Come With Me to Israel Mission Strengthening the Zionist Connection March 23 April 1, 2009 Mission Chair: Melinda Wolf Mission Professional: Jodi Bodner Monday March 23 Tree Planting Caesarea harbor at sunset Arrival / Caesarea Welcome to Israel! Upon our arrival, we will meet as a group in Tel Aviv. After a brief introduction, we will drive to a nearby Tree Planting Center to plant a tree with our own hands. A JNF Representative will explain the importance of planting trees in Israel and explain how this activity connects to JNF. Afterward, we will begin our drive north. Upon our arrival in Caesarea, we will check into our hotel with some time to relax and unwind from the long flight. This evening, we will have a festive welcome dinner at a local restaurant. During the meal, our mission leaders will provide us with an overview of our trip and an overview of current JNF-KKL activities. Overnight, Caesarea Tuesday March 24 Shuni Beit Aharonson Galilee After a delicious Israeli breakfast, we will visit the Hannah Senesh Museum in S dot Yam, where we will learn about the courage of an early Zionist in her fight for the establishment of a Jewish State. After an inspiring tour, we will continue to Shuni, an area dating back to the Roman period and renovated by JNF. Here, we will see the Roman baths, theatre and aqueduct originally used by the Romans and hundreds of years later used as a secret military training camp during the British Mandate. After lunch, we will continue to Beit Aharonson, which commemorates the work of siblings Aaron and Sarah Aharonson, who were leaders of the underground movement that provided intelligence to the British during the First World War in an effort to defeat the Ottoman Turks. We will then make our way to the mystical city of Safed, where the Kabalah religion originated. After viewing the magnificent sunset, we will return to our hotel. Joining us for dinner this evening will be a Kabalah expert, who will give us a lesson in this ancient and mystical religion. Safed at sunset Overnight, Kibbutz HaGoshrim 1
Wednesday March 25 JNF Security Road Forest Damage Hula Valley Upper Galilee After breakfast at our kibbutz, we will visit Kibbutz Malkiya, a community located on Israel s border with Lebanon. Here, a representative from the Kibbutz will lead us on a tour while discussing experiences during the second Lebanon War. We will have the opportunity to see the bunkers and safe rooms where residents lived for over a month during the fighting. We ll also learn about the importance of JNF s security roads and how they provide safety for the residents. Following this visit, we ll continue north to Birya Fortress, where we will meet with a Paul Ginsberg, Director of KKL s Northern Region, to learn about the more than 3000 acres of planted forests and the nearly one million trees that were destroyed by the fires in the north during the second war with Lebanon. After discussing the ecological future of Israel, we ll learn about JNF-KKL s afforestation efforts to rehabilitate Israel s forests. We will enjoy lunch at Beit Dubrovin, a museum and restaurant that depicts life on a farm 100 years ago, while telling the story of the family and of Jewish pioneers in the Hula Valley, the site of our next visit. Following lunch, we will head to the Hula Valley for a golf cart tour along the migration route for birds in their journey between Europe and Africa. Overnight, Kibbutz HaGoshrim, Galilee Thursday March 26 Female Soldiers JNF-KKL water reservoir Upper Galilee / Golan Heights This morning we will begin with a drive through the Golan Heights, stopping at an observation point over the city of Kuneitra and the Syrian territory. Located in the Valley of the Tears, Kuneitra was the site of one of the bloodiest battles during the Yom Kippur War. Here, we ll be able to walk through an old army bunker to see what life was like for soldiers manning the outpost. Afterward, we will have the unique opportunity to visit an IDF Army Base. Here, we will meet with soldiers and hear about being in the Israeli army. After a demonstration of their unique skills, we will enjoy lunch with soldiers, providing us an opportunity to ask questions and engage in a lively discussion in order to better understand their daily lives. This afternoon we will head to the Kinneret to meet with a representative from the Society for the Preservation of Nature in Israel (SPNI) to learn about SPNI and JNF-KKL s joint work to 2
preserve and develop water resources and find solutions to the current water crisis. We will learn about the impressive network of over 180 dams and reservoirs that JNF has built to combat the current situation. In times of drought, reservoirs are particularly vital as they store recycled water and to catch run-off water when rain does fall. Thermal Mineral Springs From here, we will drive to Hamat Gader to enjoy the thermal mineral springs and spa facilities located here. After dinner, we will return to our hotel for the evening. Overnight, Kibbutz HaGoshrim, Galilee Friday March 27 Nahal Hashofet Machane Yehuda Market Jerusalem After checking out of our hotel this morning, we will begin to make our way towards the center of the country. Along the way, we will visit Nahal Hashofet, JNF s first totally inclusive park that currently serves as a model for future inclusive parks (time pending). Here, a representative from Lotem, an organization that provides hikes for individuals with special needs, will lead us on a leisurely nature hike through the park to see the unique trails, facilities and other equipment designed for people with disabilities. Upon our arrival into Jerusalem, we will participate in a traditional Shehechyanu ceremony welcoming us into the city. We will then head to the lively Machane Yehuda Market where fresh fruits, produce and other items are sold. Later this afternoon, we will check into our hotel to prepare for Shabbat. This evening, we will visit the Kotel for Kabbalat Shabbat before returning to our hotel for Shabbat dinner. Overnight, Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem Kotel Saturday March 28 Yemin Moshe neighborhood Shabbat in Jerusalem Today will be at leisure in honor of Shabbat. We may choose to attend Shabbat services, relax at the hotel or participate in an optional walking tour of Jerusalem. The tour will explore various Jerusalem neighborhoods, beginning with Yemin Moshe, established by British philanthropist Moshe Montefiore to help relieve congestion and poverty in the Jewish Quarter. After a brief stop in Mishkenot Sha anim, the first neighborhood established outside the walls of the Old City, there will be a stop to see the famous Montefiore Windmill. The tour continues to the ultra-orthodox neighborhood of Mea She arim 3
