A DIVISION OF
CELEBRATE MESSIAH NZ
Fill out the online application.
We will request references from those who know you well.
We will set up an interview with you.
We will let you know if it looks like a good fit.
You set up your listing on the app and make it active.
You will be given access to our online training videos.
Yes! If you have questions before you apply, please reach out 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.
It’s up to you. The typical stay is 2-3 days, up to one week. Some hosts have found it helpful to underpromise and overdeliver. These hosts will promise their guests one or two nights over the phone, 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.
WE RECOMMEND: Keep visits to less than a week. Promise a day or two and go from there.
It’s up to you. You are in full control of your schedule and are not obligated to say “yes” to every request. Some 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 gracious when you are unable to receive them.
No, but we do take other precautions to screen travelers before giving them access to our network of hosts.
We verify the identity of Israeli travelers. They are required to upload a photo of themselves and also a photo of their passport. We compare the two to ensure that they are who they say they are (like security screening at the airport).
Once you have access to the Host Israelis app, you will be able to verify that the person contacting you is an approved traveler on the Planet Zula/Host Israelis network.
You may want to “meet” your guest before giving your address. You may want to schedule a brief (10-minute) video chat on WhatsApp with your prospective guest before giving them your address and agreeing to host them. This is also a great way to break the ice and start building a friendship!
We recognize that Israelis often police themselves. “Good” Israelis will not share Planet Zula with “bad” friends because they don’t want this special network to be spoiled by a few rotten apples. Many of our guests want to show Israel and Israelis in a positive light. They desire to represent their country and their people well.
WE RECOMMEND: You may want to have a video call with guests before giving them your address and inviting them to stay.
No. Most of your Israeli guests will be proficient in English. Those who are not are usually travelling 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.
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 meals 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. As you would with any guest, it would be considerate to ask if they have any dietary restrictions and take it from there.
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!
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.
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. You can view the website at https://planetzula.com. In addition, our hosting network spreads by word-of-mouth among Israelis. They will tell their friends about this network of Christian hosts who love Israel and offer free hospitality to Israelis.
Yes. Once you are approved as a host, we will provide host training videos as well as optional online meetings. 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).
The training videos:
