The city of Bat Yam, just a few minutes south of Tel Aviv, is welcoming, clean, and home to a plethora of restaurants, cafes, bars and a growing cultural center. This city hosts a Design Terminal, a hub for designers from different disciplines, the Notzar Theater, and an annual street theater festival. There are also two train stations in Bat Yam, providing fast connections to the Negev Desert in the south, the Galilee in the north, and Israel’s big towns and cities in between, including Tel Aviv, Herzliya, and Haifa. During the summer months, there are classes/games that take place on the beach, all of them free of charge, including volleyball and yoga
Culture
Bat Yam Museum of Art
MoBY-Museums of Bat Yam is a three-museum complex operating in the heart of Bat Yam. The main building, which boasts a unique round structure, exhibits contemporary art and is where community programs and academic conferences are held. The Rybak House and the Sholem Asch Museum, house MoBY’s permanent collections and offer extensive community and educational programs as well
This is different from the usual walk along the ocean in Tel Aviv…. on the Bat Yam boardwalk you are high above the beach looking down which gives you a completely different experience and perspective. More relaxing and less hustle and bustle than the Tayelet, but with just as much cafes, bars and sparkle lights at night
Deda is the best place in Bat Yam for authentic Georgian cuisine (best Khachapuri around!) With generous service, great food, and live traditional music during the weekend nights what’s not to love
Feel the spray of the ocean while dining on some of the best, and freshest, seafood, all while taking in some of the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean of course
A pseudo – authentic taste of the Czech Republic right in the heart of Bat Yam. Is it true food from the Czech, no, but is it really delicious, yes, and people keep coming back for more at this neighborhood spot
If you are looking for the perfect place to kick back and cool off on a hot Israeli summer day, then Golda has you covered. This spot has tons of outdoor seating right on the beach and is serving up every ice cream flavor and creation under the sun. From simple cones to crazy sundae concoctions, your sweet tooth will always be satisfied here
Though all the Tel Aviv beaches are only a short bus ride or walk away, Bat Yam still hosts some of the best beachfronts in Israel. In total, there are 7 different “beach” areas in Bat Yam: Marina, HaNifrad, Tayo, and Palm just to name a few. Bat-Yam’s beaches host a wide array of great activities for everyone – surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling are just a few. If the water isn’t your thing, but you are still a thrill seeker, there is also paragliding or parachuting. Free activities on the beach are also available throughout the summer including beach volleyball , tai-chi, Chi-kung, bodybuilding, gymnastics, yoga, Nordic walking, and the Israeli classic, Matkot
Hasela Beach
Hasela beach is easily one of the best beaches Israel. The waters are always calm (no huge waves here), similar to a swimming pool in the sea, since they put rocks all around. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars and life guards (just in case). It’s very relaxing overall, especially with the packed Tel Aviv beaches only a short walk away. If you are in Bat Yam, this beach is the place to be
Nightlife
Dekel Club
Dekel Club has it all – Billiards, Bowling, Bar Food, Arcade Games and everything in between. You’ll want to spend all day, and well into the night, at this joint
Open 24 hours a day, Gorilla is easily one of the best beachfront places to satisfy your late night cravings, enjoy live music and dance the night away
This lively strip of outdoor eateries and bars are known for loud music, bright lights, and drawing a crowd of locals every weekend into the early hours of the morning
Hear what our past participants had to say about their experience!
Daniela S.
“I’ve had the privilege to live in the suburb of Bat Yam, right outside Tel Aviv, for the summer. I’m doing legal research at the Environmental Regulation Clinic and am surrounded by down to earth, like minded, passionate individuals in my cohort.This summer has been very different from every other experiences I’ve had in Israel and more generally abroad because it doesn’t feel like I’m abroad. My life here feels very real and normal, which is pretty cool to feel so at home and so natural in a place that is truly very foreign.It’s been great to have this space away from my home in New Jersey in order to better myself in ways I have wanted for a while. I’ve been trying to get better at dealing with the ambiguity of life and get better at learning what role Judaism plays in my life. These aren’t easy goals but I’m glad I have this opportunity to start exploring them.”
Emmie H.
“I am fortunate to have the opportunity to not only expand my knowledge and understanding of start-up culture, but to do so in a place where I can love and appreciate my deep-rooted connection to Judaism. Although I have traveled to Israel twice before, this summer is very special to me as I immerse myself into the Israeli customs and traditions one can only understand by living here. I’ve learned so much about Israeli culture despite only living here for a short time, and I look forward to the many opportunities and adventures this summer has to offer. I love my internship and truly value the knowledge I have gained thus far. I’m working at OneDay Social Volunteering, a company that organizes community service events and social events in order to strengthen local communities and promote Tikkun Olam. I am passionate about the goals of OneDay, and I appreciate the collaborative and energetic environment in which we work. I’m really enjoying my time at OneDay and am so excited for the upcoming weeks at OneDay and on Onward Israel!”
Apply Now!
Apply now for an Onward Israel program based in Bat Yam to explore everything the city has to offer
Marketing, Business & Technology (Tracks 1,2,3) - Theme Based Program
Israel has become a hub for fresh and interesting marketing strategies, innovative technologies, and start-up businesses. Through this program, participants will be placed in a variety of positions where they will be able to gain first-hand experience at the center of these booming industries.
Learn from experts in the field of finance and economics through this combined internship and mentorship experience. This global experience will help participants distinguish themselves and gain a competitive edge by connecting coursework with real world experience in prestigious organizations.
Set your ambitions apart from your peers with an internship in the Israeli legal field. This is your opportunity to expand your interests and gain new perspectives with a hands on internship. Participants will be placed in law firms in a variety of positions including legal tech, legal marketing and assisting lawyers with day to day tasks and long term projects.
