Search and Rescue Itinerary
Awesome Israel KE-31-Sample
THURSDAY: ARRIVAL IN ISRAEL, SHORASHIM: BACK TO THE ROOTS
A warm welcome to Israel! At this moment, we'll begin to understand our "Jewish self." Just like Abraham - a Hebrew without a Hebrew past - our mission is to create something entirely new for ourselves with the advantage of and challenge of carrying history with us. Like every generation before us, we have the capacity to build the Jewish future. We will also celebrate our first Shabbat candle lighting service.
- Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport for a Welcoming Ceremony
- Rendezvous with Israeli Soldiers
- Travel from the airport to begin to explore this fascinating country.
- Lunch
- Shehecheyanu upon arrival to the Holy City of Jerusalem, at the Has Promenade
- Explore the oldest settled neighborhood of Jerusalem, City of David
- Dinner
- Opening group building and expectations program
- Overnight in Crown Plaza Jerusalem
FRIDAY: THE CLASSIC ISRAEL EXPERIENCE
Today you’ll wake up in Jerusalem and drive to Masada to learn about King Herod and all of his antics (of which there were many!). You’ll go down to the lowest land level on earth and have a float in ancient waters. And by nightfall we’ll bond over a Shabbat candle lighting – the perfect way to begin your journey.
- Wake up & Breakfast in Crown Plaza Jerusalem
- Masada: Hike and tour - Learn about the history and the mythology.
- Dead Sea: Visit the lowest place on earth, and float in the nutrient rich waters
- Lunch
- Using all your senses at Machane Yehuda Market place, where you can see, hear, taste, smell and feel one of the most busy and colorful places in Israel
- Kabbalat Shabbat Services
- Festive Friday Night Dinner
- Oneg Shabbat: Fun and Games
- Overnight at Crown Plaza Jerusalem
SHABBAT: A DAY OF REST
Today will be less hectic as it’s our day of rest here in Israel but you will get a chance to explore the amazing Israel Museum and get to know one another over a discussion about our history and how we come to terms with it today.
- Late Wake up & Breakfast in Crown Plaza Jerusalem
- The Israel Museum is the largest cultural institution in the State of Israel and is ranked among the world’s leading art and archaeology museums.
- Lunch
- Israeli Stress and Trauma Institute will give a lecture about their work
- Dinner
- Havdalah Ceremony
- Yad Vashem Preparation with Tour Guide
- Overnight in Crown Plaza Jerusalem
SUNDAY: JERUSALEM ~ THE HOLY CITY
We’ll visit several points of interest today which highlight the journey we’ve taken as a People. All stops along this day will bring out a conversations about our Jewish Identity and the place we hold in society today. But it won’t be too serious by nightfall when we’ll get a chance to enjoy some free time in Jerusalem!
- Wake up & Breakfast in Crown Plaza Jerusalem
- Tour of Mt. Herzl Cemetery, the final resting place of Israeli dignitaries and fallen soldiers
- Summary & Memorial Ceremony
- Visit Yad Vashem, Israel's national memorial to the Holocaust, including the Children's Memorial and the Valley of the Lost Communities
- Time For Reflection & Processing
- Lunch
- Tour of Jewish Quarter: view from rooftops, personal time at the Western Wall – Kotel
- Dinner & Leisure Evening on Ben Yehuda - the epicenter of night life in Jerusalem
MONDAY: SEARCH & RESCUE CAMP – DAY ONE!
Boot camp starts today! You’ll get outfitted just like a soldier… dog tags and all. It’s not really boot camp, but you will have the chance to learn and experience what being a part of the Search and Rescue Unit is like!
- Wake up & Breakfast in Crown Plaza Jerusalem
- Travel to Basic Training Base 16 in Central Israel
- Search and Rescue Program
- Get outfitted from head to toe in army gear, dog tags an all
- Basic Training & Instruction
- Overnight on Basic Training Base 16
TUESDAY: SEARCH & RESCUE CAMP - DAY TWO!
More of what we did yesterday! But today we'll do rescue simulations using equipment that the First Responders Unit specializes in. We'll get sweaty learning some sophisticated Krav Maga moves.
- Continuation of the Search and Rescue program
- Rescue simulation
- A lesson in catastrophes
- Continued basic training
- Overnight on Basic Training Base 16
WEDNESDAY: BACK TO CIVILIZATION
Now for some fun… We’ll leave the base early in the morning and head to the white city that never stops. Today we’ll explore the market and visit the heart of Tel Aviv, Rabin Square. And finally, some beach time.
- Wrap up of Search and Rescue program
- Travel toward Tel Aviv
- Rabin Square – The symbol to many people as the essence of democratic values in the State of Israel
- Enjoy the distinctive cultural streets of Shenkin & Carmel Market
- Lunch
- Time to catch some Mediterranean sun on Tel Aviv’s Beach
- Dinner & Overnight in Ruth Daniel Hotel Tel Aviv
THURSDAY: NORTHBOUND!
We’ll ride up north today to visit the rolling green hills and meadows. We’ll have a hike and then visit the mystical city Tzfat (Safed). Later on we’ll visit the Adir winery and have a chance to discuss how much we’ve bonded. We’ll end the night staying at a real Kibbutz!
- Wake up & Breakfast in Ruth Daniel
- Travel up towards the north of Israel
- Hike the Banias trial
- Lunch
- Tour of Tzfat: The Basics of Kabbalah and its Role in Jewish Narrative & History. Explore the mystical city overlooking mountains and valleys in the North.
- Take a tour around the Adir Winery
- Dinner
FRIDAY: MORE OF THE NORTH
Today we’ll learn about our borders and neighbors. We’ll get a chance to cool off in the Jordan river and enjoy our Second Shabbat together!
- Wake up & Breakfast at Kibbutz Malkiya
- Understanding the strategic borders of Israel at Mount Bental
- Mount Arbel’s graceful stature and steep slopes, provide magical views across the Sea of Galilee and beyond, to the Golan Heights, and Israel’s tallest peak at Mount Hermon
- Lunch
- Cool off in Kayaks on the Jordan River
- Kabbalat Shabbat Services
- Festive Friday Night Dinner
- Oneg Shabbat: Fun and Games
- Overnight at Kibbutz Malkiya
SHABAT: A MUCH NEED REST!
Today we’ll lounge by the pool. After the last few hectic days it will be a welcomed rest. We’ll also get a nice tour of the kibbutz!
- Late Wake up & Breakfast in Kibbutz Malkiya
- Soldiers Activity
- Time to relax by the pool
- Lunch
- Waking tour around the Kibbutz
- Dinner
- Havdalah Ceremony
- Drive to Jerusalem
- Overnight in Crown Plaza Jerusalem
SUNDAY: LEHITRAOT~
In Israel, we never say “goodbye” – Goodbyes are too permanent. In our neck of the woods (and desert, sea, mountains and rivers) we prefer “See you later,” instead. “Lehitraot…!” We hope to see you again.
- Early Check out & Breakfast in Crown Plaza Jerusalem
- Say goodbye to the Israeli Soldiers
- ravel to Ben Gurion Airport for Check-in and board return flight