Updated February 25th, 2021
1) What are the Yeshiva's plans for the Pesach Bein Hazmanim?
Thursday, February 25th's Update:
Our position hasn't changed since Monday. We are still cautiously recommending Talmidim go home for the Pesach Bein Hazmanim.
However, it is important to understand that our advisors are keeping a close eye on recent developments and are in touch with our representatives in the government for insight into what may lie ahead of us.
As it gets closer to the end of the zman, we will be better positioned to make a final decision and recommendation. We'll keep you posted.
Monday February 22nd's Update:
The Israeli government continues to be exceptionally cautious with the airlines entering Israel. The pressure is mounting that they sort out a more reliable system for incoming flights. Simultaneously, the country is continuing to come out of its two-month-long lockdown and is relaxing its guidelines. Israel launched its green pass system this week with over 50% already vaccinated.
We are keeping our finger on the pulse and are still cautiously recommending Talmidim prepare for going home for the Pesach Bein Hazmanim. It's not an easy decision. After careful consideration, it still seems the better and safer of the two options for them, both physically and spiritually, to recharge at home during this unstructured and relatively unsupervised five-week break. We regularly consult with our advisors and will reassess our decision as new information becomes available. You'll want to be prepared for the possibility of needing to reschedule or even cancel. We may need to hold tight until the very end for final decisions.
To be clear, the current recommendation to go home for Pesach is for the Yeshiva as a whole. If an individual Talmid is unable to go home or a group of Talmidim prefers to stay, then, of course, we will do whatever we can to accommodate them by keeping the dormitory open, helping find seudos for Yom Tov, being there for them, etc.
Please email our office if you have any specific questions and we’ll address your concerns to the best of our ability. We are in this together!
Our position hasn't changed since Monday. We are still cautiously recommending Talmidim go home for the Pesach Bein Hazmanim.
However, it is important to understand that our advisors are keeping a close eye on recent developments and are in touch with our representatives in the government for insight into what may lie ahead of us.
- Israel seems to be stalling its reopening of the skies. They decided on Monday to reduce the number of people allowed into Israel each day from 2,000 to 200.
- This decision may have come in response to another government decision to do away with the requirement for incoming passengers to quarantine in state-run hotels, making officials nervous about the number of incoming passengers. There seem to be other factors as well.
- Wednesday, Israel’s coronavirus cabinet reinstated the requirement for arriving passengers to quarantine in state-run hotels though it still needs approval before it goes into effect. They are also considering expanding the "tracking bracelet" option as an alternative that will allow passengers to quarantine at home.
- It remains to be seen whether or not the above and the green pass will impact Israel's decision to increase the number of passengers allowed into the country and whether or not Israel intends to extend its travel ban.
As it gets closer to the end of the zman, we will be better positioned to make a final decision and recommendation. We'll keep you posted.
Monday February 22nd's Update:
The Israeli government continues to be exceptionally cautious with the airlines entering Israel. The pressure is mounting that they sort out a more reliable system for incoming flights. Simultaneously, the country is continuing to come out of its two-month-long lockdown and is relaxing its guidelines. Israel launched its green pass system this week with over 50% already vaccinated.
We are keeping our finger on the pulse and are still cautiously recommending Talmidim prepare for going home for the Pesach Bein Hazmanim. It's not an easy decision. After careful consideration, it still seems the better and safer of the two options for them, both physically and spiritually, to recharge at home during this unstructured and relatively unsupervised five-week break. We regularly consult with our advisors and will reassess our decision as new information becomes available. You'll want to be prepared for the possibility of needing to reschedule or even cancel. We may need to hold tight until the very end for final decisions.
To be clear, the current recommendation to go home for Pesach is for the Yeshiva as a whole. If an individual Talmid is unable to go home or a group of Talmidim prefers to stay, then, of course, we will do whatever we can to accommodate them by keeping the dormitory open, helping find seudos for Yom Tov, being there for them, etc.
Please email our office if you have any specific questions and we’ll address your concerns to the best of our ability. We are in this together!
2) Does my son need to vaccinate? If yes, how does he arrange for a vaccine?
We are unaware of any benefit in having a Covid vaccine over a “recovery” letter (recovery letters are issued to people that tested positive for Covid in Israel or antibodies in Israel through AIM). However, there are no guarantees and we realize that there is a possibility that at some time in the future Israel may consider vaccines better than recovery letters. Israel is currently not offering the vaccine to people that have already recovered from Covid.
