Participant Itinerary JNF Caravan for Democracy Program January 2015 This multi-faith program is designed to provide student leaders with the information, background to show Israel as a dynamic and vibrant democracy and to provide an opportunity for them to become effective advocates for Israel on college campuses. The program combines an overview of the critical issues facing Israel and the region, as an introduction to Israel s diverse culture. Saturday, December 27 Departure from the US Departure from NYC Sunday, December 28 B ruchim Ha-Baim Welcome to Israel Arrival Together you travel north to begin your 10-day adventure on this incredible Caravan for Democracy Mission. Travel North Hotel Check-in Dinner at Hotel Orientation Overnight: Kibbutz Gonen - Galilee Monday, December 29 Judaism & Christianity: Roots & Branches Travel to the Sea of Galilee area Church of the Beatitudes and Capernaum A visit to the site of Jesus s Sermon on the Mount which forms the basis of Christianity s moral code and the small village on the shores of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus preached in the synagogue. It is an opportunity for us to explore the Roots & Branches: of the Judeo-Christian tradition. Sea of Galilee The Kinneret, Israel s primary water source, is receding because of years of drought. The Kinneret is of supreme strategic importance as it is the only fresh water lake in Israel. As we sail from the port of Tiberius to Ein Gev, we wlll here from a JNF expert on Israel s water issues. Group Lunch Har Bental and Explanation of the JNF Security Road Project Ascend to the top of the Golan Heights, and see firsthand the Israel/Syria/Lebanon border. Learn about the history of this area and its importance to Israel as well as the work done by JNF on the security road project. Dinner at Hotel & Debriefing Overnight: Kibbutz Gonen Galilee Tuesday, December 30 Travel to Haifa Visit to the Technion Institute of Technology Israel s Multi-Cultural Tapestry
Bahai Overlook Learn about the Bahai faith and enjoy the breathtaking view Lunch and Druze Hospitality in the Village of Isfiya with Ayoob Kara A former member of Knesset from the Druze community. Travel to the Isfiya Fire Station and learn about how Israeli fire fighters protect their precious natural resources and deal with wildfires. Travel to Tel Aviv Meeting with Assaf Luxembourg Assaf is the former CEO of Startau, an entrepreneurial incubator and has since started his own hi Tech Company. He speaks to many groups about the Start up culture in Israel and what makes Israel unique in the field of entrepreneurial start ups. Check in and Dinner at Hotel Campus Mapping/Debrief Evening Cultural Program: Israel through its Music Enjoy a discussion and performance by popular musician Udi Krauss, who weaves a tale of decades of Israel s moods and challenges through stories and song. Overnight: Sea Net Hotel- Tel Aviv Wednesday, December 31 The Story of Tel-Aviv Walking tour of Jaffa/Neve Tzedek Learn about the early history of Tel-Aviv and explore the ancient city of Jaffa Peres Peace Center Meet with representatives from the Peres Peace Center to learn about co-existence in Jaffa and throughout Israel. Independence Hall Visit the place where Israel was declared a State. Rabin Square Learn about the life of Yitzhak Rabin and how he was assassinated trying to peace to the region. Meeting with Former Member of the Knesset Dr. Einat Wilf New Years Eve! Overnight: Seanet Hotel- Tel Aviv Thursday, January 1 Jerusalem of Gold City of David Tunnels Visit the archeological remains deep beneath Jerusalem that tell the story of King David s conquest of Jerusalem. Discuss the centrality of Jerusalem in Jewish life and culture and it s place in the current conflict. Old City of Jerusalem Four Quarters Explore the vast history within the walls of the ancient city. Share in the legacy of religious life spanning generations and faith traditions. Meeting with Itamar Marcus Itamar is the CEO of Palestinian Media Watch. Founded in 1996, Palestinian Media Watch is an Israeli research institute that studies Palestinian society from a broad range of perspectives by monitoring and analyzing the Palestinian Authority through its media and schoolbooks. Time for Shopping on Ben Yehuda St. Check in and Dinner at Hotel Friday, January 2 History & Memory in Israel
Yad Vashem Israel's Holocaust Memorial on Mt. Herzl - Participants with relatives that are survivors share their stories. Israelis share the impact that the Holocaust has on their life in Israel. Learn about the collective and the individual ways that Holocaust memory is preserved in Israel. Visit to Mahane Yehudah This one of a kind open air market is filled spices and food from all over the world. You will have the opportunity to peruse the market as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat. Security Barrier Tour Your guides will explain the necessity of the Security Barrier, how it works and its future implications. Meeting with Bassem Eid The Executive Director of the Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group. The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG) is a Palestinian, independent, Non-Governmental Organization working to end human rights violations committed against Palestinian Civilians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem, regardless of those responsible. Traditional Shabbat Dinner With explanation of customs and rituals Campus Mapping/Debrief Saturday, January 3 Ma Yafeh Hayom Shabbat Shalom Travel to Masada Climb Masada Walk up the path built by the Roman army (in the 1 st Century CE) in order to destroy the Jewish resistance group located atop the fortress. You will learn about their heroic stand and its impact on modern Zionism. Travel to the Dead Sea Independent lunch at the Dead Sea Travel to Jerusalem Israel & the International Media - Discussion with Khaled Abu Toameh an Arab-Israeli journalist for the Jerusalem Post. Western Wall Tunnels Go under the holiest site in Judaism and learn about the ancient building process of the Temple. Sunday, January 4 Making the Desert Bloom Travel to Sderot Tour of Sderot and visit to the Indoor Playground Visit sites that were effected by this past summers operation and learn about the incredible JNF project that gives children in Sderot an opportuntiy to play in safety.
Independent lunch Shaked's Farm Learn about organic agriculture in the desert. Bedouin Hospitality Meal Enjoy an authentic Bedouin feast while learning about Bedouin life & culture. The Bedouin Story with Kher Albez a prominent leader in Israel s Bedouin community. Through an interactive discussion, Kher will tell you about the Bedouin history in Israel and how the Bedouin population fits into the current Israeli narrative and landscape of the Negev. Campus Mapping/Debriefing Overnight: Kibbutz Kramim - Negev Desert Monday, January 5 Today s Challenges and Beyond Meeting with students at Ben Gurion University Learn about the social action projects run by the students and what the University is doing to help the Negev blossom. Meet with the Mayor of Beersheva Ruvik Danilovich As he explains his vision for the city and the Negev region. Earth's Promise Meet with the directors of Earth's Promise and learn about urban agriculture and their connection to Ethiopian immigrants. Abraham's Well is an interactive museum that tells the story of Beersheva's biblical roots and you will see one of the ancient wells. Beersheva Riverwalk Learn about this amazing JNF project that is reshaping the future of the city. Meeting with the Or Movement Hear from the Or Movement about the development of the Negev and its importance for the future of Israel. Campus Mapping/Debriefing Overnight: Kibbutz Kramim - Negev Desert Tuesday, January 6 Experience of a Lifetime Project Workshop with Leor Sinai Volunteer with Leket Leket is the largest food bank in Israel. Participants will pick fruits and vegetables that will be brought that day to soup kitchens across the country. Travel to Jerusalem Meeting with Yoram Morad of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yoram runs the social media department and he will address the various challenges Israel faces on social networks. Community & Caring in Contemporary Israel Former MK Michael Melchior A discussion with Rabbi Melchior on how Jewish values encouraged his entry into Israel s political arena, and how they are framing almost every political issue of the day from the most important to the seemingly small. Final Dinner and Discussion
Travel to Airport Wednesday, January 7 Safe Travels Departure from Ben Gurion Airport Arrival Back to NYC