Since its inception, Onward Israel has employed rigorous pre and post-program evaluation, designed to empirically assess the program's impact. The results are clear: Onward Israel works.
3200
Number of Onward Israel participants in its most recent cohort in 2022.
265
Number of Onward Israel participants in the first cohort in 2012.
Onward Israel applicants interested in interning in one of the following internship fields – Engineering, STEM, Green Energy Computer Science, Finance, Law, and Medicine – must meet the following criteria:
The applicant must be in their sophomore year of studies or beyond while applying for the Onward Israel program
The applicant must have prior exposure to the field outside of academic studies
Prior professional experience/internship experience in the specific field of interest is desirable but not required*
*Applicants interested in an internship in the legal field must demonstrate internship and/or work experience related to the field
The applicant must have completed at least 4 courses relevant to the internship field of interest or be enrolled in said courses that will be completed by the time the Onward Israel program begins
If the applicant is applying for a computer science or computer engineering internship, they must meet the criteria above AND must be proficient in at least in one computer programming language.
Applicants meeting all criteria have the strongest chance of securing an internship in the desired field
Applicants meeting two or fewer criteria:
Theme Based Programs: Applicants can be waitlisted or can be transitioned to a different Theme Based Program depending on availability
Hillel/Community Programs: Applicants will need to take under consideration that it is unlikely that an internship match will be made in their desired field or a related field based on available internships and the applicants skills and experience and should therefore seek internships in other fields.
Entry & Quarantine Requirements
Currently, in accordance with the State of Israel regulations, only participants that fall into one of the following categories will be granted entrance to Israel.
Vaccinated individuals*: individuals must have received at least two doses of the vaccination (with the exception of Johnson & Johnson which requires only one). * Please be aware that additional conditions may apply depending on each individual’s specific status.
Recovered individuals*: individuals must have been recovered within one year of the program start date. *Please be aware that additional conditions may apply depending on each individual’s specific status.
Please note that these policies are subject to change.
Currently, in accordance with the State of Israel regulations, only participants that fall into one of the following categories will be granted entrance to Israel.
Vaccinated individuals*: individuals must have received at least two doses of the vaccination (with the exception of Johnson & Johnson which requires only one). * Please be aware that additional conditions may apply depending on each individual’s specific status.
Recovered individuals*: individuals must have been recovered within one year of the program start date. *Please be aware that additional conditions may apply depending on each individual’s specific status.
Please note that these policies are subject to change.
In recent days, and despite the high rate of vaccinations in Israel, there has been a resurgence of COVID-19 transmissions in Israel, stemming from the Delta Variant. In response, the Ministry of Health has restored the obligation to wear facemasks in indoor locations and is considering limitations on entry to certain venues for only vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 individuals. The list of countries that Israelis cannot travel to is begin updated and additional restrictions and regulations at the airport are being considered. Onward Israel obliges all of its participants to wear masks at indoor activities and is now limiting participation in future programs to only vaccinated and COVID-19 recovered participants.
Today, the US Embassy in Israel published a Level 3 Health notice about travel to Israel. It can be found here:
Onward Israel’s policy is to allow early departure from our 2021 summer programs because of anxiety or worries connected to COVID-19. In such cases there is no financial penalties for participants, although costs connected with changes to flight tickets as well as the required PCR test within 72 hours of departure remains the responsibility of each participant.
Onward Israel remains steadfastly committed to providing a meaningful, impactful, summer experience to each and every participant on all of our summer 2021 programs. We have planned the summer with the well-being of our participants as a cardinal concern.
If you have any other questions, please contact us at inquiries@onwardisrael.org and visit our website periodically for important updates.
Updated July 19, 2021
On May 20th, a cease fire went to effect on Israel’s southern border with the Gaza Strip. The cease fire has been upheld since then. Due to the complexity and dynamism of the issues involved we are carefully monitoring the situation on a daily basis, and making any adjustments to our programs due to changes in the security situation.
In general, we prioritize the safety, health and security of our participants while also striving to facilitate their immersion into Israeli life and society and their exploration of the country, as key elements of the Onward Israel Experience.
Our security protocols rest on the following important elements:
All participants receive a detailed safety and security orientation at the very beginning of the program. This orientation is repeated as a refresher during the program itself. This orientation also includes training about how to use conduct oneself in public spaces if there is an air raid siren
All housing units have immediate and quick access to safe spaces in the event of air raid sirens. These spaces include “safe rooms” within apartments, shelters or reinforced stairwells
Participants are shown these spaces and taken to them physically as part of the safety and security orientation
The initial orientation at each internship site includes learning about and practicing access to the safe space at the worksite
All educational trips and activity are vetted on the day of implementation by the Israeli Ministry of Education’s “Moked Teva”- which approves every itinerary based on updated security developments and dictates what additional security measures must be taken for each itinerary, if applicable
All participants are part of a Whattsapp group, run by their group counselor, through which all pertinent security information is clearly communicated to participants. In addition, participants are part of a wider Onward Israel Whattsapp group as an additional source of information
Onward Israel is in daily coordination with Masa Israel Journey, The Jewish Agency for Israel and Birthright Israel for safety and security updates
Participants are instructed to share individual travel plans with their program staff in order to get directions about safe and secure ways to travel in their free time
Please see our “Contact Us” page should you have additional questions. We are happy to answer further questions (including those security related), however, ask that you direct non-emergency inquiries or those in regard to participants who are not currently in Israel to our general inquiries phone line and email address. While these avenues are only staffed during North American working hours, we will do our best to respond as quickly as possible. We have an Emergency Helpline available for urgent/immediate problems related to participants who are currently in Israel.