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April 12–19, 2018 Optional Extension in Eilat: April 19-22

Chair Sheryl Buchholtz

Professional Lou Rosenberg, Executive Director, Greater Los Angeles

Tour Guide Ofer Drori

Jewish National Fund

ISRAEL@70 TOURPositively Israel: Interfaith Experience

Thursday, April 12 – Arrival / Tel Aviv

AM Welcome to Israel! Upon individual arrivals, meet your arranged transfer and head to the Dan Panorama Hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel’s most modern and metropolitan city.

PM The bus will depart the hotel at 2:30 pm for Ben-Gurion House, which served as the residence of Israel’s first Prime Minister David Ben Gurion until he settled in the Negev with his wife. A visit here allows for unique, tangible insight into the constitutive events in the history of the State of Israel, as it was in this very house that the final version of the Declaration of Independence was written.

Spend the rest of the afternoon in Old Jaffa, one of the world’s most ancient port cities which served as a gateway to Israel for Christian pilgrims during the Byzantine period. Now, Jaffa is home to a multiethnic community of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Stroll through the winding alleyways on a walking tour and see the ancient ruins, St. Peters Church, and restored artists’ quarter. Afterwards, explore the local Flea Market; packed with trendy bars, boutique shops, and cafés.

Enjoy your opening dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Overnight Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

Itinerary is subject to change.

Jaffa

Friday, April 13 – Tel Aviv / Shabbat

AM Following a delicious breakfast at the hotel, take a guided walking tour through Tel Aviv’s “White City” to see excellent examples of the famous, German-inspired Bauhaus architecture. Stroll down the iconic Rothschild Boulevard, a cultural and commercial center, and hear the story of how this city was built from sand dunes in 1909.

PM Spend the afternoon experiencing all Tel Aviv has to offer at your own pace. Consider one of the following options:

• Explore the Nachlat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair; a festival of arts, crafts, pottery, and street performances. Pass through the Carmel Market and capture all the liveliness of this vibrant, open-air market. Grab lunch on your own and enjoy free time to shop.

• Visit the Levinsky Market, popular among locals due to its preservation of traditional food culture. The market represents a colorful mix of Jewish communities and a diverse atmosphere where you can meet Persian, Turkish, Syrian and Yemenite Jews working side-by-side; selling their coffee, herbs, sweets and tea blends. Enjoy lunch on own.

• Take time to relax on Tel Aviv’s pristine beach.

This evening, come together with all Israel@70 Tour groups for our first joint event at the Carlton Hotel. Mark the beginning of Shabbat with a symbolic Kabbalat Shabbat ceremony before enjoying a memorable Shabbat dinner with special guest Deputy Minister Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S.

Overnight Dan Panorama Hotel, Tel Aviv

From Left: Levinsky Market, Artisan at the Nachlat Binyamin Arts & Crafts Fair


Saturday, April 14 – North

AM After breakfast and hotel check out, head to the ancient ruins of the city of Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Explore the excavations from the time of the Crusades, the historic aqueduct, and the site of the old amphitheater that has been restored and converted to a concert venue.

Continue to Akko, steeped in medieval Crusader history and home to a brilliantly coexistent population of Jews, Christians and Muslims.

PM Upon arrival, take in the breathtaking scenery of Akko’s Baha’i Gardens. Walk along the wide circle enclosure surrounding the historic mansion where Baha’u’llah, the founder of the Baha’i faith, resided during his final years.

Grab lunch on own in the local shuk, where some say you can find the best hummus in Israel. Afterwards, see the JNF Western Galilee Tourist Information Center; a multimedia facility that showcases the wide array of activities and attractions in the Western Galilee.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Buza Ice Cream Parlor. Founded by an Arab Muslim and a Jewish Kibbutznik, this unique establishment attracts a diverse clientele of Muslims, Christians, and Jews—both from Israel and abroad. During a conversation with the owners, understand how the shop embodies peaceful coexistence and reflects the diverse and complex nature of Israeli society.

Proceed to Tiberias and check into your hotel with time to freshen up before dinner this evening at a local restaurant.

Overnight Leonardo Hotel, Tiberias

Baha’i Gardens


Sunday, April 15 – Eastern Galilee

AM Following breakfast depart for a tour of Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount. Named after the blessings that mark the start of Jesus’s sermon, Mount of Beatitudes is centrally located between the Sea of Galilee and the city of Tiberias to its east, and Nazareth as well as Mount Tabor to its south.

Continue to Tabgha, the site of the miracle of loaves and fishes. See the Church of the Multiplication, an impressive site that preserves an early Christian mosaic as well as traditional stone on which the miraculous meal was laid just before Jesus walked on water.

PM Spend the afternoon experiencing the magical city of Tzfat, beginning with lunch at a local restaurant. Walk through the mystical alleyways, take in the breathtaking views, and explore the famed artist colony in the heart of the city. Enjoy free time to shop and wander on own.

