English

Bring Your Heart Home
A Journey of Dedication and Return to Israel
Led by Ellen Hershkin
December 12 - 17, 2021

Tour Rates & Dates:

There are no Departure Dates available for this Package.
*Please note that all rates displayed are based on standard room double occupancy.
All rates above are in US Dollars, and are based on full payment by credit card unless otherwise noted.
If check payment discount is available for this tour, it can be selected after clicking "BOOK" above.
(Deposit can still be paid by credit card). Upgraded room categories may be available to book later in the booking process.
If Land & Air price is displayed, the air portion includes tax and fuel surcharges, which are subject to change until ticketed.

Tour Overview:

As the world begins to heal and return to life, join Past Hadassah National President, Ellen Hershkin on a journey of renewal and hope in Israel. Current National President, Rhoda Smolow will join us at various times throughout our journey. Together, we’ll lend our support and see for ourselves the cutting-edge developments coming from Hadassah Medical Organization’s (HMO) innovators leading the battle against Covid-19. We’ll hear stories of those impacted and those making a difference in the lives of others daily. Hadassah has stood with Israel through challenging times for over 100 years and our tour will speak volumes through our actions, as we stand together in Zion, with an eye focused on the future.

THIS AMAZING TOUR INCLUDES:

  • Re-uniting with your Hadassah friends in Israel through an unforgettable journey
  • Touring the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) for a behind the scenes look at the Covid-19 ward and high-level briefings from medical staff and hospital administrators
  • Meeting Talia Levanon, director of the Israel Trauma Coalition, to hear an update on the impacts of the 2021 summer in the Eshkol region.
  • Visiting Hadassah's Meir Shfeya Youth Village to interact with staff and students and a chance to explore their working farm and winery
  • Walking Jerusalem's Old City, with visits to the JewishQuarter and the Western Wall
  • Exploring the newly renovated ANU: The Museum of the Jewish People and the kinetic Agam Museum.
  • Connecting with Young Judaea participants and staff

  • 3 nights plus late check out at the Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem
  • All touring and sightseeing in a deluxe air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide
  • Breakfast daily
  • 3 dinners and 3 lunches
  • Arrival / departure transfers with the main group
  • Entrance fees and porterage as per itinerary

INCLUDED IN SHABBAT EXTENSION:


Note: Shabbat extension is Hotel Only

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Roundtrip airfare, departure taxes and fuel surcharges (group flight coming soon)
  • Any border taxes or visa fees
  • Tips to guide, driver and dining room waiters ($25 per person, per day; pre-collected)
  • Meals not listed above
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Any costs associated with testing or related to proof of Covid/vaccine status. Currently proof of travelers health insurance and vaccination are required to enter Israel.
  • Travel insurance (recommended - group policy available)

Tour Itinerary:

Day Sunday Dec 12, 2021: DEPARTURE

• We depart the United States on our overnight flights to Israel

Day 2: Monday Dec 13, 2021: WELCOME TO ISRAEL!

• Welcome to Israel! Our time in this incredible land has officially started and our excitement mounts as we set off on the adventure ahead. For those of us on the group arrival: just beyond passport control, an Ayelet representative will meet us in the baggage claim area and assist us through customs, and testing. Temporary quarantine can be arranged for anyone requiring such following results of testing done upon arrival.
• We ascend to Jerusalem and recite the Shehecheyanu, overlooking the golden city of Jerusalem
• We pay our respects at the gravesite of Henrietta Szold, a Zionist leader and founder of Hadassah.
• We complete our day at the Mt. Scopus Hadassah Hospital, including greetings, a VIP update and tour of the facility.
• We enter the Old City this afternoon, where we have time for personal reflection at the Western Wall.
• We check into our hotel and refresh before our welcome dinner this evening with Hadassah guests.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 3: Tuesday Dec 14, 2021: TRAVELING SOUTH ASDHKELON AND THE GAZA BORDER

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Early this morning we depart for Ashkelon. This seaside city was subjected to over 800 rocket attacks in the summer of 2021. We take a bus tour to see the impacted sights, joined by a high-level city official, who will brief us on the situation and the physical damage. To assess the mental impact, we next meet with Talia Levanon, director of the Israel Trauma Coalition.
• We stop at the Assaf Siboni Gaza Overlook, for a briefing with an IDF officer. We hear the tragic story of Siboni, and how the 20 wind flutes hanging here were created to memorialize his life and service.
• Lunch in Sderot, followed by an in-depth tour including a Protected Playground, the police station and a storage depot containing rockets launched from Gaza into Israel.
• Tour a Protected Playground, police station and storage depot containing rockets launched from Gaza into Israel.
• Continue to Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha, hosted by security officer and youth worker Tal Shamir, for a glimpse into both the challenges faced by the Kibbutz as well as their “resilience infrastructure”, created to help residents cope with the uncertain security realities in the area.
• We continue to the famed Machane Yehuda marketplace, once more filled with colorful produce, spices, meats, cheeses, and delicious treats. We enjoy a light Tasting together (pre-arranged).
• Dinner on own tonight (Reservations arranged).

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 4: Wednesday Dec 15, 2021: INSPIRED BY THE LAND AND THE PEOPLE

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• This morning, we set out to the biblical landscape preserve Neot Kedumim, where we plant trees, connecting us physically and spiritually to the land of Israel.
• We travel north to Hadassah’s Meir Shfeya Youth Village, where we interact with the Youth and staff and visit the village, working farm and winery. Our visit includes lunch with the youth and staff.
• After lunch, we travel south of Tel Aviv and tour ANU: The Museum of the Jewish People for a tour emphasizing strong powerful Jewish women.
• We enjoy a visit to the amazing Agam Museum to view the abstract artworks described as a “visual symphony” of images based on Jewish-Kabbalistic iconography.
• We complete our day with a delicious and festive dinner, including wine at the beautiful Barkan Winery.
• We return to Jerusalem for overnight after dinner.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 5: Thursday Dec 16, 2021: HADASSAH BEHIND THE SCENES

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Today, we are informed and inspired as we experience a dynamic visit to Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO). While here, we enjoy VIP meetings with the medical staff and leadership. Connecting with Young Judaea participants and staff. We visit the iconic Round Building, the centre of Covid-19 treatment and hear about plans for future expansion/renovation.
• We enjoy lunch with guests at HMO.
• This afternoon, we return to the Old City for a visit to the Jewish Quarter, including a discussion on the latest archaeological finds.
• Free time for shopping or exploration around the Jewish Quarter/Cardo Market.
• We return to our hotel to pack and check out, followed by a festive farewell dinner, recalling our shared experiences on this journey of dedication and return.
• We transfer to the airport for our overnight flight back to the United States, landing tomorrow.

OR CHOOSE TO STAY IN ISRAEL TO CELEBRATE SHABBAT (ON OWN)

Day 5: Thursday Dec 16, 2021: MAIN TOUR DEPARTS

• Bid farewell to the main group.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 6: Friday Dec 17, 2021: DAY AT LEISURE

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Enjoy the day at leisure exploring this amazing land.
• Join a local congregation to welcome Shabbat or enjoy a quiet evening and dinner on own.

Overnight in Jerusalem

Day 7: Saturday Dec 18, 2021: SHABBAT SHALOM!

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Spend Shabbat at leisure attending Shabbat morning services, exploring the city or relaxing.
• Dinner on own before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight back to the United States.

Day 8: Sunday Dec 19, 2021: WELCOME HOME!

• We arrive in the United States this morning. Welcome back!

THE MEMORIES LAST FOREVER!!
*Itinerary subject to change