Opening your heart and home to bless Israel
Our Mission
Host Israelis is a published network of Israel-friendly believers who host Israeli travelers in their homes at no cost to their guests, motivated by a desire to bless Israel through their sacrificial service and to provide a positive witness of the Gospel.
Why Host Israelis?
Israeli research suggests that 40,000 young Israelis travel the world for an average of six months following their mandatory army service, before they begin college or their careers. For this reason we maintain a thriving ministry in New Zealand, and now we’re branching out into India, Brazil, and the United States–all hotspots where young Israelis flock. We invite you to join this global movement of Christians hosting Israeli travelers. Please watch the video below to learn more.
Application Process
Apply
Fill out the online application and upload your photo.
References
We will request references from those who know you well.
Interview
We will set up an interview with you.
Approval
We will let you know if it looks like a good fit.
Training
You will be given access to our online training videos.
You can make a difference right from your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply even if I‘m not sure I’m ready to host?
Yes! If you have questions before you apply, click here to schedule a 15-minute phone appointment to ask us all your questions. If you apply and decide later that you’re not ready or have to suspend your hosting, that’s not a problem. You can suspend your hosting at any time. Rest assured, nobody will show up on your doorstep unannounced! Your address will not be public.
How frequently am I expected to host?
It’s up to you. You are in full control of your schedule and are not obligated to say “yes” to every request. Many new hosts start slow until they gain some experience and are better able to gauge their comfort level. In any case, Israeli travelers understand you have a real life and are usually very gracious even when you are not able to receive them.
How long will Israelis stay in my home?
It’s up to you. The typical stay is somewhere between 1 and 3 days, or longer by arrangement. Some hosts have found it helpful to underpromise and overdeliver. These hosts will promise their guests one or two nights and then decide later to offer more days once they’ve had a chance to meet their guests. Usually this works out well, but again, you’re in complete control of your schedule and what you’re comfortable with.
Do I need to be able to speak Hebrew?
No. Most of your Israeli guests will be proficient in English. Those who are not are usually traveling with someone who is. If you host multiple guests, you’ll notice that most will speak to one another in English when you’re present, as a courtesy.
Am I expected to provide kosher meals?
No, you’re not expected to provide any meals, let alone kosher meals. Although it’s not an expectation, we highly recommend you offer coffee or a meal if you can. These are some of the best times to connect with your guests. Also, it’s very bonding to cook a meal together. Let them teach you an Israeli dish or teach them a local dish, it will be a very rewarding experience. Guests who keep kosher will not expect you to so that’s not something you need to worry about. Like you would with any guest, it would be considerate to ask if they have any dietary restrictions. You can follow their lead from there.
Will Israelis come to my little town?
Maybe! You might be on the route from one destination to another. Israelis spend months in the US and will venture way off the beaten path for an experience. We would encourage you to put yourself on the map and see what happens!
Is a couch good enough?
Unfortunately, no. You must have a private room to offer your guests. If you don’t have a private room, let’s talk about your setup. Your home should be safe and comfortable. Access to WiFi is strongly encouraged as your guests will want to communicate with family and make further travel plans using the internet. Access to laundry is not required, but would be a real blessing to your guest.
Do Israelis know that we’re believers in Jesus?
Yes! The website and mobile application Israelis will use to find hosts on our network states clearly that hosts are believers in Jesus who love and want to bless Israel through the gift of hospitality. In addition, our hosting network will spread by word-of-mouth among Israelis. They will tell their friends about this network of Christian hosts who love Israel and give them a free place to stay during their travels!
Will there be training on hospitality and how to share my faith?
Yes! Although, hosts are expected to provide a safe, clean, comfortable and welcoming environment for their guests; nothing more. If the Lord prompts you to share the Gospel or discuss faith-related topics, by all means do so. Once you are approved as a host, we will provide host training videos as well as a follow-up online seminar with a live trainer and a handful of your peers (other new hosts undergoing training). We want you to succeed as hosts in becoming a sweet aroma, a winsome witness of the Lord and his goodness. We are praying for you in your calling to make Israel envious for your life in Messiah (Romans 11:11).
Get in touch to learn more about Host Israelis
Schedule a 15-minute appointment to talk with us about Host Israelis