Kansas City Women s Mission to Israel

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1 Itinerary as of November 18 Tuesday April 25, 2017 Arrival & Welcome to Israel Kansas City Women s Mission to Israel Late afternoon arrival at Ben Gurion airport, meet our tour educator and proceed to our awaiting tour bus. Transfer to Tel Aviv and to our hotel for welcome cocktails and check-in. How is Israel perceived in global opinion? What surprising facts can change Israel s image? Meet with Joanna Landau, founder of Vibe Israel, who has worked as a lawyer in the high-tech industry and established two Internet startups based in Tel Aviv, over a fabulous welcome dinner celebration at Chef Ran Shmueli's popular and delicious Claro restaurant. This open-kitchen farm-to-table restaurant is beautifully integrated inside of a historical building at the newly renovated Sarona complex. Overnight: David Intercontinental Club rooms with use of the Club Lounge Wednesday April 26 Body Mind Spirit - Collaborative Mediums in Tel Aviv Optional: Early morning Torah Yoga session in the hotel's exclusive Tower Garden, led by Diane Bloomfield. Torah Yoga offers an experience of Jewish wisdom through Iyengar yoga instruction together with the study of traditional and mystical Jewish texts. We will explore Israeli textile design on a Fashion Tour with Galit Reisman:l visit downtown Tel Aviv- Jaffa and meet a textile designer who works with ecological/innovative materials and hear the story of the revival of the only historic Israel fashion house that is still located today in the beautiful American Colony neighborhood. Galit will guide you through the Noga neighborhood and enlighten you with more stories and successes of the emerging local industry. Free time for lunch at the trendy Sarona Market Get a view into the real cultural DNA of Tel Aviv as we participate in a special Graffiti and Street Art Tour in Tel Aviv's hip Florentine Neighborhood. Guided by Yael Shapira (Master of Art & Culture Research from Tel Aviv University), this urban art walking tour will provide us with peek into the world of street artists and graffiti writers who work and exhibit independently while conducting a dialogue with us about the world we all share through experiencing this unique neighborhood, home to one of the most thriving street art scenes in the entire world. On the tour, we will discuss the differences between graffiti and other types of art in the streets, get to know all the major Israeli street artists, and receive the tools and basic terminology needed to understand Israeli street art. Return to hotel to freshen up for the evening. Casual dinner with members of the Lion of Judah-Israel. The ILOJ is a socially committed foundation, dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women and girls in Israeli society, mainly funded by our members contributions. It is the only women s philanthropic organization in Israel

2 whose members are lay leaders who financially support, initiate, choose and monitor the projects they support. Overnight: David Intercontinental Club rooms with use of the Club Lounge Thursday April 27 Israel-Contemporary Experiences Breakfast with Col. Miri Eisin, who began her career in the IDF as part of the Israeli intelligence community. For over twenty years she served as the head of the combat intelligence corps, the assistant to the director of Military Intelligence, and as the Intel officer in combat units and research departments. After retiring from the military, Miri was appointed as the Israeli Prime Minister s International Advisor and played an important role in the Annapolis Conference. Currently, Miri is one of Israel's main presenters shedding light on regional geopolitics, security related issues in the global media, and the different narratives within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Visit Kansas City Partnership programs in Ramle, with lunch at the legendary Samirs Enjoy gourmet ice cream flights at the home of David Leichman and Rabbi Miri Gold at Kibbutz Gezer and visit the newly constructed community synagogue, Birkat Shalom. Later, we travel to the beachfront community of Herzliya Pituach for a special visit to the U.S. Ambassador's residence. Here, we will have the opportunity to view the residence's extensive art collection, with its emphasis on both popular American and Israeli artists, as well as meet with the wife of the ambassador, Julie Fisher over tea (subject to availability) Dinner at leisure Overnight: David Intercontinental Club rooms with use of the Club Lounge Friday April 28 Politics and Co-existence Optional: Early morning Torah Yoga session in the hotel's exclusive Tower Garden, led by Diane Bloomfield. Torah Yoga offers an experience of Jewish wisdom through Iyengar yoga instruction together with the study of traditional and mystical Jewish texts. Post-breakfast briefing with Udi Sommer, Department of Political Science, Tel Aviv University: How does the Israeli justice system differ from its American counterpart. Plus, perspective on the Israeli government s relationship with the newly elected U.S. administration. Check out and drive north, pausing at Orna Cillag s winery: Orna is the foremost woman vintner in an industry traditionally dominated by men, and a woman of fierce and independent views on Israel. The