Take in the picturesque view at Kibbutz LOTEM, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. This evening will feature a delicious dinner and wine-tasting from local organic vineyards. Meet with Michal Shiloah, CEO of Western Galilee Now (WGN), who will discuss how Jewish National Fund’s visionary Go North plan is drawing people to the region in partnership with WGN; a consortium of entrepreneurs and artisanal businesses in the Western Galilee.

Overnight Leonardo Hotel, Tiberias

Tzfat


Monday, April 16 – North / Jerusalem

AM Following breakfast and hotel checkout, depart to Nazareth; home to the largest Christian community in all of Israel. See the Basilica of the Annunciation, the community in which Mary, Joseph, and Jesus settled after their return from their flight to Egypt. Explore the local shuk and the Nazareth Village, an open-air museum that showcases what life was like in the Galilee during the time of Jesus.

PM Have lunch before visiting Tel Megiddo, an important Biblical city as mentioned in the Old Testament which overlooks the scenic Jezreel Valley. See the archeological remnants that once flourished during the Canaanite and Israelite Kingdom periods including palaces, temples, gates, and an intricate water system.

Later this afternoon, plant a tree with your own hands at the Harvey Hertz-JNF Ceremonial Tree Planting Center in Neot Kedumim, Israel’s Biblical Landscape Reserve. Time permitting, take a brief tour of the reserve.

Upon arrival to Jerusalem, stop at the Ha’as Promenade for a welcoming ceremony of Shehecheyanu, a blessing said to celebrate special occasions in thanks for new and unique experiences, while taking in the sweeping views of the Old City before checking into the hotel.

Enjoy dinner tonight at a restaurant in Jerusalem’s First Station, an old railway station that has been transformed into a vibrant strip of restaurants, bars, cafés, and local vendors.

Overnight Dan Hotel, Jerusalem


Tel Megiddo

Tuesday, April 17 – Jerusalem

AM Following breakfast at the hotel, we begin with a solemn visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum & Memorial, strategically situated on the green slopes of Har HaZikaron, translated to mean “Mount of Remembrance.” Tour this sprawling complex of various exhibits, archives, and monuments that tell the story of the Holocaust from a unique perspective by emphasizing the experiences of Jewish victims and survivors using original artifacts, testimonies, and personal possessions.

PM In the afternoon, enjoy free time at the famous Machane Yehuda Market and become immersed in the bustling energy of Jerusalem’s shuk (Hebrew for “market”). Enjoy lunch on own and wander among the many local vendors selling delicious cheeses, pastries, spices, and more.

Continue to the Old City of Jerusalem, where echoes of history meet the voices of the present day in this living testament to the Jewish presence in Jerusalem. Embark on a comprehensive walking tour through the Jewish and Christian Quarters. Take time for silent contemplation while touring some of the city’s most notable religious sites including: the Kotel, Via Dolorosa, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Garden of Tombs, and the Church of St. John.

Following dinner at the hotel, the evening will be spent observing Erev Yom HaZikaron, known as “The evening of Remembrance Day.” Join together with all of the Israel@70 Tour participants at Ammunition Hill, the site where the definitive battle for the reunification of Jerusalem took place during the Six-Day War, for an exclusive ceremony in honor of soldiers who have fallen protecting Israel. Hear personal stories from Lone Soldiers, young Israeli immigrants who volunteered to leave their family, friends, homes to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces and serve the State of Israel.


Jerusalem


Wednesday, April 18 – Central (Yom HaZikaron)

AM Today marks Israel’s Memorial Day. The day will begin at the 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 with all tour participants and pay tribute to those who lost their lives as victims of a terrorist attack or brave soldiers who fell in battle protecting their country. At 11:00 am, hear the sirens sound as we pause with all the people of Israel for a moment of silence.

PM Proceed to the village of Ein Karem, birthplace of John the Baptist. Tour this charming, lush-green neighborhood that offers a respite from the noise of the city center.

After lunch, head to the Ayalon Institute for an exclusive VIP tour of this former underground bullet factory. Established in 1945 by the Haganah, Israel’s pre-state military army, this clandestine operation played a major role in aiding the Jewish soldiers that fought bravely for Israel’s Independence.

Tonight marks the beginning of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Enjoy dinner at your own pace before immersing yourself in Israeli culture by celebrating at one of the many open concerts and parties. Consider spending time on Ben Yehuda Street, the beating heart of Jerusalem’s center-city life, or heading to Machane Yehuda to experience the lively night scene as bars and restaurants open up while the rest of the market shuts down.


Jerusalem Jewish Quarter


Thursday, April 19 – Yom Ha’atzmaut / Departure

AM Following breakfast and hotel checkout, begin the day at Ammunition Hill and follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought here on a walking tour through the battlegrounds and bunkers. See the new, state-of-the-art Six-Day War Museum and multimedia show about the historic battle that reunified Jerusalem. Conclude at JNF’s Wall of Honor, which honors Jewish veterans from around the world.

