Jewish National Fund SUNSHINE TOUR: FOR ACTIVE ADULTS 55+

November 10 – 19, 2019 Chairs Hal Linden & Bernice Friedman Professional Matt Bernstein Sunday, November 10 – Arrival /

AM Welcome to ! Upon individual arrivals, meet your arranged transfer and head to the Sheraton Hotel in Tel Aviv, Israel’s most cosmopolitan city on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

PM This evening, your journey will officially commence with a welcome dinner in a private room at the hotel.

Overnight Sheraton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Itinerary is subject to change. Monday, November 11 – Tel Aviv / Center

AM Following a delicious Israeli buffet breakfast at the hotel, depart to the Museum to learn about the strike-force arm of the Haganah, Israel’s pre-state underground defense organization. Experience a multimedia tour that will share the stories, struggles, and motivations of the brave men and women who made declaring an independent State of Israel possible. Meet with Palmach veterans and hear their personal stories.

PM Depart for the trendy Sarona neighborhood, a former German Templar colony that has transformed into a thriving urban complex with new restaurants, cafés, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Enjoy lunch on your own in the Sarona Market, a contemporary urban market where Israel’s thriving culinary scene is on display. Continue to Ayalon Institute, a clandestine bullet factory that was established by the Haganah in 1945. As the largest bullet factory during that time, it produced 2.25 million bullets from 1946–1948, in complete secrecy. Tour the grounds of Ayalon, which played a major role in aiding the Jewish soldiers who fought for Israel’s Independence. Take a walking tour in Old , one of the world’s oldest seaports, and now home to a multiethnic community of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. See the ancient ruins, explore the restored artists’ quarter, and stroll through the winding alleyways while learning about the rich history of the area. Spend your free time exploring Jaffa’s flea market, boutique shops, galleries, and cafés. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening with a special guest speaker.

Overnight Sheraton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Jaffa

Itinerary is subject to change. Tuesday, November 12 – Coastal Route

AM Following breakfast, depart north along the coastal route to explore Caesarea, the former Roman capital of the region. Tour the rich remains spanning from the time of the Romans to the Islamic period: the historic aqueduct, the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater that has been restored and converted to a concert venue, the Crusader harbor, and Herod’s palace. Proceed to the Tishbi Winery, which offers views of the lush vineyards of the Tishbi Estate. Enjoy a delicious wine and chocolate tasting followed by lunch.

PM Visit the Aaronsohn House in Zikhron Yaakov, which was used during the First World War as the center for underground activity by NILI, an underground espionage network that provided valuable intelligence to British forces. Head to Atlit Illegal Immigration Camp, a historic detention camp where thousands of Jewish immigrants were once detained upon their arrival to Israel during the British Mandate. See the restored Galina ship, a replica of a ship that carried thousands of “illegal” immigrants in defiance of the British blockade of Israel. Tour the premises and see the plans for the new exhibit within a C46 airplane that will interactively tell the story of clandestine Jewish immigration by air, allowing visitors to feel as if they themselves were making the secret journey to Israel. Return to Tel Aviv for a free evening and enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Overnight Sheraton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Caesarea

Itinerary is subject to change. Wednesday, November 13 – South

Be’er Sheva River Park

AM After breakfast and hotel check-out, head to an IDF base to see JNF’s Special in Uniform, a unique initiative that integrates youth with special needs into the (IDF) and prepares them for career placement following military service.

PM Continue south to Be’er Sheva, the capital of the Negev. Have an authentic Ethiopian lunch with social entrepreneur Naftali Aklum and hear his captivating story of being among the first group of Jews to make Aliyah via Sudan. Now, his inspiring work raises awareness about Jewish-Ethiopian history and strengthens Ethiopian-Israeli identity. Visit the Be’er Sheva River Park, the centerpiece of JNF’s efforts to create a renaissance for the city which serves as an anchor of tourism and recreation. See the beautiful promenade, manmade lake, and outdoor amphitheater – now the largest in Israel – before partaking in a ceremonial tree planting. Walk in the footsteps of Abraham, the founding father of the Covenant, during a visit to Abraham’s Well on the banks of the biblical Be’er Sheva River. Proceed to the luxurious Isrotel Hotel in , located adjacent to the Dead Sea. Known for its medicinal qualities and minerals, it’s no surprise that the region has become the undisputed spa capital of Israel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Overnight Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel, Ein Bokek

Itinerary is subject to change. Thursday, November 14 – Masada / Dead Sea

AM Following breakfast, ascend Masada, the mountain fortress built by King Herod where religious zealots made their final stand against the Romans. Take a cable car ride to the top of the Herodian Palace Complex and learn about the history of the Jewish fighters. Learn about JNF’s new Torah Scroll Initiative and have your own honorary letter written into a Torah by a Jewish Sofer (scribe), who spends his days in the ancient, glass-enclosed synagogue atop Masada.

PM Afterwards, descend the mountain to the depths of the Dead Sea. Enjoy lunch, float in the buoyant waters, and relax at the beach. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure and consider indulging in optional spa treatments at the hotel.* Return to the Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel and enjoy dinner at leisure this evening. *Additional cost for spa treatments, not included in tour price

Isrotel Dead Sea Hotel, Ein Bokek Overnight

Masada

Itinerary is subject to change. Friday, November 15 – Central Arava / Eilat

Eilat

AM After breakfast and hotel check-out, depart to the Vidor Visitor Center in Ein Hatzeva, 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.

