Israel’s border is open again. Let’s go!

In today’s eJewish Philanthropy, Eric Fingerhut, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, is quoted as saying, “I cannot overestimate that Israel travel is a cornerstone of our Jewish and Zionist education and identity.”

While the need and desire are great, COVID concerns still loom and chaos has dominated the tourism field for the past two years, intensifying over the past few months. Birthright, synagogues, camps, organizations, and individuals are cautiously trying to reestablish travel. Interestingly, Fingerhut points out that “while in the past the various programs competed and operated separately…there is a sense of collaboration between Jewish organizations that did not exist before.” We need to “jump-start and re-engage” the travel industry.

JFNA’s General Assembly (GA) April 2023 in Israel to coincide with Israel’s 75th anniversary has been on the calendar for years. We will create a trip around the GA. Yom Ha’Atzmaut in Israel will be amazing! If you’re interested and would like to be on the planning committee, please let me know.

We’ve started planning for a winter break February 2023 Teen Mission to Israel. Next year’s 8th–12th graders will be eligible. Please start thinking about this.

In the meantime, I’d like to get a group there sooner. I’m working with a couple of other organizations to create a new/unique opportunity, perhaps for as early as late June. I’m thinking about a couple of days in Eshkol to visit our friends, Shabbat in Jerusalem, and maybe a couple days of volunteering. We’ll save climbing Masada and other touring activities for April 2023. Again, if you’re interested and would like to work with me on the planning, please let me know.

It's time to go!

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