USCJ Israel Mission

SAMPLE ITINERARY

(As the situation in Israel is constantly evolving, 

we will share a confirmed itinerary in late fall)

SHABBATON (OPTIONAL)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024

Join us along with leadership from the Rabbinical Assembly, for a joint Shabbaton.  Details and pricing to come. 

LEADERSHIP MISSION

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024| SOUTH 

Breakfast at hotel 

A briefing with Yaakov Katz, former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, will provide an overview of the political, military, and social issues facing Israel and the challenges ahead. 

Depart for the South 

Visit and tour Kibbutz Kfar Aza as emblematic of the devastation caused by Hamas on the front-line Kibbutzim. Observe the destruction and hear about the physical, emotional, business, management, educational, and other needs being considered in the return and rebuild of the Kibbutzim. 

Visit Nova Music Festival Site to see the memorial of the lives taken on October 7th and hear firsthand testimony from a survivor. 

Depart for Omer, where we will have lunch with leaders of the Masorti community. They will share their personal stories of how they are striving to rebuild. 

Depart for IDF Base, where we will meet soldiers and learn about their experiences fighting in battle. 

Return to Jerusalem 

Dinner with Rabbi Yehoshua Fass, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, together with lone soldiers. 

Overnight in Jerusalem 

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024| JERUSALEM 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Unity & Solidarity at the President’s Residence—Visit President Isaac Herzog’s residence in Jerusalem for a discussion about the intricate demographics of the nation and the aftermath of the October 7th conflict. Gain unique insights into these critical aspects from the perspective of the country’s highest office and share challenges facing our congregations in North America.

Depart for the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, a home in the heart of Jerusalem for Conservative and Masorti Judaism, for a special program of dynamic Jewish text study with key leaders from the community. 

Lunch followed by a briefing with Dr. Micah Goodman, President of Beit Prat, one of the leading organizations in Israel for young adults, Author, and a senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. 

Visit the National Library and take a special tour of the Permanent Exhibition Treasures of the Library. 

Return to hotel to freshen up. 

Dinner with Yossi Klein Halevi, the American-born Israeli Author and Journalist. 

Overnight in Jerusalem 

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024| NORTH 

Depart Jerusalem for the North for an overview of Israel’s current security issues and an understanding of its position in the wider Middle East. Experts will address us and show us in the field what these realities mean for Israel and the entire region. 

Tour and briefing with the IDF at Northern Command, followed by a briefing at Mount Avital Overlook with the Head of Communications for the Northern Command.

Visit the community of Kfar Vradim to meet with the residents and hear how this has affected their daily life and the historically strong relationship with neighboring Arab villages, followed by lunch.

Guided jeep tour for an off-road adventure in Israel’s north, including a briefing on the Hezbollah and Iranian threat. 

Visit the community of Hanaton, followed by wine tasting and dinner at the Kitron winery. 

Return to Jerusalem.

Overnight in Jerusalem 

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2024| TEL AVIV 

Breakfast at the hotel and depart for Tel Aviv. 

Visit Tel Aviv University National Center for Traumatic Stress and Resilience – Q&A with TAU reserve soldiers, hear their stories, struggles, and triumphs navigating between their army service and returning to class. 

Continue to ANU, the Museum of the Jewish People, for a special tour of their new exhibition, “October Seventh,” which examines how Israeli culture reacts to the war. This will be followed by a special viewing of the Codex Sassoon, the oldest and most complete Bible, a rare and valuable testimony to the history of the biblical text. We will hear the story of the Codex and how it provides a glimpse into the history of the Jewish people.

Lunch followed by a briefing with Dr. Yizar Hess, Vice Chairman of the World Zionist Organization. 

Geopolitical overview from the Highest Observatory in the Middle East.  

On top of the 49th floor of the Azrieli Tower. An opportunity to absorb 360° panoramic views that stretch from Ashkelon in the south to Haifa in the north. 

Depart for Hostage Square in Tel Aviv and meet with Rakefet Ginsberg, CEO of Masorti Israel, who will discuss their special programming. 

Meet with families of hostages and leadership of the Hostage and Missing Families Forum, a volunteer initiative providing holistic support to the hostage families and advancing efforts to bring them home. 

Dinner with Israeli Business and NGO leaders who are working on the rebuilding and future of the Gaza-envelope communities. 

Return to Jerusalem. 

Overnight in Jerusalem 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024, | JERUSALEM 

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. 

Depart for a VIP Visit to Hadassah Hospital for an overview of Israel’s healthcare issues and to understand the challenges surrounding rehabilitation needs for injured soldiers. Meet wounded soldiers and hear their heroic stories. 

Or tour Magen David Adom headquarters in Jerusalem to receive an overview of how the organization utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide emergency medical services in record time. There will be an opportunity to meet with volunteer EMTs from across the spectrum of Israel’s diverse population, including Jews, Muslims, and Christians, and hear about how they come together to save lives. 

Lunch with Matti Friedman, Journalist & Author, most recently of Who by Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai. 

Visit the Schechter Institute for a meeting with Rabbi Chaya Rowen Baker, Dean of the Rabbinical school. Followed by time for reflection and group debriefing. 

We will have a dialogue with Masorti movement counterparts in Israel to deepen our understanding of how Israeli society is changing and what opportunities there have been or could there be for a deeper presence for Masorti Judaism. 

Enjoy time for last-minute shopping followed by farewell dinner. 

Departure to Ben Gurion Airport.

PRICING

HOTEL: Inbal Jerusalem (or equivalent)

$3,990 USD/Person – Double Occupancy (+$800 USD Single supplement).  Includes hotel, meals as indicated below, group transportation, security, etc.

Air Travel Not Included

Click Here To Register.

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED 

• Health or Travel insurance of any kind – Assistance available 
• Meals not specified above 
• Assistance or transfer services (available but not included) 
• Tips for guide, driver, and security person
• Anything not specifically mentioned above 

Cancellation Schedule

Shabbaton Pricing 

Join us along with members of the Rabbinical Assembly for a joint Shabbaton for Friday evening through Sunday morning (December 13-14) at the Inbal Hotel. The cost is $875 (double occupancy) + single supplement (if applicable). Registration for the Shabbaton is via the Rabbinical Assembly here.