Shorashim: Masa Chayenu

A message from the programme's roshim!

Chaverim - we have been awaiting this moment for a long time. With our last Shorashim trip to Israel all the way back in 2023, this programme is the product of great yearning and passion and its arrival sends waves of excitement throughout the Habonim and Southern African Jewish community.

It is trips like these which form new bonds and set existing ones in stone. These bonds form foundations which in turn pave the way for a reality where the youth can see the world and embark on a journey towards the world they want to see. Trips like these grow people.

It is one thing to travel across the world. It is another to travel across the world to such a significant location - Israel - with a group of like-minded, young individuals hungry for experience. These experiences enrich childhoods - these experiences shape lives.

And so we see it very fitting to coin this Shorashim in 2026 'Masa Chayenu' - 'Journey of Our Lives'.

As roshim, we will take every step possible to ensure that your precious children leave this programme with their eyes opened and their hearts fulfilled and we are proud to do it. You are in good hands.

Aleh Ve’Hagshem (Rise Up and Fulfill)

Tan Tan Kuti-Alexander & Michael Flaum - Roshei Shorashim 2026

 

Shorashim Means Roots:

Shorashim is a formative experience within your Grade 10 year, inviting you to immerse yourself in Israel's vibrant culture, and connect to your Jewish roots. Shorashim is known to be a dynamic and meaningful trip, offering a truly unique perspective that allows for personal growth and a deeper understanding of your own Jewish identity. It is an unforgettable adventure where you will make lifelong memories, meet other Jewish teens from around the world, have fun with friends, and explore the very best of what Israel has to offer! 

 

Ensuring the safety of our Channichim is our top priority. Our decision is grounded in the security guidance provided by trusted entities such as The Jewish agency for Israel, The South African Jewish Board of Deputies and The South African Zionist Fed. All of these organizations have approved the safety of Jewish travel in and around Israel in 2026.

We are ensuring the security of all participants by employing a 24-hour on-call private security company. These professionals will bring expertise in combat training and proper security assessment, attesting to our commitment to the well-being of everyone involved. Furthermore, logistics coordinator, on-call medic and tour guide, will all have military training from their army days. Additionally, we maintain constant communication with the police in each city to stay vigilant and responsive to any circumstance. Furthermore, we will be staying clear of potential conflict zones and the trip will be flexible to pivot should any security issues arise.

Our tour company is the leader in safety protocol for group travel to Israel. Their full-time security department is linked to the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Police, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel and all the relevant authorities and agencies; feeding real-time live updates to the group. Our every step in Israel is monitored and important adjustments are made if needed. The company holds the highest standard insurance for all of our groups.

 

TOUR DATES:

Cape Town:

Depart: 5th of July 2026 from Cape Town International
Return: 20th of July 2026 to Cape Town International

Johannesburg:

Depart: 5th of July 2026 from OR Tambo International
Return: 20th of July 2026 to OR Tambo International

• The exact flight programme and path will be confirmed with the Shorashim travel agent as soon as possible and communicated with all applicants.
• Shorashim is working hard to ensure the most competitive price possible.
• The flight Shorashim books will not impact your price described below.

• The tour coordinators reserve the right to reject any application. Acceptance is conditional based on the completion of all stages of the signup process.
• Applicants are required to apply for the programme by the 31st of May 2026.

• The application deadline on the 31st of May also includes part of the admin fee (see below)
• Applicants will be accepted based on their motivation and interview.
• Please note that preference is given to those committed to attending Habonim Dror Machaneh in December 2026 and those generally committed to Habonim Dror, unless reason is given otherwise.

The payment of Shorashim is broken into 2 amounts:

Payment 1 : Local Payment

Administrative cost: R20 000 in total.
Includes: flights and basic ground expenses in South Africa and Israel.

• Local Payment 1 (deposit): R10 000
  Due Date: 31 May 2026.

• Local Payment 2: R10 000. 
  Due Date: 5 June 2026. 

Paid to: HDSA
Habonim Dror SA
Nedbank - Balfour Park
Acc No: 151 103 2383
Branch Code: 151105
Send Proof of Payment to joburg@habo.org.za

 

Refund Policy: 

31st of May: R10 000 becomes a deposit required by the airline, of which R2500 is non-refundable.
This is a non-negotiable fee for all participants, including those requesting financial assistance. Late applications may be subject to a late penalty should they be accepted.

