive and/or abusive behaviour toward themselves and/ or others will be dealt with severely and may, at the discretion of the Director, be dismissed from the Program. 6. Vandalism, theft, and/or destruction of property are strictly prohibited. Any participant who engages in such behaviour will be dealt with severely. In addition ​ damages will have to be paid by the participant at the time of the infraction. ​ Participants who vandalize or destroy property may, at the discretion of the Director, be dismissed from the Program. 7. Possession of knives or weapons of any sort is prohibited. Knives or weapons that are brought to Israel and/or Poland will be confiscated. Knives or weapons of any sort purchased while in Israel will be permanently confiscated. 8. All sleeping arrangements will be assigned by Biluim Israel staff. Sleeping arrangements are to be adhered to by all participants on the program. Sleeping or congregating in rooms that are not assigned to the camper is strictly prohibited. Beds will not be shared by participants for the health and safety of all on the trip. 9. Cigarette smoking is not permitted on Biluim Israel at any point during the trip. 10. Gambling is not permitted.

Page 9 of 11 11. Directives and decisions of staff members must be followed at all times. 12. All participants must attend and participate fully in all activities. At the discretion of the Director and staff on the program, failure to participate in activities will result in removal from portions of the program or the program in its entirety. Exceptions will be made only with the permission of the Director or staff. 13. No participant will be permitted to leave the Program at any time without the prior permission of the Director and the signed authorization of their parent/guardian. In the case of an authorized departure, the participant must be picked up and delivered back to the group by means of private transportation. 14. All participants must dress and care for their bodies appropriately for the climate of Israel. Israel is an extremely hot country and CYJ must ensure that all Participants on the program stay healthy and safe. Participants must wear hats, cover up exposed skin, use sunscreen, wear appropriate footwear such as shoes on hikes, and drink water accordingly and when directed to do so by program staff. Adequate care for one’s body includes getting a reasonable amount of sleep to function and participate in all activities. Participants who do not care for their bodies accordingly may, at the discretion of the Director and staff on the program, be removed from portions of the program or the program in its entirety. 15. All participants must dress appropriately when visiting certain sites (example: Western Wall in Jerusalem) including covering up shoulders and knees when necessary. 16. Prescription medications are to be taken by the particular participant only, and such medications are not to be shared, traded, or sold by or to any other participant. The sharing, trading or selling of prescription medications can be extremely harmful to one’s health and is strictly prohibited and may result in a participant’s removal from the program.

​ ** POSSESSION OF BANNED SUBSTANCES EXTENDS TO ALL BAGGAGE OF A PARTICIPANT, A PARTICIPANT’S ROOM AND THE OUTSIDE VICINITY OF THAT ROOM.

**IF A PARTICIPANT IS DISMISSED FROM THE PROGRAM, A FLIGHT BACK TO CANADA WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE CONVENIENCE. NO PORTION OF THE PROGRAM FEE WILL BE REFUNDED IN THIS INSTANCE. PARENTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE FLIGHT NUMBER AND THE ARRIVAL TIME IN CANADA SO THAT THEY MAY MEET THEIR CHILD.

**IF A PARTICIPANT IS DISMISSED FROM THE PROGRAM AND NO IMMEDIATE FLIGHT TO CANADA IS AVAILABLE, THE PARTICIPANT WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE REST OF THE GROUP TO A PRIVATE LOCATION AND WILL REMAIN THERE UNDER SUPERVISION UNTIL ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE TO RETURN THE PARTICIPANT TO CANADA.

Page 10 of 11

**IN THE EVENT THAT IT IS DECIDED TO RETURN A PARTICIPANT TO CANADA, WHETHER THIS IS THE DECISION OF CYJ, THE PARTICIPANT, OR THEIR LEGAL GUARDIANS, ANY EXPENSES INCURRED AS A RESULT OF SUCH ACTION ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARTICIPANT, INCLUDING AIR TRANSPORTATION, LAND TRANSPORTATION, HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, MEALS AND ANY OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED.

**IN THE EVENT THAT THE PARTICIPANT IS INVOLVED IN ANY ILLEGAL OR PROHIBITED ACTIVITY RESULTING IN THE INVOLVEMENT OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES, CYJ AND THE DIRECTOR OF ISRAEL PROGRAMS WILL CONTINUE TO RETAIN GUARDIANSHIP OF THE PARTICIPANT FOR A MAXIMUM OF SEVENTY-TWO (72) HOURS FROM THE MOMENT THAT THE PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT. UPON EXPIRATION OF THIS TIME PERIOD, GUARDIANSHIP OF THE PARTICIPANT MUST BE TURNED OVER TO THE PARENT OR DESIGNATED GUARDIAN ON LOCATION.

Please note that CYJ, its affiliated summer camps and Israel Programs have adopted a one-year out policy which includes the following summer following dismissal from Biluim Israel. Participants dismissed from Biluim Israel will not be hired at affiliated camps and/or programs the following summer. This rule applies to any participant or staff dismissed from any of our programs.

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