3 wine tasting is accompanied by a lively political discussion Proceed north along Israel's seamline to the Arab-Israeli city of Umm El Fahem. There, we will visit the acclaimed Umm El Fahem Gallery. Founded in 1996 by local artists and residents of the Wadi Ara area who wanted to bring quality contemporary art to the city and to exhibit original Arab-created art, today the gallery's main goal is to be a home for Arab artists and art and to create a meeting point for meaningful dialogue between the many cultures and sectors in Israel. While there, we will enjoy lunch together with the gallery's director, Said Abu Shakra and of the area's local young artists. Check in to the Elma Hotel and free time OR Relax at the hotel's one of a kind spa and pool center, overlooking a breath-taking view from our location on the top of the Carmel Mountains of the coastal plain and Mediterranean sea. Participate in a special musical Kabbalat Shabbat service with woman cantor on the terrace of the hotel. Welcome in the Shabbat with both traditional and renewed Jewish melodies at this multigenerational and inclusive community of committed and passionate Israelis who have created a model for a new kind of experiential and creative pluralistic congregation, unaffiliated with any movement. Shabbat dinner in the main dining room of the hotel Overnight: The Elma Hotel, Zichron Yaakov Saturday April 29 Personalities Early morning walk through Zichron Yaakov, with its quaint brick-paved downtown district and stunning views of the Mediterranean coast. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by an encounter with Helen Gottstein who has performed her one-woman act, Four Faces of Israel, for more than 10 years. The performance is meant to convey that there are no simple answers to questions that plague Israel. By slipping into each character with minor prop and accent changes, offering sharp, impassioned retorts to anything the audience says, the actress pushes for a back and forth that she hopes makes people question their snap judgments. Check out of the hotel En route to Jerusalem enjoy a Jeep or ATV ride and picnic lunch in the Jerusalem Hills before continuing to Jerusalem. Check-in to hotel and have some time to relax and freshen up for the evening. Optional: Walking tour in the Old City Visit the private home and studio of the prominent Israeli printmaker Andi Arnovitz for a cocktail reception. Born and raised in the Kansas City ( a Shawnee Mission East grad), Andi made Aliya to Israel

4 on Her work has been displayed in galleries and museums in Europe, Israel, Canada, and in the U.S., as well as a part of many collections including the Library of Congress, the Israel National Library, foreign ministries, foundations, and private collections. Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Jerusalem Sunday April 30- Erev Yom Ha zikaron Jerusalem as the cultural capital of Israel Begin the morning with a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, as well as recognizing and honoring a number of non-jewish people that helped save Jews during this bleak period. Walk through the moving Children s Memorial and visit the Ohel Yizkor. Following the tour of Yad Vashem, meet with Dr Rachel Korazim, Holocaust scholar, who brings a new perspective to the issue of Israeli attitudes to the Holocaust. Shopping stop at Yvel, award-winning jewelry manufacturer, and home to the Megemaria School of Jewelry & Art, a philanthropic school which teaches the art of jewelry design and production to new immigrants from Ethiopia. A special insider s tour of the Machane Yehuda Market, accompanied by the incomparable Nurit. Nurit will guide you through the food and spice market, offering a unique view of the many cultures and traditions that make up modern Israel. A fabulous tasting experience! Visit the home of Rutie Brichter in Nachalot, Haredi mother to 12 children, 11 of them still at home, and a splendid pastry chef. Early dinner in the hotel before driving to Latroun for the Erev Yom Hazikaron ceremony with Masa students. This ceremony, conducted by the Jewish Agency, allows English speaking visitors to participate in the immensely moving and personal experience that is Yom Ha Zikaron. Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Jerusalem Monday May 1-Yom Ha Zikaron and Eve of Independence Day Jerusalem: Present Day Issues Early morning Western Wall Tunnels Tour or a tour of the newly discovered Herodian remains in the Kishle and a visit to Mabat 2000, command center of the Israeli police Visit El Halev and enjoy a memorable morning with Yudit, one of Israelis Lions of Judah, who founded this socially focused women s self defense workshop. Hear Yudit s moving story and learn how she is empowering women and girls all over Israel. And, believe it or not you ll break your own brick before our session is over! Lunch with journalist Linda Gradstein, reporting from the city with the most news presence in the

