November 15-22, 2019 ITINERARY
NATIONAL MISSION
UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE HEROES OF THE IDF
fidf.org/missions • [email protected] • 1-888-318-3433 SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE
FRIDAY, NOV 15: WELCOME TO ISRAEL!
· Optional visit to the Kotel · Official commencement ceremony and Shabbat dinner with Shai Abramson, Chief Cantor of the IDF and the Former IDF Rabbinical Ensemble SATURDAY, NOV 16: LIVE ISRAEL’S HISTORY (LEISURE DAY)
· Geopolitical briefing · Unforgettable Havdalah service with Shai Abramson, Chief Cantor of the IDF and the Former IDF Rabbinical Ensemble SUNDAY, NOV 17: SALUTING ISRAEL'S SOLDIERS!
· Visit the Gaza Region · A Night of Heroes: Saluting Israel and the IDF and a special evening with IMPACT! students MONDAY, NOV 18: THE SKY'S THE LIMIT!
· Visit to Havat Hashomer, the IDF's Educational Training Center · Visit to Ramat David Air Force Base TUESDAY, NOV 19: PROTECTING ISRAEL AND HER ASSETS
· See soldiers in the field · Unique dinner and cultural experience WEDNESDAY, NOV 20: SALUTING ISRAEL'S NAVY
· Visit the IDF's Navy · Tour of Caesarea THURSDAY, NOV 21: THE BIG PICTURE AND RE-ENTRY
· Visit Israel's Hall of Remembrance · Meet with the President of Israel TBD · Celebratory closing dinner FRIDAY, NOV 22: NEXT YEAR IN ISRAEL! (END OF MISSION) ITINERARY
FRIDAY, NOV 15: WELCOME TO ISRAEL! AFTERNOON
• Check in to the King David Hotel in Jerusalem.
The King David hotel was founded in 1931 by a wealthy Egyptian Jewish banker and has remained a fixture in Jerusalem from Israel’s struggle for statehood, through the War of Independence, the division of Jerusalem, the reunification, to present day. It has become known for its frequent hosting of heads of state, dignitaries and other prominent figures during their visits to Jerusalem.
03:00 pm Optional: Visit the Western Wall (Kotel), Israel’s most spiritual site, for a Shabbat experience. The Western Wall or the Kotel, is widely considered to be the holiest place in the world for Jews to pray. Comprised of remnants of the outer wall of the Temple Mount, it is the only wall that remains standing of the Second Temple built that was destroyed in 70 C.E. From 1948 to 1967, Jews had been banned access to the Temple Mount. It is customary to insert written prayers into the Kotel’s wide cracks between stones.
EVENING
6:30pm Reception and cocktail. 07:00 pm Your mission will officially begin with our FIDF Leadership Mission to Israel Commencement Ceremony.
FIDF-EXCLUSIVE!
• Enjoy a moving Shabbat dinner with the with Shai Abramson, Chief Cantor of the IDF and the Former IDF Rabbinical Ensemble They will welcome you, together with special guests and IDF heroes. OVERNIGHT: KING DAVID HOTEL, 23 KING DAVID ST., JERUSALEM +972-2-620-8888
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SATURDAY, NOV 16: LIVE ISRAEL’S HISTORY (LEISURE DAY) MORNING
Choose from one of the following opportunities to experience Israel’s history or create your own itinerary:
10:00 am Take a walking tour of the historic Old City of Jerusalem with an emphasis Christian history.
The Old City of Jerusalem is a 0.35 square mile walled area within the modern city of Jerusalem that constituted the entire city until 1860, when the Jewish neighborhood Mishkenot Sha'ananim was established. We will discover the Old City’s centuries of history in this three-hour walking tour.
OR • Enjoy a neighborhood tour of Rehavia and Nahlaot. You will trace the history of these neighborhoods from the British Mandate to present day.
You will trace the history of these neighborhoods from the British Mandate to present day. Nahlaot and Rehavia represent the expansion of Jerusalem outside of the Old City walls. Reminiscent of European garden neighborhoods, they became the most prestigious neighborhoods where Israeli leaders lived before 1948, and where Israel’s President and Prime Minister resided after Independence.
