I have voluntarily applied to participate in the Kehillah High Israel Trip (“Program”); I understand that there are risks associated with my participation in such a Program, including without limitation risks associated with general touring activities, outdoor activities, sporting activities, overnight stays, transportation and travel within the United States as well as with international travel, including but not limited to increased security and safety risks due to the prevalence of crime, political conflict, and limited availability of medical facilities that meet standards to which I am accustomed. I acknowledge that the nature of the Program may expose me to hazards or risks that may result in my illness, personal injury, or death, and I understand and appreciate the nature of such hazards and risks. In consideration for and as a condition to my participation in the Program, I hereby accept all risk that may result from my participation in the Program, and I hereby fully and unconditionally release and forever discharge the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Kehillah High and its travel partner, Israel Maven, and each of their respective affiliated entities, governing boards, trustees, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, advisors, parents/legal guardians or other chaperones, administrators, faculty, attorneys, agents, insurers, representatives and any other person acting by, through, under or in concert with any of such persons or entities, and their successors and assigns (collectively referred to herein as “the Organizer”), from any and all liability to me, all members of my family, my personal representatives, estate, executors, administrators, heirs, next of kin and successors and assigns for any and all claims and causes of action for loss of or damage to my property (either owned or rented by me) and for any and all illness or injury to my person, including my death, that may result from or occur during and/or related to my participation in the Program. This release extends and applies to, and covers and includes, all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated, and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss, and liability, and the consequences thereof, occurring in connection with and/or in any way related to my participation in the Programs at any time after the execution of this Waiver and Release.
Travel Documentation and Preparedness
I understand and agree that my responsibility is to secure the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport and any other documents required by the country I am traveling to. Failure to do so will not constitute grounds for a refund. I understand and agree that most countries require the passports of visitors to be valid for an extended period of time beyond the scheduled Program travel dates and that I may be denied boarding if my passport validity does not meet those requirements.
Travel Associated Risk
I understand and agree that I am responsible for my own transportation to and from the program, including to the group flight airport. Any delay in meeting the group will be my own responsibility, and should I not board with the group (including any optional group travel arrangement, if applicable) on time, I understand and agree that there is no guarantee I can be booked on a substitute flight. I further agree that the Organizer is not responsible or liable for any injury, damage, loss, costs, refunds, expense, accident, delay, scheduling changes, cancellation, or other irregularity that may be caused by third-party travel companies or the transportation carriers or other companies or persons engaged in providing or performing any of the services involved in the Program or that may otherwise occur during the Program. I understand that travel insurance has been made available to me (for USA citizens only) and that I may contract for such insurance or the insurance provider of my choosing. I agree that travel insurance policies are subject to the insurance provider’s conditions and exclusion clauses.
Travel Advisory
The security environment remains complex in Israel and the region, and U.S. citizens need to be aware of the continuing risks of travel to these areas, particularly to areas described in this Travel Warning, where there are heightened tensions and security risks.
Over three million foreign citizens, including hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens, safely visit Israel each year for study, tourism, and business. The Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority make considerable efforts to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Nonetheless, U.S. citizens should also consider that U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use public buses due to past attacks on public transportation and that U.S. government personnel must notify the Embassy's Regional Security Officer before traveling in the areas surrounding Gaza.
Major Metropolitan Areas in Israel Personal safety conditions in major metropolitan areas, including Tel Aviv and Haifa and their surrounding regions, are comparable to or better than those in other major global cities. Tourists, students, and businesspeople from around the world are welcome. Visitors should observe appropriate personal security practices to reduce their vulnerability to crime, particularly late at night or in isolated or economically depressed areas, including the countryside. Visitors are advised to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations and keep current with local news available through numerous English language sources.
Gaza Vicinity Travelers to areas of Israel in the vicinity of the Gaza Strip should be aware of the risks presented by small arms fire, anti-tank weapons, rockets, and mortars launched from inside Gaza toward Israeli cities and towns. These attacks can come with little warning. Some rockets have traveled more than 40 kilometers (24 miles) from Gaza and landed as far north as Tel Aviv and east as Beersheva. Gunfire, rocket, and mortar attacks in the regions bordering Gaza have been a regular occurrence. Visitors to these areas should remain aware of their surroundings and the location of bomb shelters and should take note of announcements and guidance provided by the Home Front Command.
