To show our solidarity with Israel and the resilient people who live there, please join us for what is sure to be one of UJA’s most amazing and unforgettable missions!
You’ll hear from innovative thinkers and technological gamechangers. With UJA exclusive access, you can explore new archeological sites in Jerusalem. Meet with a UJA-funded partner organization to see the impact of your donations firsthand.
*These dates are dependent on COVID-19 travel restrictions. The Mission begins in Tel Aviv on October 24th. Space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Your spot is not confirmed until you have paid your initial deposit.
Itinerary
Sunday, October 24
Mission begins at Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Culinary walking tour and lunch at the Carmel Market, the heartbeat of Israel's modern city. Dive into the depths of the market and the backstreets of its neighbouring historic Yemenite quarter. Learn about the development of Israeli cuisine through the country’s history and how four generations of vendors are able to maintain their shops after almost 100 years. Hear stories from vendors whose families were the first in the market, to new shops revitalizing the hip neighbourhood.
The Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. A special visit at the Israeli Innovation Centre and meeting with the Board of Directors chair, Chemi Peres, and entrepreneurs. The Centre was founded in 1996 by the late president of Israel, Shimon Peres. The center develops and implements impactful and meaningful programs, with a focus on promoting a prosperous Israel, nurturing and highlighting Israeli innovation, and paving the way for shared living between all of Israel’s citizens and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbours.
Welcome dinner with Prof. Reuven Hazan, who will provide a political briefing and update on the mood of the country.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Monday, October 25
Early breakfast at hotel before heading to Jerusalem.
Take a ride on Jerusalem’s Light Rail, exploring the unique composition of Jerusalem’s neighborhoods: Jewish, Arab, Secular, Religious, and everything in between. From Pisgat Zeev to Mount Herzl, with stops at Beit Yisrael-Sheikh Jerach and Mount Herzl, including short walks and dialogues with local residents.
Light lunch in the Old City.
Two options are available for the next activity:
First group: Old City guided tour. Guided walk through Jaffa Gate and through the back alleyways of the Jewish Quarter to the Market Rooftops and down to the Western Wall Plaza.
Second group: New Archaeological sites in Jerusalem. Take a behind-the-scenes tour and hear about the new archeological finding at the Western Wall Tunnels, the City of David, or the Kishle.
Shtisel: A Window into the World of Ultra-Orthodoxy. Workshop with the show’s creators Ori Elon or Yehonatan Indursky, and one of the actors (Dovaleh Glickman, Shira Haas, or Neta Riskin). This includes clips from the show and a conversation about the significance of the show for both the ultra-orthodox and secular communities, as well as the actors’ experiences in transitioning from their secular lifestyles to their ultra-orthodox characters.
Machane Yehuda Market tasting tour and dinner, followed by a graffiti tour of the market. After all the shops close down, a new market comes to life. See some of the most impressive street art the market has to offer.
Return to Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Tuesday, October 26
Breakfast at the hotel.
UJA partnership visit. Meet with a UJA-supported partner organization, who will provide a briefing about the evolving challenges between the Jewish and Arab population, followed by a walking tour to see the impact of the recent conflict on the community. We will meet with beneficiaries who lead programs that are aimed at trust building between the communities, hear about the impact being generated, and get a better understanding on where Israeli society goes from here (TBC).
Continue to Judean Hills.
Lunch and wine tasting at a local winery.
Hands-on volunteering activity. Experience Israel through your own hands and deepen your connection to the land of Israel and its people in a fun and meaningful volunteer event organized for this mission exclusively.
Dinner in Jaffa with invited guests.
Optional: Private walking tour of Old Jaffa by night. Discover the history of Jaffa, while exploring the neighbourhood’s ancient narrow streets. In a magical nighttime atmosphere, we'll explore the city and hear its stories, tales, and legends. The tour ends at the Jaffa Flea Market, the beating heart of Jaffa.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv
Wednesday, October 27
Breakfast at hotel with a speaker, who will provide an update on Israel’s economy, technology, and innovations.
Startup Nation Central. An opportunity to explore the Tel Aviv innovation ecosystem with a visit to Israel Tech Challenge (ITC). ITC opens the door for talented professionals from Israel and abroad to develop their careers in technology, while focusing on the most in-demand skills in tech.
Lunch at Sarona Market.
Two options are available for the next activity:
First group: Exclusive briefing by a senior expert on either Israel’s security situation or the situation along Israel’s borders (TBC).
Second group: Participate in an immersive arts and culture experience.
Return to the hotel to pack.
Festive closing dinner with invited guests at Acosta restaurant in Florentine. At the heart of the Florentine neighbourhood lies a small house with an inner garden. The house was built in 1920 by architect Haim Karandagi. It has unique charm and a collection of interesting artifacts, combining Europe and the Middle East.
21:30 Group transfer to the airport.
VIP assistance through passport control.
Mission Concludes *Hotel room is included in the package price for the night, so you can use it until departing or until the next morning if you are extending
Mission details
Our mission starts in Tel Aviv on Sunday, October 24 at approximately 2:00 PM (Israel time) and concludes in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, October 27 at approximately 9:30 PM (Israel time).
Hotel:
Hilton Hotel, Tel Aviv, Vista Sea View Rooms
4 nights included
NOTE: Due to the late evening flight on October 27th, the price of the Mission includes a full night at the hotel on the 27th or until you depart for the airport.
Land Costs:
Solidarity Price: $4,399 USD per person (based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $1,230 USD (a surcharge added to the cost per person when traveling alone)
NOTE: Due to the late evening flight on October 27th, the price of the Mission includes a full night at the hotel on the 27th or until you depart for the airport.
Additional Costs:
Airfare and airport taxes
Incidental costs
Travel & medical insurance, including COVID-19 coverage
Pre- and post-mission arrangements
Costs related to COVID-19 testing based on travel policies in Canada and in Israel
General Notes:
If you arrive in Israel prior to the Travel Period or are extending your stay in Israel beyond the Travel Period and require arrival & departure arrangements, we will be happy to assist you with these bookings. Additional fees will apply.
UJA will not be providing a tax receipt for any part of this trip.
Current travel policies require that each participant will have health insurance (including a section covering the Coronavirus disease).
The cost of the Mission is based on a minimum of 30 participants.
Payments:
Upon receiving your application, we will call you to obtain your credit card details or to provide details on payment by cheque. Charges will be made as follows:
$1,500 USD per person will be charged as a deposit upon receipt of your application
Balance due in full by September 2, 2021 (charged directly to your credit card or with another cheque)
Cancellation Fees:
All cancellations must be made in writing to klevy@ujafed.org by October 24th. Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received, per the schedule below:
From registration to August 19th: Deposit is fully refundable
From August 20th to September 20th: $500 USD is non-refundable
From September 21st to the day of departure or no-show: no refund
Cancellation fees are subject to processing fees
Other Important Information
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date of the Mission.
For more information, please contact Keren Levy at 416-631-5723 or klevy@ujafed.org.
