Jewish National Fund ISRAEL H2O TOUR A Tour on the Trail of Israel s Water Solutions Sponsored by Ronald S. Lauder s JNF Water Initiatives November 4 11, 2019 Chairs Laura Ehrenberg Chesler & Alan Chesler Professional Talia Tzour Avner Tour Guide Issy Herzog
Monday, November 4 Arrival / North Welcome to Israel! Upon arrival into Ben Gurion Airport and individual transfers, meet the group at the Carlton Hotel in Tel Aviv and depart north. Our journey commences with a stop at the beautiful Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) lookout Kachal known for its incredible views as we review the topic of water in the region. Following lunch, head to the Sapir Filtration Plant with Uri Shor, Spokesman of the Israel Water Authority. Continue to Yardenit on the banks of the Jordan River, a place with tranquility and spiritual beauty where Jesus was baptized. Learn about the river s religious significance as well as its importance with regards to peace and our neighbors. Next, depart to Kfar Blum and enjoy an opening dinner in a private room at the hotel with special guest speaker Dr. Doron Markel, Monitoring and Manager of Lake Kinneret and its watershed for the Israel Water Authority. Dr. Markel will give an overview of Israel s national water resources, the national carrier, and additional water resources like desalination and recycled water, while also touching upon the topics of geopolitics and hydro politics. Kfar Blum From left: Lake Kinneret, Yardenit
Tuesday, November 5 Upper Galilee Following breakfast, visit a Rainwater Harvesting School System in Kfar Blum to learn about how JNF in partnership with Green Horizons, an Israeli youth movement, has implemented a unique educational program which has helped address Israel s water crisis. Hear from JNF-Green Horizons Liaison Ido Reichman-Eisikovitz, as he explains how this young leadership group cultivates growth, self-confidence and independence among Israeli youth. Visit the Shamir Drillings, a JNF initiative where new groundwater resources are drilled, freeing up fresh water and replenishing rivers and lakes, while also providing a water supply to agriculturalists in the region. Leading the tour will be Shabtai Glass, Manager of the Galilee Water Association, who will discuss the significance of the drillings and how they have helped Israel overcome some of its water challenges. Next, see the Gomeh Reservoir, which provides recycled water to some 30 farming communities in the Galilee region. Proceed to the Mount Bental Observation Point for stunning views of the surrounding area including the Golan Heights landscape, several local Druze villages, Mount Hermon, and Syria, which lies just east of Mount Bental. Here we will explore the geopolitical and hydro political complexities of the region. Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch with the group in the area. Meet former IDF fighter pilot Omer Guy, Chief Scientist and Head Agronomist at Phytech Ltd. to learn about Phytech s smart irrigation technologies and see how they are used to optimize the irrigation of the orchard. Continue to Agmon HaHula, a unique eco-system of regional and international importance, for a sunset safari wagon experience and bird feeding. A center for ecotourism in Israel and throughout the world, Agmon HaHula is one of the most significant bird migration routes in the world. Here we will meet a JNF representative to learn about the water journey that makes this area a model for cooperation between nature, tourism, and agriculture. Finish the day at the Dubrovin Mansion for dinner, while discussing the successes and challenges of the water economy in Israel with Giora Shaham, Chairman of Israel Water Authority. Kfar Blum From left: JNF s Rainwater Harvesting School System, Hula Valley
Wednesday, November 6 North / Tel Aviv Following breakfast and hotel checkout, proceed to WaterGen in Herzliyya, an Israeli company and a global leader in the development and implementation of water-from-air solutions. Tour the laboratories and experience the cutting-edge and patented technology that provides a low-cost, abundant, and renewable source of fresh and clean drinking water by extracting it directly from the atmosphere. Depart for Shafdan and enjoy lunch upon arrival. Later, tour the Shafdan Wastewater Treatment Plant, the largest of its kind in Israel, and learn how the plant recycles water from 22 municipalities in the center of the country, which is then piped to the northern Negev Desert for much-needed irrigation use. Continue to the Sorek Desalination Plant, the world s largest seawater desalination plant. See firsthand how this facility uses seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) to provide 60% of Israel s drinking water, as well as 200 million gallons of drinking water that Israel supplies to Jordan. Depart for Tel Aviv and check in at the Carlton Hotel. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel. Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv Sorek Desalination Plant
Thursday, November 7 Negev / Jerusalem From left: Mahane Yehuda Market at night, picking carrots at Halutza After breakfast and hotel checkout, drive south to Be er Sheva, the capital of the Negev Desert and the crown jewel of JNF s Blueprint Negev initiative to improve the quality of life in Southern Israel. See the Be er Sheva River Park, the centerpiece of JNF s efforts to create a renaissance for the city. Hear how this urban renewal project has served as an anchor of tourism and recreation. See the Pipes Bridge, a pedestrian and cycling bridge that links to the Old City of Be er Sheva and the 12,000-seat amphitheater, which is the largest in Israel. Afterwards, participate in a special tree planting ceremony and contribute to JNF s ongoing afforestation efforts in Israel. Arrive at Netafim, an Israeli pioneer of drip and micro-irrigation products for agriculture, greenhouse, landscape, and mining applications. Meet with Naty Barak, Chief Sustainability Officer of Netafim, to learn about and visit the field to see first-hand the drip irrigation in action. Enjoy lunch upon arrival in Halutza, a developing region once comprised entirely of sand dunes. Meet the young pioneers and their families who have chosen to leave Israel s cities in the center of the country and relocate to this remote corner of the desert which had never been inhabited or farmed because of their conviction that the Negev represents Israel s next national mission. During a tour with Yedidya Harush, JNF-Halutza Liaison, see how Halutza is flourishing in its desert surroundings with the establishment of organic vegetable farms, greenhouses, new housing sites, and various public facilities such as a state-of-the-art Medical Center, followed by a visit to the new water drilling site. Depart Halutza and head to Jerusalem to check in at the hotel, before heading out to explore the Machane Yehuda Marketplace. When the sun sets in Jerusalem s legendary market and the fruit and vegetable stalls close for the day, an array of local bars and restaurants begin to open replacing the narrow alleys and bustling marketplace with small plates and local delicacies, Israeli breweries on tap, and live music. With the shutters of the stalls rolled down and locked a street art gallery appears in the backdrop large murals of famous personalities painted where there are usually stands piled high with fruit, vegetables, nuts and spices. Enjoy dinner on your own and experience Israeli culture like never before in the ancient city. Orient Hotel, Jerusalem
Friday, November 8 Jerusalem Begin the morning with breakfast at the Orient Hotel. The first stop of the day will be to HaGichon, Jerusalem s water and wastewater utility, to tour the command center with Avi Balashnikov, Chairman of HaGichon, and discuss how the facility is used as a model for a smart water utility. Next, take a step back in time with a visit to Ammunition Hill, site of the most pivotal battle of the 1967 Six-Day War. Walk through the battlegrounds and bunkers, following in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought here. See the multimedia exhibit and movie that tells the story of this fierce battle and the reunification of Jerusalem. End at JNF s Wall of Honor, which commemorates Jewish veterans from around the world. Enjoy lunch onsite before departing. After lunch, visit the JNF 9/11 Living Memorial, built in memory of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. This unique site serves as the only place outside of the United States that recognizes the names of the people who were killed on this tragic day. Return to the hotel in time to refresh before departing for the Kotel (Western Wall) to celebrate the spirited ritual of Kabbalat Shabbat with local Israelis. You will be joined by Nefesh B Nefesh Lone Soldiers for Shabbat dinner and candle lighting services at the hotel. Orient Hotel, Jerusalem From left: trenches at Ammunition Hill, JNF 9/11 Living Memorial