Northern Israel Rocket attacks into Israel from Lebanon have occurred without warning along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Tensions have increased along portions of the Disengagement Zone with Syria in the Golan Heights as a result of the internal conflict occurring in that country. Sporadic gunfire has occurred along the border region. Several incidents of mortar shells and light arms fire have impacted the Israeli-controlled side of the zone due to spillover from the fighting in Syria. Travelers should be aware that cross-border gunfire could occur without warning. Furthermore, there are active landmines in areas of the Golan Heights, so visitors should walk only on established roads or trails.
Jerusalem U.S. citizens should be aware of the possibility of isolated street protests, particularly within the Old City and around Salah Ed-Din Street, Damascus Gate, Silwan, and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood. Travelers should exercise caution at religious sites on holy days, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The West Bank The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the West Bank.
The Gaza Strip The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip.
Entry/Exit Difficulties Some U.S. citizens holding Israeli nationality, possessing a Palestinian identity card, or of Arab or Muslim origin have experienced significant difficulties in entering or exiting Israel or the West Bank. Such U.S. citizens planning to travel to Israel, the West Bank, or Gaza should consult the detailed information concerning entry and exit difficulties in the Country Specific Information.
Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy for information and assistance in Israel, the Golan Heights, and ports of entry at Ben Gurion Airport, Haifa Port, the northern (Jordan River/Sheikh Hussein) and southern (Arava) border crossings connecting Israel and Jordan, and the border crossings between Israel and Egypt. During working hours, an embassy officer can be contacted at (972) (3) 519-7575 from Monday through Friday. The after-hours emergency number is (972) (3) 519-7551. Contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem for information and assistance in Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge crossing between the West Bank and Jordan at (972) (2) 630-4000 from Monday through Friday during working hours. The after-hours emergency number is (972) (2) 622-7250.
For More Information
Occasional public messages issued by the Embassy and the Consulate General are e-mailed to registered U.S. citizens. They are posted on State Department websites to highlight time-sensitive security concerns. To receive such messages, travelers should register with the Embassy or the Consulate General via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and visit the Consular Affairs website.
Current information on travel and security in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada or, from overseas, 1- 202-501-4444. For additional and more in-depth information about specific aspects of travel to these areas, travelers should consult the Country Specific Information for Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza and the Worldwide Caution. Travelers transiting or visiting Jordan and Egypt during their trip to Israel should also consult their respective Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information, all of which are available on the Department of State's Consular Affairs website.
We understand that this Travel Warning is subject to change at any time by the United States Department of State. We agree that this Guide Declaration will remain in full force and effect in the event of any changes to the Travel Warning. If we are not United States citizens or residents, We acknowledge that Kehilah High has advised us to check any travel warnings issued by our own country.
We have read and understood this Travel Warning and have decided to participate or to allow the participant to participate in the Program. We accept all risks associated with the heightened dangers of such travel. We understand and agree that none of the Kehillah High entities shall be responsible or liable for, and We, for ourselves, individually and jointly, and on behalf of our family, next of kin, heirs, and representatives, shall make no claim against any of the Kehillah High Entities for, any damage, injury, death, loss or expense resulting from travel to, from and within Israel, or Participant’s involvement in the Program or any activities during the Program. We acknowledge that the Kehillah High entities have advised us to purchase accident, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance to cover reimbursement for trip delay, missed connections, sickness, accident, medical expenses, lost baggage, personal effects, etc., and if We already own such insurance, to check the terms of our insurance, or any other personal insurance, in light of this trip and any Travel Warning.
Modifications to the Itinerary
I understand and agree that the sample itinerary and/or program description included in any marketing material is subject to change at the Organizer's sole discretion. I further understand that any itinerary documentation distributed as part of pre-trip preparation materials is also subject to change at the Organizer's sole discretion.