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OR • Take leisure time to create your own special moments experiencing Jerusalem. AFTERNOON The mission continues for everyone
FIDF-EXCLUSIVE!
05:00 pm Receive an in-depth briefingby a top Israeli expert.
06:00 pm Participate in an unforgettable Havdalah service in the holiest city on earth with with Shai Abramson, Chief Cantor of the IDF and the Former IDF Rabbinical Ensemble. EVENING
• Take a free evening to enjoy the incomparable beauty of Jerusalem at night. OVERNIGHT: KING DAVID HOTEL
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SUNDAY, NOV 17: SALUTING ISRAEL'S SOLDIERS! MORNING
Depart hotel
FIDF-EXCLUSIVE!
• Meet with the hardworking soldiers at the Gaza region who have experienced the dangers of this critical region firsthand, and who take on the brave daily duties to protect Israeli civilians from terrorists in the south.
AFTERNOON
• Get to know the unit’s soldiers by joining them for lunch. EVENING
Depart hotel • A Night of Heroes: A special evening to celebrate the heroes of the IDF. We will toast Israel and dance the night away with new FIDF friends and the IMPACT! students whose lives you have touched! OVERNIGHT: KING DAVID HOTEL
4 ITINERARY MONDAY, NOV 18: THE SKY'S THE LIMIT! MORNING - Check out from Hotel
FIDF-EXCLUSIVE!
Depart hotel • Visit Havat Hashomer Educational Base that provides largely underprivileged soldiers with support and the opportunity to complete their high school educations and acquire the skills required for successful service in the IDF.
AFTERNOON
Be completely transfixed by an Israeli Air Force Base, featuring the most advanced technology in aeronautics in the world. Meet the legendary F-15/16 pilots and hear their amazing stories about flying during times of war and peace, and the advanced technologies used in IAF operations. . EVENING
• Dinner with a special guest OVERNIGHT: DAN CARMEL HAIFA HOTEL, SDEROT HANASS 85-87, HAIFA +972 4-830-3030
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TUESDAY, NOV 19: PROTECTING ISRAEL AND HER ASSETS MORNING
Depart hotel
FIDF-EXCLUSIVE!
• Trip to the Lebanon border. Receive an extensive overview of the security situation in the region from one of the current commanders.
EVENING
Depart hotel • Unique dinner and cultural experience.
OVERNIGHT: DAN CARMEL HAIFA HOTEL
6 ITINERARY WEDNESDAY, NOV 20: SALUTING ISRAEL'S NAVY! MORNING - Check out from Hotel • Special visit to the IDF Naval Base, including an exclusive tour of the vessels and an in-depth explanation of the tools they use daily.
FIDF-EXCLUSIVE!
Depart hotel AFTERNOON
• Visit the magnificent remains of Herod’s city, Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region. Explore the 2,000-year-old Roman theater, harbor, and 12th-century ramparts. • Check in to the Hilton Hotel
EVENING - Enjoy a free night to explore the exciting city of Tel Aviv on your own. OVERNIGHT: HILTON TEL-AVIV HOTEL, HAYARKON 205, TEL AVIV, +972-3-520-2222
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THURSDAY, NOV 21: THE BIG PICTURE AND RE-ENTRY MORNING
Depart hotel
FIDF-EXCLUSIVE!
• Visit the Memorial Hall of Israel's Fallen on Mount Herzl. • Meet with the President of Israel, Reuven "Ruby" Rivlin at the President’s Residence. TBD
AFTERNOON
• Take time to enjoy the sights, shopping, and beaches of Tel Aviv. EVENING
06:00 pm Participate in an exclusive closing dinner, and reminisce about your Israel experience. OVERNIGHT: HILTON TEL AVIV HOTEL
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FRIDAY, NOV 22: NEXT YEAR IN ISRAEL! (END OF MISSION)
*Itinerary is subject to change based on IDF activities and availability of locations.
9 Their job is to look after Israel. Ours is to look after them.
fidf.org/missions • [email protected] • 1-888-318-3433