Jewish National Fund ISRAEL H2O TOUR 2018 A Tour On The Trail Of Israel s Water Solutions Sponsored by Ronald S. Lauder s JNF Water Initiatives December 10 17, 2018 Chairs Marc Kelman & Bob Lembke Professional Talia Tzour Avner, Chief Israel Emissary Tour Guide Issy Herzog
Monday, December 10 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 tour of the state-of-the-art Eshkol Filtration Plant the fourth largest filtration facility in the world. Learn about how the treated water is supplied by Mekorot, Israel s National Water Company, to one-third of Israel s population via the National Water Carrier. Following lunch at a nearby winery, 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. Continue to Yardenit on the banks of the Jordan River, a place with tranquility and spiritual beauty where Jesus was baptized. Learn about the rivers religious significance as well as its importance with regards to peace and our neighbors. Next, depart to HaGoshrim 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. HaGoshrim Hotel & Nature, Northern Galilee From left: Eshkol Filtration Plant, Lake Kinneret
Tuesday, December 11 Upper Galilee Depart early this morning for a sunrise safari wagon experience at Agmon HaHula, a unique eco-system of regional and international importance. 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 be met by a JNF representative to learn about the water journey that has made this area a model for cooperation between nature, tourism, and agriculture. Return to the hotel for an Israeli-style buffet breakfast before visiting the Shamir Drillings, a JNF initiative that involves drilling for new groundwater resources, 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 understand the geopolitical and hydro political complexities of the region. Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch with the group in the area. Partake in a program with Omer Guy, Chief Scientist and Head Agronomist at Phytech Ltd. to hear about and see the Phytech technologies used to irrigate the orchard. Return to the hotel from the day s activities and enjoy dinner while discussing the successes and challenges of the water economy in Israel with Giora Shaham, Chairman of Israel Water Authority. HaGoshrim Hotel & Nature, Northern Galilee Hula Valley
Wednesday, December 12 North / Tel Aviv Avraham Tenne, Former Head of the Desalination Division, Israel Water Authority will join the group for the day. Following breakfast and hotel checkout, 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, selfconfidence and independence among Israeli youth. 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 water to Israel s population. 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 for much-needed irrigation use. Depart for Tel Aviv and check in at the Carlton Hotel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel with Sivan Ya ari, Founder and CEO of Innovation Africa, an organization that brings Israeli solar, agricultural, and water technologies to rural African villages. Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv From left: JNF s Rainwater Harvesting School System, Sorek Desalination Plant
Thursday, December 13 Negev / Jerusalem From left: Mahane Yehuda Market at night, picking carrots at Halutza Following breakfast and hotel checkout, drive south to Be er Sheva, the capital of the Negev 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 of merely sand dunes. These young pioneers and their families chose to move to this remote corner of the desert which had never been inhabited or farmed because they saw the Negev as 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 own and experience Israeli culture like never before in the ancient city. Orient Hotel, Jerusalem
Friday, December 14 Jerusalem Begin the morning with breakfast at the 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 smart water utility. Next, take a step back in time with a visit to Ammunition Hill, site of the most pivotal battle of the Six-Day War. Walk through the battlegrounds and bunkers to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought here with Chanan Kupietzky, JNF-Ammunition Hill Liaison. See the multimedia exhibit and movie that tells the story of this fierce battle and reunification of Jerusalem. End at JNF s Wall of Honor, which commemorates Jewish veterans from around the world. Enjoy a catered lunch onsite before departing. Continue to the JNF 9/11 Living Memorial, built in memory of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Designed by award-winning Israeli artist Eliezer Weishoff, this unique memorial is the only place outside of the United States that recognizes the names of the people who were killed on 9/11. Participate in a powerful ceremony and pay tribute to those who lost their lives. 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. Shabbat dinner will be served at the hotel after candle lighting services. Orient Hotel, Jerusalem From left: trenches at Ammunition Hill, JNF 9/11 Living Memorial
Saturday, December 15 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, December 16 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 Mayor Eyal Blum and some local residents as they share with us the challenges, success, and major part the JNF plays in building their lives in this area. Afterwards, we will head to Sapir, the regional service center for Central Arava, and see all of the amazing JNF projects that have changed the face of the region, including the JNF-Arava Medical Center, a new Olympic pool, Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT), the Emergency Response Center, and more. Stop for lunch en route. We will conclude our visit to the Arava with Yair Agricultural R&D Center in Hatzeva. Continue to the hotel for dinner. Beresheet Hotel, Mitzpe Ramon The Arava
Monday, December 17 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. Joining the group for the day is 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. Following breakfast and late checkout, depart the hotel for the Bedouin Village of Um Batin and see the wastewater treatment plant near the Yatir Forest as we hear about the challenges of transboundary water. Enjoy boxed 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, modernday 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