Property and Financial Responsibility
I understand that I will be required to pay for any phone calls and incidental personal expenses that I incur while participating in the Program, as well as for any damage I cause to the property of others, including but not limited to damage at our accommodations. I agree to defend, indemnify and hold the Organizer harmless from any financial liability or obligation I incur and for any injury or damage to the person or property of others I cause or contribute to while participating in the Program. I understand and agree that the Organizer shall not be liable for any of my property (whether owned or rented) that is damaged, lost, or stolen throughout the duration of the Program, including property contained in my luggage or within my accommodations room – regardless of the circumstances. Further, I understand and agree that the Organizer bears no responsibility for any items rented or acquired through third parties. For example, but not by way of limitation, I understand and agree that Organizer is not responsible for any lost or stolen cell phones or any unauthorized calls made on a rented cell phone or SIM card and that it is my responsibility to notify the cell phone company directly of any issues relating to the cell phone, including but not limited to the damage, theft, and unwanted calls. I understand and agree that participants are encouraged not to bring valuable items to the Program.
Food Allergies, Medical Contingencies, and Consent to Treat
I understand and agree that I am solely responsible for providing the Organizer with all relevant medical considerations pertaining to my well-being through the forms I am required to provide to the Organizer (“Required Forms”). I understand and agree that I am solely responsible for any prescribed medications and that I am solely responsible for ensuring that any such prescription medications are legal in the countries in and through which I will travel. I understand and agree that Program staff is not allowed to carry, administer or ensure compliance with any prescribed medication for Program participants. I understand and agree that special requests—such as the need to refrigerate medication—may be facilitated by Program staff in good faith, but that the Organizer does not accept responsibility for such requests and cannot guarantee that such requests can be granted. However, I recognize that Program staff may administer prescribed medications to a Participant in an emergency and may further administer an EpiPen, if available, to a Participant who is showing signs of anaphylactic shock even if that Participant does not possess an EpiPen prescription. I also authorize Program staff to provide over-the-counter medications at their discretion and in their best judgment. I understand and agree that I am solely responsible for providing the Organizer with all relevant dietary requirements pertaining to my well-being through the Required Forms. I understand and agree that the Program staff will make a good faith effort to ensure that food is available on the Program that is consistent with any special dietary requirements that I have specified but that I am solely and ultimately responsible for the food that I consume. Further, I understand and agree that the Organizer cannot guarantee an environment that can or will accommodate me if I have an airborne food allergy. I understand and agree that participation in the Program can be physically challenging and involves irregular sleeping and eating schedules and a highly social environment. I have consulted with a physician and have been advised that I am in good health. I do not suffer from any illnesses, conditions, or disabilities that would make participation in the Program unwise, harmful, or dangerous to myself or others. I understand and agree that should the Program staff determines in their sole discretion that I am not capable of participating in the Program due to physical health or mental health considerations. I will be removed from the Program and fully responsible for my connecting travel arrangements. I agree that if I become ill or incapacitated, the Organizer may take any action it deems necessary for my safety and well-being, including but not limited to securing medical treatment (at my own expense) and making arrangements for transporting me home. I understand and agree that in such instances, I will not be entitled to any refund of paid Program fees or costs and that all travel arrangements, costs, and liabilities associated with being returned home, including the cost of an escort, if necessary, will be the sole responsibility of me and my parent/legal guardian.
I hereby authorize the Organizer to charge all such travel arrangements, expenses, and liabilities to the credit card on record with the Organizer. I represent and warrant that I am and will be covered throughout the Program by a comprehensive health and accident insurance policy that provides coverage within the countries included in the Program for injuries and illnesses I may sustain or experience while participating in the Program, including treatment-related to pre-existing conditions. I understand and agree that, in some countries, the provision of available healthcare services may not meet the standards to which I am accustomed. I further understand and agree that if I need medical care, I may be taken to and receive care from local clinics at the sole discretion of Program representatives. In some instances, healthcare facilities expect upfront payment. I understand that I am responsible for all such payments, whether upfront or otherwise, and I confirm that I have been advised that I should have access to travelers’ checks or a credit card at all times while in such countries in case of a medical emergency.