Once you complete this stage of the form, you will automatically receive an email containing local payment details and our refund policy. If you do not, please send an email to Amira Karstaedt (amira@habo.org.za).

No local payment will be considered accepted unless a motivation has been submitted and a proof of payment emailed to joburg@habo.org.za
 

Payment 2 : International Payment

Ground Cost: 3 195 USD*
Includes: This cost includes all accommodation, three meals a day, Israeli staff (including security), medical insurance, and all programme activities.
Due Date: 5th of June 2026.

Paid to: The Tour Company (Israel Experience)

Payment details will be sent to any accepted applicants.

This cost is due on the 5th of June OR payment plan submitted to amira@habo.org.za with the first installment done by the 5th of June.

*As of January 2026, the cost provided by Israel Experience is in the range of 2,930-3,590 USD. Please note that international payment is dependent on number of participants and is subject to change.

Financial assistance:

HDSA will try to assist with financial aid on this portion of the cost to Channichim to the best of our abilities. We would never want a channie to miss out on Shorashim owing to financial constraints. However, it is not a guarantee that we will be able to raise the funds to subsidise your child.

If you would like to request financial assistance, please contact Amira Karstaedt (amira@habo.org.za).

Due date: 31st of May 2026. Please do so as soon as possible for Habonim to raise funds.

All queries may be directed to Tan Tan Kuti-Alexander & Michael Flaum, the tour coordinators. 

Email: shorashim@habo.org.za.

Alternatively, 

You can contact Amira Karstaedt at amira@habo.org.za for any financial queries.

Parent/Guardian 1 Information

Emergency Information

The payment of Shorashim is broken into 2 amounts:

Payment 1 : Local Payment

Administrative cost: R20 000 in total.
Includes: flights and basic ground expenses in South Africa and Israel.

• 
  Local Payment 1 (deposit): R10 000
  Due Date: 31 May 2026.

•  
  Local Payment 2: R10 000. 
  Due Date: 5 June 2026. 

Paid to: HDSA
Habonim Dror SA
Nedbank - Balfour Park
Acc No: 151 103 2383
Branch Code: 151105
Send Proof of Payment to joburg@habo.org.za

 

Refund Policy: 

31st of May: R10 000 becomes a deposit required by the airline, of which R2500 is non-refundable.
This is a non-negotiable fee for all participants, including those requesting financial assistance. Late applications may be subject to a late penalty should they be accepted.

Once you complete this stage of the form, you will automatically receive an email containing local payment details and our refund policy. If you do not, please send an email to Amira Karstaedt (amira@habo.org.za).

No local payment will be considered accepted unless a motivation has been submitted and a proof of payment emailed to joburg@habo.org.za
 

Payment 2 : International Payment

Ground Cost: 3 195 USD*
Includes: This cost includes all accommodation, three meals a day, Israeli staff (including security), medical insurance, and all programme activities.
Due Date: 5th of June 2026.

Paid to: The Tour Company (Israel Experience)

Payment details will be sent to any accepted applicants.

This cost is due on the 5th of June OR payment plan submitted to amira@habo.org.za with the first installment done by the 5th of June.

*As of January 2026, the cost provided by Israel Experience is in the range of 2,930-3,590 USD. Please note that international payment is dependent on number of participants and is subject to change.

Financial assistance:

HDSA will try to assist with financial aid on this portion of the cost to Channichim to the best of our abilities. We would never want a channie to miss out on Shorashim owing to financial constraints. However, it is not a guarantee that we will be able to raise the funds to subsidise your child.

If you would like to request financial assistance, please contact Amira Karstaedt (amira@habo.org.za).

Due date: 31st of May 2026. Please do so as soon as possible for Habonim to raise funds.

General Communications:

Roshei Shorashim (Heads of Shorashim) - Tan Tan Kuti-Alexander & Michael Flaum

shorashim@habo.org.za 

 

Financial Queries:

Programme manager - Amira Karstaedt

amira@habo.org.za

CC: admin@habo.org.za, joburg@habo.org.za

 

(Alternative email: shorash2026@gmail.com)