Saw this awhile ago and wanted to comment, so yall are better prepared than I was.
I did Birthright a few years ago. Back when I had basically no ability with girls at all, altho I could talk to them! I went on an Orthodox trip (Israel Free Spirit), so dont knock those. I cant compare it to a secular trip, but I think it was great. It is very intensive and fast paced and you will get sleep deprived, but you can nap on the buses. They allowed a night out in Tel Aviv and werent really strict about anything. They basically just said dont get into trouble or embarrass us. Its a supposedly open secret that you are to meet mates and hookup with your groupmembers or the soldiers, something my bluepill/oblivious self didnt realize at the time.
There was a girl that took a liking to me. I didnt notice it at first when she would randomly talk to me, I was like "Why are you talking to me?" She would also come up with her best friend. Later, on Shabbat, we were walking and talking (the three of us) back to the hotel, and her friend asked if I had a girlfriend. That shouldve really hit it home, but I didnt even know what to do. I look back and I dont even remember what I thought would happen. If it were now, Id probably take them both to some sidestreet for a threesome and we can catch up with the group later. So be prepared to move super quick.
DEFINITELY extend as long as you can. And there is so much more to the country than Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is a great city, just like most European cities, albeit smaller. But spend time in Jerusalem, Haifa, Sefat, Eilat is a 3 hour bus ride from Jlem and has great resorts. There is so much more than nightlife and "seizing and lying with" girls. Learn about your history and culture. Find out if you have family there (I do). I went for about two months. People also go to Cyprus and Jordan on short trips; I didnt.
A note about most Muslim countries except Turkey, Jordan, and Egypt: you cant get into them with an Israeli stamp. Someone here said they were going to meet a friend in Beirut. No you arent, hahaha. You may get lucky, but they know that a 10 day trip is Birthright, not business.
There are also lots of great programs afterwards. One of the best is
Livnot, which is like birthright, but has volunteer work (park cleanups, orphanages, archaeology). Its also so much more laid back compared to Birthright. We were all amazed at how much free time we had. This is a great opportunity to meet young Jews for any reason and you can be up to 30 for it. It costs about $100/week. It is orthodox, so youll be celebrating holidays, but really, learn about your culture ffs.
There is also another program called
Meor, which is like a longer birthright. its more relaxed, but still intense. And it is religious-oriented. But socializing is encouraged at all this stuff. And
Masa offers a load of subsidized or free trips. Remember to give back if you ever strike it rich.
Feel free to message me about general Israel stuff, eg: places to go/see, hostel recommendations, travel tips, how to haggle, etc. I spent two months there and am going back this fall or winter.
