NINETIPS
LIZ SPIKOL I JE STAFF
for Getting the Most
Out of Israel This Summer
The beach in Tel Aviv, Israel
Travel to Israel is booming. Last year saw the most American tourists in Israel since the state was founded.

This year, the first three months saw a 7 percent increase over the
same quarter in 2015 — which means it’s shaping up to be a record-
breaking year.

Though people travel to Israel year-round, summer is the high
season. The cloudless blue skies and beautiful beaches may have
something to do with that, or maybe it’s the general sense of re-
laxation that pervades even crowded cobblestone streets on
a hazy summer day. There are festivals aplenty, music and
arts performances and an overall emphasis on enjoying
life outdoors.

Whether you’re going for a Bat Mitzvah, a wed-
ding or just to relax, here are nine tips that should
help you make the most out of your stay.

Take the kids.

This summer, El Al Israel Airlines, which offers the
most nonstop flights to Israel, is launching special fami-
ly-friendly deals that include roundtrip fares of $1,299 (taxes/sur-
charges included) from New York (JFK or Newark) for departures
between June 16 and Aug. 18. There’s also an El Al children’s fare
10 JUNE 2, 2016
that could save parents $200 for each child between 2 and 14.

For more information, visit www.elal.com or call 800-223-6700.

Send the teens.

Do you shudder when you think of your hormonally besieged
teenager moping around the house and looking at screens? Fear
not — the opportunities for teens to experience Israel
abound. If you want them to get a head start on thinking
about aliyah, there’s the month-long Tzofim Chetz
V’Keshet program that operates in conjunction with
the IDF. Kids get a behind-the-scenes look at army
life, and hike, bike and tour the country in the com-
pany of Israeli teenagers.

There’s the International Leadership Seminar from
BBYO Passport, which combines extensive tours of Israel
with small group learning and an emphasis on figures who
guided the country to where it is today.

There’s the Trek Israel program, which includes the physically chal-
lenging Sea-to-Sea Hike and is meant for kids who like to be active.

THIS SUMMER
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM