Travel between Israel and the US could get easier soon. The US is closer than ever to admitting Israel into its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which would allow travelers to visit for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without a visa. This progress is a huge milestone, and Hadassah is proud to play an important role in advocating for Israel’s entry.
For over a year, Hadassah has urged the Biden administration to work toward including Israel in the VWP. Hadassah grassroots members wrote letters to their elected officials to build support for Israel’s admission. At the same time, Hadassah wrote letters to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, outlining how Israel’s acceptance serves the economies of both countries while advancing cultural understanding.
In July, Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog and US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides signed a memorandum of understanding to mark significant updates to Israel’s travel policies. Right now, through a pilot program, Israel will allow both Israeli and Palestinian American citizens, including those who live in the West Bank and Gaza, to travel through Israeli ports of entry.
Officials are watching the pilot program and will make a final decision about moving forward before the September 30 deadline.
Importantly, Israel’s admission into the VWP would have tangible benefits for Hadassah, accelerating health and medical innovation, training and collaborative research. Doctors from Hadassah's hospitals are regularly invited to partner with US-based colleagues to advance shared goals, attend conferences, speak at panel discussions or complete important trainings. However, they often encounter difficulty securing visas in a timely manner, limiting their ability to participate in these opportunities due to the slow and difficult visa procurement process.
Hundreds of Israelis also play a large part in Hadassah and Young Judaea youth programs every year, serving as counselors, educators and role models. Israel’s admission into the VWP would help facilitate additional cultural exchange and lower barriers to participation in these programs.
Hadassah applauds efforts on both sides to facilitate Israel's inclusion in the VWP. We are hopeful Israel will be able to satisfy the requirements for this program and be admitted into the VWP this fiscal year. This inclusion will be an invaluable milestone in the US-Israel relationship and will strengthen Hadassah’s ability to spread healing around the world and strengthen ties between Israel and the American Jewish community.