Our Approach to Safety and Security
Canada Israel Experience (CIE) is an organization born of the collective vision to strengthen Jewish identity among Jewish youth through participation in meaningful Israel Experience programs. Since 1996, CIE has proven to uphold a tradition of excellence in preserving the highest quality of educational, logistical, and safety standards. While an enriching and exciting Israel Experience program is certainly our mission, the security and well being of our participants has always been and continues to be our highest priority.
Canada Israel Experience understands that questions regarding safety and security are of critical importance to potential participants and their families. CIE values this and is available to answer any questions that may arise. All CIE itineraries are planned in accordance with the security directives of Taglit-Birthright Israel International and The Ministry of Education Situation Room. We hope the information provided below will help to clarify our organization's rigorous security measures taken throughout each Canada Israel Experience program.
A QUESTION OF SAFETY AND THE CIE RESPONSE
What is the free time policy?
Should free time be granted to the group, the location and time will be at the sole discretion of the CIE Israel staff.
Due to security issues in Israel, it is imperative that participants on the Taglit-Birthright Israel: CIE program comply with all necessary safety and security precautions which include (but is not limited to) a prohibition from leaving the group at any time without the supervision of a CIE staff, for any purpose including family visits, personal time, etc.
A PROACTIVE RESPONSE
What Happens If Something Out Of The Ordinary Occurs While We Are In Israel?
Canada Israel Experience staff is trained to deal with any security situation that may arise. If a group is in the city or region where the 'security situation' has occurred, they will immediately return to the bus and drive to their hotel where they will be met by a senior CIE staff in Israel and given instructions on how to proceed. All buses have at least three cellular phones and two-way closed circuit radios that may be used in times of emergency. For your peace of mind, CIE operates a 24-hour toll free telephone number where family members can contact a CIE staff member in the event of an emergency. Itineraries will be changed as security situations warrant.
1-800-567-ISRAEL (4772)
Armed Escorts and Bus Drivers
The regulations stipulated by the Ministry of Education have always required Canada Israel Experience to have one armed security escort throughout the trip in Israel. In compliance with these requirements, Canada Israel Experience does its best to guarantee the highest quality people with a solid background in security knowledge and training. All bus drivers are subject to Taglit-Birthright Israel International approval. As means for precaution, bus drivers are instructed to never leave the bus unattended or unlocked.
Routes And Roads Groups will not be permitted to travel within the areas of the West Bank, Gaza, or East Jerusalem (except for the Jewish Quarter of the Old City).
Group travel will be according to the directives of Taglit-Birthright Israel and the Israel Ministry of Education Situation Monitoring Room.
Click here to read quotes from CIE alumni regarding the safety and security measures, as well as their impact on the program.
Click here to view an online presentation prepared by Birthright Israel International entitled "Safety & Security on Birthright Israel trips". Should you have any questions or concerns regarding Canada Israel Experience safety and security guidelines, please feel free to contact our office at (416) 398-6931/ 1-800-567-4772.