Birthright groups reportedly given exemption from Israel’s tourist ban

Some tourist groups including Taglit-Birthright have been granted special permission to enter Israel despite the current blanket ban on foreign entry, reports Haaretz.

According to the report, Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked requested that travel groups considered to be “Jewish tourism” be exempted from the ban, which came into effect on November 29, and is currently in effect through at least December 23 over fears of the Omicron variant.

The Health, Foreign and Interior ministries reportedly met and have agreed to the exemption for such groups, which does not apply to Christian groups looking to celebrate Christmas in Israel.

Such groups, reports Haaretz, will still have to enter quarantine for three days until they have two negative test results in hand before allowed to begin touring the country.

Currently, the only exceptions to the ban allow for first-degree family members of those getting married, having a bar or bat mitzvah or giving birth to apply for special entry — which is still sometimes denied.