Taking/Publishing Photographs and Videos
I hereby authorize the Organizer to take and publish photographs/video/quotations taken of me (including printing or otherwise publishing my name in association with such photograph/video or quotation) in printed or electronic format, including but not limited to in publications, presentations, promotions (including those that are mailed), exhibits, press releases, marketing materials, videos, CDs, DVDs, websites (both internal and external) and any social media associated with the Organizer. I acknowledge that since my participation in such photographs/video/quotations is voluntary, I will receive no financial compensation, and my participation confers upon me no rights of ownership whatsoever to such photographs/video/quotations. I further understand and agree that the Organizer may share such photographs/video/quotations with third parties consistent with these provisions.
Personal Exploration Time
While the Organizer provides a generally supervised Program, there may be opportunities designated by Program staff for personal exploration time in public areas that are not directly supervised by Program staff. In all such instances, I agree to remain within the physical parameters set forth by Program staff, and I understand and agree that all Program rules apply during such opportunities. Should I not wish to leave the direct supervision of Program staff in such public areas, I understand and agree that I have the right to remain under the direct supervision of Program staff at all times.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted almost every aspect of daily life, including the programs offered by Kehillah High. We are actively monitoring the situation, and Government authorities are issuing guidance at the Local, State, and National levels in both the United States and Israel. Despite our efforts in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, it is impossible to eliminate all risks of contracting the virus given the nature of our programs. As we continue to deal with this pandemic together, we view your child’s voluntary participation in our program as an acknowledgment of the inherent risks associated with participating in our programs, including the possibility of contracting Covid-19. We will continue working with the Israel Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 medical team to determine the policies and procedures that will be put in place for Summer 2023.
Emergency Procedures Information
The Kehillah High Israel Trip is cautious and conservative. Throughout their stay, participants reside in secure accommodations. Full-time education and logistics professionals in Israel consult daily with the Security Department of the Jewish Agency for Israel and are in constant contact with the government, police, and military authorities to ensure that planned routes and destinations are safe.
Our itinerary is approved by the Security Department of The Jewish Agency for Israel in advance of the trip. Daily itineraries are re-approved the day before and again on the day of the activities. Please note that extreme heat is the most common reason for itinerary changes during the summer.
The Kehillah High Israel Trip is accompanied by an Israeli security guard as required by the Jewish Agency’s Security Department, and travel only in our own chartered buses – never on public transportation. Parents/guardians can reach the Kehillah High senior staff in Israel and North America 24 hours a day for the duration of the program. Contingency plans are in place and will be implemented, if necessary, to move groups to safety and/or to bring them home as appropriate.
Staff members and participants receive a thorough orientation regarding expectations for appropriate behavior and safety and security procedures and protocols.
Safety and security training is a mandatory part of Staff Orientation for all staff members. As part of that training, Kehillah High Israel Trip emergency procedures will be covered in detail. Below is a summary of some of the instructions you will receive.
General Emergency Procedure
The decision to initiate the General Emergency Procedure rests with the Director. No other individual(s) are allowed to call or initiate a procedure. The goals of an Emergency Procedure (EP) are multifold:
- To account for every teen and staff member in a group
- To gather the entire group in one central location
- To clear all of the areas and buildings of teens and staff
- To move teens and staff away from any dangerous areas/conditions
- To allow emergency rescue staff to move freely about the area
- To centralize emergency equipment at one location so that it can be quickly and effectively moved to the emergency area
We will discuss emergency procedures in detail during staff orientation. Your role in any EP is to remain calm and move your teens to the designated gathering place.