All Talmidim that do not have a "recovery" letter are encouraged to get the vaccine before leaving the country. You may need this to return after Pesach or to avoid quarantine.
IMPORTANT the second dose can only be given three weeks after the first dose. You'll want to check the dates for your son's departure to make sure there is enough time to allow for a second dose.
There are three ways to get the vaccine:
1) The Igud (Coalition of Yeshivos) announced that they arranged with Mada (Magen Dovid Adom) to administer the vaccine in Yeshivos for any Talmid that needs it. We've notified Talmidim when they are expected to administer tests.
2) Vaccine centers occasionally have a surplus and offer the vaccine to anyone, provided they do not have a "recovery" letter and bring their teudat zehut or a passport. AIM notifies us when these are available, so far four times. We continue to update the Talmdim about these opportunities.
3) Many Talmidim have signed up with Meuchedet, an Israeli HMO. Meuchedet is now offering the vaccine to anyone age 16 and above.
All Talmidim that do not have a "recovery" letter are encouraged to get the vaccine before leaving the country. You may need this to return after Pesach or to avoid quarantine.
IMPORTANT the second dose can only be given three weeks after the first dose. You'll want to check the dates for your son's departure to make sure there is enough time to allow for a second dose.
There are three ways to get the vaccine:
1) The Igud (Coalition of Yeshivos) announced that they arranged with Mada (Magen Dovid Adom) to administer the vaccine in Yeshivos for any Talmid that needs it. We've notified Talmidim when they are expected to administer tests.
2) Vaccine centers occasionally have a surplus and offer the vaccine to anyone, provided they do not have a "recovery" letter and bring their teudat zehut or a passport. AIM notifies us when these are available, so far four times. We continue to update the Talmdim about these opportunities.
3) Many Talmidim have signed up with Meuchedet, an Israeli HMO. Meuchedet is now offering the vaccine to anyone age 16 and above.
3) What do I need to do before leaving Israel?
You’ll need the following documents:
1. Negative PCR Covid test results - Take this test within 72 hrs. of departure. Unfortunately, vaccination or antibodies do not exempt you from taking this test at this time. We recommend taking this test at Hatzala just down the block from the Yeshiva. Although Pikud Haoref (Home Front) administers Covid tests for free, we are concerned about the turnaround time and how quickly you can get a copy of the test results.
IMPORTANT if your son tested positive for Covid within 90 days of his departure it may not be wise to test again (there is an increased chance of a false positive and then he will require quarantine again). The CDC website says he can instead present his positive Covid test and a “clear to fly” letter. See below for how to obtain a “clear to fly” letter.
IMPORTANT - there are cases in which people with "recovered status" (even more than 90 days) and still test positive for Covid. It is unfortunate and terribly dissappointing when it happens. The person is not allowed to fly. We'll want to be mentally prepared for this possibility.
2. Outbound Passenger Statement Form - Complete this Israeli form within 24 hours of departure here. The form asks for personal information and health declarations. You should receive a reply immediately. Print a copy and show it at the entrance to the airport and to airline staff with your plane ticket.
3. Attestation Form - you may be asked at the airport to confirm in writing that the information you present is true.
If you are traveling to a destination other than the United States you'll want to first find out your countries requirements. Canadians will need to provide a quarantine location. UK passengers will need to complete a passenger locator form.
In addition, we’d recommend the following documents:
The following documents do not seem to be required at this time. However, rules and regulations are constantly changing. Individual airline personnel may not know the rules. Some of these may be important for your return trip. It’s good to be prepared with all relevant documents.
1. Documentation of all prior positive tests. - Contact the Israeli Health Ministry 02-531-4813/4814 or email them at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il and request a copy of all previous Covid and antibody test results. Let them know your name, passport number, and date of birth, and attach a copy of your passport. If you tested positive for Covid before arriving in Israel this year then we recommend you have a copy of those test results as well.
2. "Recovery" letter - If you've tested positive for Covid in Israel or tested positive for antibodies in Israel through AIM (other testing centers may not help) then you already received your "recovery" letter from AIM. We recommend you also download a recovery certificate from the Israeli Health Ministry website https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. Or email them at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il and request a copy recovery certificate. Let them know your name, passport number, and date of birth, and attach a copy of your passport.
3. "Clear to Fly" letter – The “clear to fly letter” is listed on the CDC website as a requirement when entering the United States within 90 days of testing positive for Covid. This does not apply to most or all of our Talmidim. To play it safe, we’ve included it on our list for everyone. Email the Yeshiva office the exact date of your departure from Israel and we'll ask AIM to write you a "clear to fly" letter.
4. Proof of Vaccination – If you were administered the second dose of the vaccine then you may have already received proof of vaccination. You'll also want to download your "vaccination certificate" from the Israeli Health Ministry website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. (Note, this may only be available eight days after the second dose.)You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. If you received the vaccine through Meuchedet then you can also go to the Meuchedet office and ask them to print it out for you.
5. Green Pass – The Green Pass is expected to become available soon. You’ll be able to download it from the Israeli Health Ministry website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. Anyone who has "recovered" status (tested positive for Covid in Israel or antibodies through AIM) or is vaccinated in Israel will be eligible. Once Israel sorts this out, it may become available via email as well at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il . Let them know your name, passport number, and date of birth, and attach a copy of your passport.
Important: https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/ is an essential portal for downloading important documentation. There are several technical hurdles for foreigners in general and specifically Yeshivos and Seminaries in using this website. Initially, it only recognized teudat zehut. B"h it now recognizes passport numbers as well. However, it may become a challenge to receive the code for your documents if you are not in Israel. Your sons Israeli phone should still be able to receive the code while in the US (note, roaming charges will apply when you leave your 'home' network area and 'roam' onto the network or coverage area of another provider).
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
https://www.gov.il/en/service/request-depart-from-israel-covid19
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories?_ga=2.129468748.1104899293.1613382784-707099757.1613382784
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
1. Negative PCR Covid test results - Take this test within 72 hrs. of departure. Unfortunately, vaccination or antibodies do not exempt you from taking this test at this time. We recommend taking this test at Hatzala just down the block from the Yeshiva. Although Pikud Haoref (Home Front) administers Covid tests for free, we are concerned about the turnaround time and how quickly you can get a copy of the test results.
IMPORTANT if your son tested positive for Covid within 90 days of his departure it may not be wise to test again (there is an increased chance of a false positive and then he will require quarantine again). The CDC website says he can instead present his positive Covid test and a “clear to fly” letter. See below for how to obtain a “clear to fly” letter.
IMPORTANT - there are cases in which people with "recovered status" (even more than 90 days) and still test positive for Covid. It is unfortunate and terribly dissappointing when it happens. The person is not allowed to fly. We'll want to be mentally prepared for this possibility.
2. Outbound Passenger Statement Form - Complete this Israeli form within 24 hours of departure here. The form asks for personal information and health declarations. You should receive a reply immediately. Print a copy and show it at the entrance to the airport and to airline staff with your plane ticket.
3. Attestation Form - you may be asked at the airport to confirm in writing that the information you present is true.
If you are traveling to a destination other than the United States you'll want to first find out your countries requirements. Canadians will need to provide a quarantine location. UK passengers will need to complete a passenger locator form.
In addition, we’d recommend the following documents:
The following documents do not seem to be required at this time. However, rules and regulations are constantly changing. Individual airline personnel may not know the rules. Some of these may be important for your return trip. It’s good to be prepared with all relevant documents.
1. Documentation of all prior positive tests. - Contact the Israeli Health Ministry 02-531-4813/4814 or email them at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il and request a copy of all previous Covid and antibody test results. Let them know your name, passport number, and date of birth, and attach a copy of your passport. If you tested positive for Covid before arriving in Israel this year then we recommend you have a copy of those test results as well.
2. "Recovery" letter - If you've tested positive for Covid in Israel or tested positive for antibodies in Israel through AIM (other testing centers may not help) then you already received your "recovery" letter from AIM. We recommend you also download a recovery certificate from the Israeli Health Ministry website https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. Or email them at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il and request a copy recovery certificate. Let them know your name, passport number, and date of birth, and attach a copy of your passport.
3. "Clear to Fly" letter – The “clear to fly letter” is listed on the CDC website as a requirement when entering the United States within 90 days of testing positive for Covid. This does not apply to most or all of our Talmidim. To play it safe, we’ve included it on our list for everyone. Email the Yeshiva office the exact date of your departure from Israel and we'll ask AIM to write you a "clear to fly" letter.
4. Proof of Vaccination – If you were administered the second dose of the vaccine then you may have already received proof of vaccination. You'll also want to download your "vaccination certificate" from the Israeli Health Ministry website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. (Note, this may only be available eight days after the second dose.)You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. If you received the vaccine through Meuchedet then you can also go to the Meuchedet office and ask them to print it out for you.
