Next Year
in Israel
The Jewish Federation Plans
Community-Wide Mission for
75 th Anniversary
An unyielding commitment turned a dream into reality – the creation of a
Jewish homeland on May 14, 1948. Today, Israel has flourished into a safe
haven for the Jewish people as well as a leading country in innovation.

With next year marking Israel’s 75th anniversary, members of the Greater
Philadelphia community will have the opportunity to travel together to the
country that defied all odds.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Israel 75 Mission will take
place from May 14-21, bringing along hundreds of people for an unparalleled
journey to celebrate a historic achievement.

The land cost of the mission starts at $5,499 per person for a double room.

In an effort to make this a multigenerational experience, there is a $1,000
subsidy for participants under 45 years of age who need it.

Included with the cost are accommodations at five star hotels, a tour guide
and luxury bus, most meals, activity and entrance fees, and gratuities
and taxes. Participants will be expected to arrange their own travel
accommodations to Israel.

Beyond the tangible amenities, missions have the ability to motivate leaders
to rise and have life-changing impact. This influential quality a mission can
have is something that Susan Schwartz, Israel 75 Mission
co-chair, knows all too well.

"The experience I had on my first mission 25 years ago was truly
transformational. Not only did I get to share a unique and meaningful
experience with fellow community members, but I was inspired to make
a difference in a way I had never been before,” Schwartz reflected. “This
inspiration ignited in me a desire to learn more, get involved and become a
leader in an organization that I have come to care for deeply."
Registration will remain open through October or until capacity is met.

People are encouraged to register as soon as possible to secure their
preferred track. Interested community members can also attend an in-
person or virtual information session to learn more about the mission.The
next information session will be open to all and in person at Green Valley
Country Club on August 11 at 6:00 p.m.

"We are thrilled to be able to work with our lay leaders and partners to
provide this incredible opportunity for the community,” said Jewish
Federation’s President and CEO Michael Balaban. “Israel’s 75th anniversary
is an important landmark for the country and for the Jewish people, and it
will be a quarter of a century until you can celebrate its next major milestone
of 100 years."
“Traveling to Israel on a community mission gives you unique access to
the best sights, speakers and experiences,” explained Gail Norry, Jewish
Federation’s board co-chair. “You will also make the most wonderful
friendships and have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives
in Israel and back in Philadelphia upon your return.”
Over the course of eight days, participants will explore the country through
highly curated activities as they visit Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Jewish
Federation’s partnership region of Netivot and S’dot Negev.

Kicking off this journey will be an opening party on the roof of the newly
constructed ANU Museum with a welcome from the Mayor of Tel Aviv
Ron Huldai. From there, participants will enjoy a wide-variety of activities,
including taking a graffiti tour in Tel Aviv, participating in a joyous Shabbat
gathering overlooking the Old City Walls, giving back to those in need by
harvesting produce at the national food bank Leket and much more.

Ready to sign up for the Israel 75 Mission? Learn more and register
at jewishphilly.org/Israel75Mission or contact Erica N. Miller,
Mission Manager for Domestic and Overseas Travel, at
erica.miller@jewishphilly.org. Want to learn more?
Find out details about the Israel 75 Mission,
including the itinerary, specialized tracks and more,
at an information session. Sign up for one of the
below sessions at: jewishphilly.org/Israel75Mission
Info Sessions
In-person: In addition to group programming, there will be four customized tracks
to provide a personalized experience of the vibrant country: adventure;
food, wine, and culture; tech and business; and people, places, and politics.

Whether rappelling in salt caves, touring the northern vineyards, visiting
hi-tech accelerator programs or engaging in intimate conversations
with members of the Knesset, these tracks offer unique and exciting
opportunities for first-time as well as repeated travelers to Israel.

• Thursday, August 11 at 6:00 p.m. at
“Each time I visit Israel I come away with something new. Whether I’m
exploring a new region, trying new food or having a new experience, I
always come home feeling fulfilled yet at the same time feeling like I haven’t
had enough,” said Jessica Katz, co-chair of the Israel 75 Mission. “What I’m
most looking forward to on this journey is getting to experience Israel with
my Philadelphia community and making connections that I hope will last a
lifetime.” • Sunday, September 18 at 10:00 a.m.

Providing spiritual “connections” to Israel is the mission’s Rabbi-in-
Residence Eric Yanoff of Adath Israel. During the trip, Rabbi Yanoff will be a
resource to foster deep self-reflection and thought-provoking discussions.

12 AUGUST 4, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM
Green Valley Country Club
Virtual: • Wednesday, August 24 at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Beth
Sholom and the Old York Road Kehillah
• Monday, October 24 at 7:00 p.m.