PM This afternoon, rejoice with everyone one last time for the joyous occasion of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Celebrate like local Israeli’s do with a festive BBQ at an outdoor park near Jerusalem. If we’re lucky, we’ll see the special IDF Air Show, where a range of aircrafts from the Israeli Air Force fleet flyover numerous cities around the country.

Afterwards, drive along the Burma Road, and see the oversized silhouette figures that have been placed to recall the fortitude of the Haganah, who worked tirelessly to construct the road.

Our journey concludes with a farewell dinner before transferring to Ben Gurion Airport for return flights to the U.S. (unless joining the optional extension).


Eilat

Optional Extension: Thursday, April 19 – Eilat

PM Transfer to Sde Dov Airport in Tel Aviv for your flight to Eilat.

Enjoy dinner tonight on Eilat’s luxurious promenade parallel to the Red Sea, lined with various bars, restaurants, and trendy shops.

Overnight Herods Palace Hotel, Eilat


Friday, April 20 – Timna / Eilat

AM Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before you visit Timna Park, a site of great historical significance and a premier recreation destination for Israelis and tourists. Start at the JNF Chudnow Visitor Center and discover the park’s archeological and geological treasures, such as King Solomon’s breathtaking pillars, ancient copper mines, and mountains that afford spectacular views.

PM Enjoy lunch at the park before taking time to explore the beautiful hiking and biking trails at your leisure.

Continue to the Botanical Garden of Eilat. Grown on a former military outpost, this biblical style garden offers a unique combination of rare plants and herbs, bird sanctuaries, a rain forest, and an abandoned military bunker.

Return to the hotel to freshen up before heading to the promenade for a walking tour. Conclude at the Ink Flag Sculpture Memorial, which commemorates the Israeli victory and last military maneuver of the War of Independence.

Enjoy Shabbat dinner tonight at the hotel.


Saturday, April 21 – Shabbat


AM Today will be at leisure in honor of Shabbat, providing the opportunity to relax and explore Eilat at your own pace. Services will be offered at the hotel for those who wish to attend. Consider relaxing on Eilat’s pristine beach, snorkeling around Eilat’s coral reef, hiking the nearby Har Shlomo, or joining the following optional day trip:

• *Day Trip to Petra: Begin at the Arava border point in Jordan and drive to the RoseCity of Petra. Enter Petra through a long, winding sandstone canyon called the “Siq,” before viewing the jaw dropping grandeur of the Treasury. On a walking tour through the heart of this ancient city, see the spectacular architecture carved into the mountains, myriad tombs and monuments, and a one-of-a-kind amphitheater. Following lunch, walk or take a camel or donkey ride back through the modern city of before returning to Eilat.

PM Enjoy dinner at leisure.


*Additional Cost – not included in tour price

Petra, Jordan

Workers at the Yair Agricultural R&D Center

Sunday, April 22 - Arava / Departure


AM Following breakfast and hotel checkout proceed to Yotvata, the oldest kibbutz in the Arava, and home to one of the leading dairies in Israel. Experience the famous ice cream and chocolate milk of Yotvata on a special “Chocolate Milk Trail” tour of the Dairy Farm. The original formula for Yotvata’s famous chocolate milk has not changed since it was first developed 40 years ago—in fact, only two people can access the kibbutz’s safe, where the Yotvata chocolate milk formula is kept.

Continue north to the Vidor Visitor Center, a multimedia facility that offers a taste of the Arava in all its variety. Take a multi-sensory tour to learn about the advanced agriculture of the region; watch a 3D film screening to hear about its rich history; visit a greenhouse that showcases quality local crops; and journey through an interactive museum for an insider’s view into the lives of Arava families and farmers. Meet with Eyal Blum, PhD, Mayor of the Central Arava and Noa Zer, Resource Development Director of the Central Arava Regional Council and hear an overview of agriculture and water sources in the area. Next, head to the Yair Agricultural R&D Center in Hatzeva and pick fresh vegetables and herbs while hearing about the latest agricultural findings from the region.

Alternatively, visit the Agricultural Institute Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT) in Sapir, the regional capital of the Central Arava. See firsthand how this cutting-edge program is generating employment opportunities and enhancing communities in the Negev, while bringing together international students from various countries including Cambodia, Ethiopia, Jordan, Thailand, and more. Visit the one-of-a-kind Central Arava Medical Center, another Jewish National Fund-sponsored initiative that has brought much-needed medical care and health services to the region.

PM After lunch, head 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. Upon arrival, visit 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—now the largest in Israel.

Indulge in a farewell dinner before ending our journey at Ben Gurion Airport to catch return flights back to the U.S.

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