5. Green Pass – The Green Pass is expected to become available soon. You’ll be able to download it from the Israeli Health Ministry website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. Anyone who has "recovered" status (tested positive for Covid in Israel or antibodies through AIM) or is vaccinated in Israel will be eligible. Once Israel sorts this out, it may become available via email as well at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il . Let them know your name, passport number, and date of birth, and attach a copy of your passport.
Important: https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/ is an essential portal for downloading important documentation. There are several technical hurdles for foreigners in general and specifically Yeshivos and Seminaries in using this website. Initially, it only recognized teudat zehut. B"h it now recognizes passport numbers as well. However, it may become a challenge to receive the code for your documents if you are not in Israel. Your sons Israeli phone should still be able to receive the code while in the US (note, roaming charges will apply when you leave your 'home' network area and 'roam' onto the network or coverage area of another provider).
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
https://www.gov.il/en/service/request-depart-from-israel-covid19
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories?_ga=2.129468748.1104899293.1613382784-707099757.1613382784
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
4) My son doesn't have a valid student visa, what should he do? My sons passport will expire, what should he do?
Student Visa
If your son does not have a student visa that is valid until after his return to Israel, please be in touch with our office immediately. A student visa is essential for being able to return to Yeshiva bez”h after Pesach.
Passports
It is currently difficult to renew US passports. Chaim Vchessed, an organization that helps Anglo’s navigate government procedures, recently posted here RE these difficulties and how they are trying to help.
If your son does not have a student visa that is valid until after his return to Israel, please be in touch with our office immediately. A student visa is essential for being able to return to Yeshiva bez”h after Pesach.
Passports
It is currently difficult to renew US passports. Chaim Vchessed, an organization that helps Anglo’s navigate government procedures, recently posted here RE these difficulties and how they are trying to help.
5) What will I need to do before returning to Israel?
We don't know when Israel will open borders again to returning students. In the meanwhile, we list below the expected procedure. Check back here for updates as more information becomes available.
You’ll need the following documents:
You may also need:
We don’t know which documentation will be needed in order to apply for entry permits or avoid quarantine. The following may end up being important.
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
https://www.gov.il/en/service/request-entry-to-israel-covid19
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories?_ga=2.129468748.1104899293.1613382784-707099757.1613382784
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
You’ll need the following documents:
- Entry Permit - When Israel bez"h opens its borders for students to return, the Yeshiva will apply for student entry permits within 14 days of your scheduled flight. We don’t yet know what documentation will be required in order to apply for an entry permit.
- Inbound Passenger form - Within 24 hours before your flight to Israel is scheduled, you must fill out an Israeli inbound passenger form here. You’ll need to provide identification information, specific places you have visited, make health declarations and attach documentation. After submitting the form, you'll receive notification immediately of either being cleared or denied to board your flight. Print and take it with you.
- Negative COVID-19 PCR test - ALL passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result to airline staff. The test must be taken within 72 hours of departure to Israel. At this time, this requirement applies even to people with an Israeli vaccination certificate or tested positive for Covid or antibodies.
You may also need:
We don’t know which documentation will be needed in order to apply for entry permits or avoid quarantine. The following may end up being important.
- Documentation of all prior positive tests. You can contact the Israeli Health Ministry 02-531-4813/4814 or email them at lbjepid@moh.health.gov.il and request a copy of all previous Covid and antibody test results. Let them know your name, passport number, and date of birth. If you tested positive for Covid before arriving in Israel this year then we recommend you have a copy of those test results as well.
- "Recovery" letter - If you've tested positive for Covid in Israel or tested positive for antibodies in Israel through AIM (other testing centers may not help) then you already received your "recovery" letter from AIM. We recommend you also download a recovery certificate from the Israeli Health Ministry website https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code.
- Proof of Vaccination – If you were administered the second dose of the vaccine then you may have already received proof. You'll also want to download your "vaccination certificate" from the Israeli Health Ministry website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. (Note, this may only be available eight days after the second dose.) You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. If you received the vaccine through Meuchedet then you can also go to the Meuchedet office and ask them to print it out for you.
- Green Pass – The Green Pass is expected to become available next week. You’ll be able to download it from the Israeli Health Ministry website at https://corona.health.gov.il/green-pass/. You’ll need to submit a request form and they'll send you a code. Anyone who has "recovered" status (tested positive for Covid in Israel or antibodies through AIM) or is vaccinated in Israel will be eligible.
For more information visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html
https://www.gov.il/en/service/request-entry-to-israel-covid19
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories?_ga=2.129468748.1104899293.1613382784-707099757.1613382784
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