Child Abuse Prevention
The highest priority is to provide a safe environment for participants and staff. Staff members must take special care to use sound judgment and to avoid even the appearance of improper conduct. Activities, stories, and language that may make others uncomfortable – physically, emotionally, and sexually – are strictly prohibited. Actions will be judged by how they are perceived, not just how they were intended. Abusive behavior will result in serious consequences, including dismissal and the possibility of criminal action. Prohibited or abusive conduct falls under five main categories:
Physical Abuse – NEVER, under any circumstances, should a staff member use physical force with a teen - either as a behavioral consequence or even as an overly playful gesture. Such gestures can be subject to many interpretations. If you feel yourself getting angry, find another staff member to supervise and walk away, count to 10, etc., but NEVER touch a teen out of anger or use any physical force. Please seek guidance and help if you feel this way; asking for help is a sign of strength.
Psychological/Emotional Abuse – Emotional abuse refers to interactions with teens that cause them emotional or psychological distress. Staff members are in a position of authority over participants. When power is used inappropriately or abusively, it can cause great distress, as fear and distrust replace the comfort and trust we try to build. Examples of emotional abuse include rejection, isolation, exploitation, scaring, and taking advantage of participants. Calling participants demeaning names, withholding food or treats (such as canteen, dessert, or snacks) as punishment, threatening, blaming, or humiliating participants, giving unreasonable punishments, and ignoring participants who need your support can all cause psychological harm. Avoid mean jokes and sarcasm.
Verbal Abuse – Never threaten a participant. Never yell, curse, or scream at a participant. Yelling and cursing might help you let off steam, but it only communicates a message of being out of control. It can scare the participant, even if they don’t tell you they are scared, and pretend that they are okay with it. Similarly, stories and language that are foul or inappropriate, for example, sharing your personal sexual experiences, can be abusive. As with psychological/emotional abuse, the scars are not always visible but are often irreparable.
Neglect – Neglect is often an unintentional form of abuse but can be just as damaging as the above. Examples of neglect include poor supervision, withholding attention, withholding food, and disregard for basic physical safety, emotional safety, and comfort of participants.
Sexual Abuse – Any sexual behavior between a staff member and participant is, by definition, abusive. Sexual behavior may include, but is not limited to:
Unwanted sexual touching, such as sexual touching that lacks mutual consent or any sexual behavior by one person that is undesired by the other person. Sexual touching with the use of force, which is sexual assault. A staff member touching a teen for their own sexual stimulation or that of the teen. Sexual behavior (such as masturbation or sexual acts between staff) that takes place in front of
a teen or in shared spaces with teens. Behavior by a staff member that is cause for concern and should be reported:
- Pays too much attention to an individual teen
- Too much touching of teens, even touching that is seemingly innocent
- Invites teens to their housing
- Allows teens to shower or change in their private space
- Gives gifts to a specific teen
Appropriate Touch
Healthy and nurturing physical contact is important to our value system and culture. Appropriate contact with participants is defined as physical contact for the sole purpose of nurturing or reassuring the person touched and should be restricted to shoulders, upper back, arms, and hands.
It is given without expectations of anything in return to convey approval, reassurance, or trust. It always accounts for the comfort level of the person being touched. If a participant demonstrates any discomfort, this form of reassurance should stop. The Kehillah High Israel Trip should be where touch that is nurturing can occur and where discussion about feelings can occur. Again, staff should restrict these instances of touch to times when they are in public view. Examples may include:
- Pats on the back or touch on the shoulder
- Hugs (without full frontal contact) of welcome/hello/goodbye/Shabbat Shalom
- Handshakes, high fives, etc.
- Havdalah and other group circles
- General participant care, including but not limited to brushing hair, rubbing in sunscreen and bug spray in non-private areas, etc.
The appropriateness of physical contact will vary with different ages, the context of the interaction, and the stages of youth development. For additional guidance, please discuss this with the Director.
Prohibited Physical Contact
Any physical contact that violates the person's comfort level is prohibited. It is touch that is achieved through power on the part of the person doing the touching. It is touch that is given or forced on one for the primary satisfaction of the toucher - not the person being touched. Examples of prohibited touch include:
- Sexual contact of any kind with a participant
- Physical force (hitting, arm twisting, pinching, towel whipping, slapping, etc.)
- “Hazing” activities, which can be physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abusive and cause
- psychological harm, e.g., touching and/or in any way playing with a participant while they are sleeping
Is touching a participant ever allowed? What is clear and unclear?