Jewish Quarter in the Old City neighborhood before entering into the Old City through the Jaffa Gate. Once inside the Old City, the first visit will be the Western Wall, the last remaining retaining wall which enclosed the Temple Mount in the Second Temple Period. It will also explore the Southern Wall Excavations, the location of the original steps that lead to the Temple Mount and the remnants of ancient houses. Afterwards, the tour continues with a walk down the Cardo, the main street in Jerusalem 2000 years ago. This evening will be at leisure, giving us the opportunity to enjoy Jerusalem s nightlife at our own pace. Pending confirmation, we will meet as a group at the hotel later this evening to hear from Avraham Infeld, founder and director of several innovative Jewish institutions. He will discuss Green Zionism A New Vision for Zionism Today. Ben Yehuda Street at night Overnight, Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem Sunday March 29 Yad Vashem Ir David Ammunition Hill Jerusalem Today will begin with a somber visit to Yad Vashem, Israel s Holocaust Museum and Memorial. Told through a uniquely Jewish perspective, the tour will emphasize the experiences of the individual victims through original artifacts, survivor testimonies and personal possessions. After Yad Vashem, we will then go back in history to the location of Israel s first pioneers - Ir David. We will tour the City of David, which is the actual location of the Biblical City of Jerusalem captured by King David over 3,000 years ago. We will learn how JNF is helping continue King David s legacy through archeological excavations, historical preservation, residential revitalization and educational programming. During the tour we will see some of the world's most significant archeological finds relating to the Biblical Period in Jerusalem, evidence of the more than 3000 year-long Jewish presence in the city beginning with King David. Following Ir David, we will have a brief lunch before continuing to Ammunition Hill, site of the famous and fierce battle of the Six- Day War in 1967. We ll see the new JNF Wall of Honor, honoring Jewish veterans from around the world. This evening we will enjoy dinner at our hotel. Joining us as a guest speaker will be an Israeli journalist, who will give us an overview of the current social and political issues shaping Israel at this time. Overnight, Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem 4
Monday March 30 Nahal Be er Sheva ASB Kids Negev Pioneers Negev This morning we will check out of our hotel and begin making our way south towards the Negev. Upon our arrival, our first visit will be with Itai Freeman, Director of the Be er Sheva River Authority, at JNF s Be er Sheva River Project. This economic development project is a key component of JNF s Blueprint Negev plan to bring 250,000 new residents to the south in the next five years. The River Walk will transform Be er-sheva into a green lung for the Negev and provide year-round recreation and entertainment activities. We will walk through the Old City of Be er-sheva visiting sites to be developed as part of the River Walk master plan, such as the Central Promenade. From here, we will have the unique opportunity to join participants from JNF s Alternative Spring Break, a program that provides college students and young adults with the opportunity to connect to the land of Israel and its people through meaningful acts of Tikkun Olam, or community service. Together, we will work giving treatment to the trees and preparing land for next season s plantings. Afterward, we will drive to the Negev community of Givot Bar, a new community developed by JNF and their partners, the OR Movement. Here, Roni Flamer, President of the OR Movement, will lead us on a tour of the community. We will have the opportunity to speak with him and other residents to learn what life is like as a true modern day pioneer forging new lives in the Negev. We ll then head to Aleh Negev Special Needs School, a state-ofthe-art residential rehabilitation center that was designed for children with special needs. Located next to the city of Ofakim, Aleh Negev provides vocational training, occupational therapy and medical facilities. Aleh Negev Special Needs School From here, we will make our way to Sderot, a town plagued by frequent rocket attacks that hold life at a standstill for its many residents. Here, we will see where JNF plans to build the largest indoor playground in Israel. This all-inclusive indoor recreation center will provide Sderot s youth with a safe, secure place to have fun and simply be children. We will meet with the Mayor of the Regional Council, who will give us an exclusive briefing on the current security situation in this region. Afterward, we ll check into our hotel in Be er Sheva, the capital of the Negev. Tonight, we ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Location for future Sderot playground Overnight, Golden Tulip, Be er Sheva 5
Tuesday March 31 Spa Treatment Negev/ Masada / Dead Sea After a delicious Israeli breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and drive to the Dead Sea, for a morning at leisure. After lunch, we may choose to take a swim in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, indulge in an optional spa treatment or simply relax at the hotel. Later this afternoon, we will head to Masada. We ll have the option to climb or take a cable car ride to the top of the Herodian Palace Complex. We will see the ancient fortress where the Zealots made their last stand against the Romans before committing suicide in 73 AD. At sunset, we will partake in a group activity before returning to our hotel at the Dead Sea. This evening, we will enjoy dinner at our hotel. Cable Car Ride over Masada Overnight, Dead Sea Wednesday April 1 Palmach Museum Tel Aviv This morning we will check out of our hotel and make our way to Tel Aviv. Our first visit will be the multimedia Palmach Museum to learn more about the fight for Israeli independence and the development of the renowned Israeli army. We ll have the remainder of the afternoon on our own in Tel Aviv to shop, go sightseeing or relax on Tel Aviv s beautiful beach. This evening we will enjoy a festive farewell dinner before being heading to the airport for our return flight home. Overnight, En Route Tel Aviv *Itinerary subject to change 6