Saturday, November 9 Shabbat Today will be a leisure day in honor of Shabbat. Shabbat services will be offered to those who wish to attend. Alternatively, enjoy the day relaxing at the hotel, or consider participating in an optional walking tour of the Old City or a tour of the Dead Sea and Masada. Walking Tour of the Old City Explore the Old City of Jerusalem with a walking tour through both the Jewish and Christian Quarters. Begin at the Southern Wall Excavations to see the original steps that lead to the Temple Mount. Visit the Kotel and listen to the soft sounds of prayer and contemplation. Continue to the Christian Quarter for a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to be the location of Christ s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Continue with a stroll down the Cardo, Jerusalem s main street more than 2,000 years ago. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the rest of the Old City s four quarters at leisure. Masada & Dead Sea Tour * Spend the day at Masada and the Dead Sea. The bus will depart from the hotel early this morning and drive via the Judean Hills along the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth. Continue to Masada, the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots made their final stand against the Romans. Learn about the history of the Jewish fighters before taking a cable car ride to the top of the Herodian Palace Complex. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to the Dead Sea. Take a swim in the buoyant waters or simply relax at the beach. Enjoy the evening and dinner at leisure, exploring Jerusalem at your own pace. Orient Hotel, Jerusalem *Additional Cost not included in tour price. The Kotel in Jerusalem
Sunday, November 10 Arava Following breakfast and hotel checkout, depart for the Arava, located along the Jordanian border between the Dead Sea and the Red Sea this is one of the most remote parts of the country. The region is characterized by a natural, dramatic beauty, but also contends with a sharp climate, extreme topographical conditions, and water scarcity. Along the way we will learn about the Dead Sea and its unique problems. Upon arrival to the Central Arava Region, meet with Dr. Clive Lipchin, Director of the Center for Transboundary Water Management at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES): the leading graduate level environmental educational institute in the Middle East. As Director, Dr. Lipchin oversees research projects, workshops, and conferences that focus on transboundary water. Continue to Mitzpe Shalom, a lookout that provides a view towards the impressive landscape of the Arava Stream (Nahal Arava) and the Edom Mountains. Here, you will hear an introduction to the Arava Valley before continuing on to the Hatzeva Reservoir, which collects floodwaters that irrigate the fields of Moshav Hatzeva, and for the dilution of brackish water drawn in nearby drilling operations. Next, enjoy lunch at the Yair Agricultural R&D Center in Hatzeva. Proceed to the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT), a leading authority in sophisticated arid lands agricultural studies and training, as well as a central platform for global collaborations in the agriculture arena. With JNF s assistance in providing funding for new classrooms, you will see this 10-month work-study program at work and learn about how students from Asia bring their education back to their home countries and return as goodwill ambassadors for Israel. This evening, we will enjoy dinner at the hotel. Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon The Arava
Monday, November 11 Negev / Departure Optional early morning excursion: An exciting sunrise jeep tour ride through the Ramon Crater to discover the colorful landscapes and hidden treasures of this oneof-a-kind geological phenomenon. Meet with Professor Eilon Adar, Alain PÖher Chair of Hydrology and Arid Zones at Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Sde Boker. After the discussion in Sde Boker, site of the former home of David Ben Gurion, visit the first Prime Minister s gravesite and learn of the significance of his role in developing the Negev. Enjoy lunch en route to the Bedouin town of Hura to see Project Wadi Attir. Hear how this progressive model for community-based agriculture is successfully combining Bedouin aspirations and values with sustainability principles, modern-day science, and cutting-edge technologies. Continue to Lehavim for an exclusive tour of the SodaStream facilities. See how the soda-water factory brings together employees of various ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities and learn about the challenges it faces as the biggest employer of the Bedouin community in the Negev. Later, wrap-up this incredible journey with a special farewell dinner before transferring to Ben Gurion Airport for your return flights to the U.S. Ramon Crater