Clear: There is to be no sexual touching; no romantic touching; no playful touching that might be interpreted or misinterpreted as romantic; no touching of private areas, including groin, breasts, and buttocks (sometimes referred to as the areas covered by a bathing suit or underwear). All these are categorized as sexual activity, and, as described above, any sexual activity with a participant is automatically abusive. Physical touching requires sensitivity and discretion: depending upon age, context, and perceptions, including applying sunscreen or bug spray in non-private areas, brushing hair, high fives, side hugs, etc. Key principle: No person should ever be touched in a way that makes them uncomfortable. When in doubt, even about seemingly innocent touching (e.g., hug, pat on the back, lifting, etc.), ask the participant or don’t do it.
Caution: Staff members must never be alone with an individual participant in a closed, private place. Any situation can be misinterpreted, so keeping doors open, avoiding private spaces, and staying in groups are important.
Staff members should gently block and redirect a teen who attempts to touch the staff member inappropriately or sexually. They should discourage teens from inappropriate expectations of touch in a gentle manner, being mindful not to embarrass the teen.
Staff members should gently set limits when teens seek excessive, inappropriate, or sexual attention and obtain support services for teens who continually struggle with these limits. Additionally, as communicated during training, all staff members should be mindful of the teen’s behavior and actions, taking notice of behaviors that may be suggestive of past abuse. Such behaviors should be communicated to senior leadership as soon as possible.
Responding to suspicions of Child Abuse
(Adapted from “What to Do When a Child Discloses Possible Abuse,” prepared for Camp Ramah in California by Miriam Wolf, MSW) Because of the trusted relationship teens often develop with staff, teens occasionally disclose information about possible abuse. Information of this nature may require additional follow-up by the senior leadership and may trigger a report to the appropriate authorities as required by law. Whether the alleged abuse occurred in or outside of the Kehillah High Israel Trip, Staff members should gently block and redirect a teen who attempts to touch the staff member inappropriately or sexually. They should discourage teens from inappropriate expectations of touch in a gentle manner, being mindful not to embarrass the teen. Staff members should gently set limits when teens seek excessive, inappropriate, or sexual attention and obtain support services for teens who continually struggle with these limits.
If a teen discloses possible child abuse, a staff member should follow these steps:
1. Practice “active listening,” where the teen does most of the talking, and you do mostly supportive listening. Be supportive but not overreact; teens often do not disclose due to fear of upsetting adults or being viewed as scarred in some way. If you respond with “That’s the worst thing I’ve ever heard,” it can trigger negative behaviors and lead to the teen shutting down the conversation. If the teen asks you to promise to keep the information to yourself, you may say, “Most things you tell me I can keep to myself. But if you tell me something that makes me worry about your safety or someone else's safety, I may not be able to keep that to myself.” NEVER promise that you won’t tell anyone else.
2. Tell the teen that you are glad they told you. Support the teen’s decision to tell by praising the courage it took to tell. Do not investigate or ask detailed questions at this time. Reassure the teen that you will do your best to help them. While it is difficult to hear information of this kind, try to remain supportive and neutral.
3. Tell the teen that you are going to help them. Then, follow the protocol set by the Kehillah High Israel trip: Tell your supervisor immediately, who will arrange for you to speak with the director or their designee.
4. Some teens might initially be angry with you that you cannot keep the information to yourself. It is important to remember that teens often choose to tell someone when they want help. Helping teens does not mean keeping secrets; it means getting them appropriate assistance while on the Kehillah High Israel trip and when they return home. Be sure to speak with your supervisor about your feelings and involvement in this situation.
Reporting Suspicions of Child Abuse
Regulations mandate that the director (or designee) report suspected child abuse or neglect incidents to the appropriate authorities. The policy requires all staff to report to their director or another senior leader any reasonable suspicion that a participant is being abused or maltreated (whether this is a past occurrence or a present situation). All reports facilitated by the Kehillah High Israel trip will be held in the strictest of confidence, protecting the confidentiality of the information and the individuals involved to the extent possible.