5 world after Washington. Linda Gradstein was the Israel correspondent for NPR for 20 years. She is a member of the team that received the Overseas Press Club award for coverage of the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.Linda has covered important events in Israel and the territories, including the intifada, the mass immigration of Soviet immigrants to Israel, the return of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to Gaza, the rise of Hamas, the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin, the Gulf war, and six elections. Take a seamline tour of Jerusalem and view some of these neighborhoods, Gilo, Armon Hanatziv and Har Homa which overlook Arab neighborhoods, where Jews and Arabs reside side by side on the city s seam line. We will have a multi-dimensional overview of current issues concerning Jerusalem today including the controversial security fence accompanied by Colonel (res) Dany Tirza known as the architect of the security fence Dinner at Rina and Alice, a Jerusalem restaurant run by women chefs. Join the residents of Jerusalem at the street festivities celebrating Israel s 69 th Independence Day. Overnight: Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Jerusalem Tuesday May 2- Independence Day Celebrations and Wrapping up Optional: An early morning new and trendy Shutter Tour of Jerusalem's famed Machane Yehuda market. Experience the shuk like you've never seen it before; local artists have painted amazing and brilliantly colored street art with biblical and local motifs on all of the market's stores' shutters. Celebrate Israel s Independence with a Caliber Three Special Forces training experience in Gush Etzion, followed by a traditional Independence Day BBQ with the incomparable Chef Tal and soldiers. Return to hotel to pack and check out, summary session, light dinner. Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for return flight. L hitraot! Mission Cost: Land package cost is $4,500, based on a minimum of 20 participants, double occupancy. (Not included: 2 lunches, 2 dinners, gratuities of approximately $200, optional travel insurance) Cost is based on double occupancy and includes all hotels, full Israeli breakfast buffets each morning, 6 lunches, 6 dinners that include wine and beer, snacks and unique tastes along the way, tour educator/guide, all touring and entrance fees, VIP airport assistance and transfers, porterage at hotels and airport, air-conditioned motor coach, VIP hostess service and hospitality desk. Single room supplement cost is $1,632. Arrangements can be made for both pre and post mission extensions. *Itinerary and price subject to change. A $300 deposit, due January 20, 2017, secures your spot on the mission. Balance due February 15, 2017.

6 Air Travel: Our journey begins in Tel Aviv on Tuesday afternoon. Items to note: United, Delta and El Al have flights from The U.S. to Tel Aviv (TLV) If you plan on arriving on Monday, April 24, hotel rooms can be arranged for an additional cost through our tour operator. Please contact us with questions we can t wait to be with you in Israel! Sandi Fried, Mission Chair sandiwf@gmail.com Lisa Bernard, Women s Philanthropy Chair jlbernard4@aol.com Lisa Schifman, Director of Women s Philanthropy lschifman@jewishkc.org

Kesherim a Remarkable Lion of Judah/*Step-Up Lion of Judah Mission to Israel

Kesherim a Remarkable Lion of Judah/*Step-Up Lion of Judah Mission to Israel Kesherim = Connections. Our journey will connect you - the women of Kansas City - to each other and to the people and the land