PM Visit the new Central Arava Medical Center in Sapir. In partnership with the Central Arava Regional Council and the Israeli government, JNF has built a world-class medical center to replace the former dilapidated clinic and provide quality care to local residents and workers. Continue next door to the Arava Emergency Response Center, providing a facility to ensure the safety and security of the Arava’s residents and the thousands of annual visitors that come to enjoy the many desert adventures the region has to offer. Following lunch, enjoy a special treat at Yotvata, which is known for producing the best ice cream in all of Israel on its local dairy farm. Drive by Yahel and see the housing sites underway thanks to JNF’s Housing Development Fund, which aims to expand communities in the Negev and Galilee by offering affordable housing options. Arrive and check-in to the Royal Beach Hotel in Eilat, Israel’s most Southern city located along the Red Sea. Welcome Shabbat by reciting blessings and joining in traditional candle lighting before enjoying Shabbat dinner at the hotel.

Overnight Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat

Itinerary is subject to change. Saturday, November 16 – Shabbat in Eilat

AM Today will be at leisure in honor of Shabbat, providing the opportunity to experience Eilat at your own pace. Services will be offered at the hotel for those who wish to attend. Consider relaxing on the beach, snorkeling around Eilat’s coral reef, or joining one of the following optional day trips: Petra, Jordan* • Begin at the Arava border point in Jordan and drive to the Rose City 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 before returning to Eilat. Timna Park • Visit Timna Park, located 17 miles north of Eilat at the heart of the breathtaking Timna Valley. The site has a great historical significance and is a premier recreation destination for Israelis and tourists. Discover the park’s archeological and geological treasures, such as King Solomon’s pillars, ancient copper mines, lake, and mountains that afford spectacular views.

PM Enjoy the evening and dinner at leisure experiencing the city at your own pace.

Overnight Royal Beach Hotel, Eilat

*Additional cost- not included in tour price and operated by a third-party provider.

Petra

Itinerary is subject to change. Sunday, November 17 – Jerusalem

AM Following breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to the nearby Eilat airport for your short flight to Tel Aviv. Then, travel to Jerusalem, the spiritual hub of Israel.

PM Visit Ammunition Hill, site of a pivotal battle of the Six-Day War. After lunch, walk through the battlegrounds and bunkers to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought here. 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. Take a guided tour of Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum & Memorial, a sprawling complex of tree-studded walkways leading to various exhibits, archives, monuments, and memorials. Yad Vashem tells the story of the Holocaust from a unique first-hand perspective, emphasizing the experiences of survivors through original artifacts, testimonies, and personal possessions. Continue to Mt. Herzl, site of Israel’s national cemetery, and visit the gravesites of former leaders and dignitaries such as Shimon Peres, Theodore Herzl, Golda Meir, and Yitzhak Rabin. Check-in to the 5-star Orient Hotel with time to freshen up before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant in Jerusalem.

Overnight Orient Hotel, Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Itinerary is subject to change. Monday, November 18 – Jerusalem

AM Following breakfast, embark on a comprehensive walking tour of the Old City of Jerusalem. Explore the historic Jewish and Christian Quarters, Southern Wall excavations, and spend time at the holy Western Wall. Join a fascinating tour of the underground Western Wall Tunnels and see exquisite archeological findings.

PM Experience the famous Machane Yehuda Market and become immersed in the bustling energy of Jerusalem’s shuk (Hebrew for “market”). Wander through the colorful maze of sights, sounds, and smells and sample traditional foods from local vendors selling everything from produce to pastries to cheeses and other specialty foods. Visit the JNF 9/11 Memorial, which serves as the only site outside of the United States that recognizes the names of the people who were killed on 9/11. Continue to American Independence Park (AIP), where JNF honors the support of generous donors to the land and people of Israel. Witness a special dedication ceremony to recognize those who have pledged their commitment to JNF and Israel. Return to the hotel or continue to Ben Yehuda Street for free time in the beating heart of Jerusalem’s center-city life. Spend the evening at your own pace and enjoy dinner on own at one of the many fine dining restaurants in Jerusalem.

Overnight Orient Hotel, Jerusalem

Machane Yehuda

Itinerary is subject to change. Tuesday, November 19 – Negev / Departure

JNF Sderot Indoor Playground

AM Following breakfast at the hotel, meet with Gil Hoffman, Chief Political Correspondent & Analyst for The Jerusalem Post. Hear firsthand professional insight about the current social, cultural, economic, and political climate in Israel. Check-out and depart south for a day in the Northern Negev exploring JNF’s groundbreaking work. Proceed to ALEH Negev-Nahalat Eran, a one-of-a-kind rehabilitative village that provides high-level medical services and unparalleled care to individuals with severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Tour the beautifully landscaped grounds and see the various therapeutic services offered to the residents and population of Southern Israel.

PM Following lunch, visit the JNF Sderot Indoor Recreation Center, a signature project that has provided a much-needed sense of normalcy for residents living in the hard- hit town of Sderot- located less than one mile from Gaza. Hear how the playground has impacted the community and the lives of local families. Our journey concludes with a farewell dinner before transferring to Ben-Gurion Airport for return flights to the U.S.

Itinerary is subject to change.