Solidarity Mission to Israel

Bear Witness. Lend a Hand.

June 18-23, 2024

Mission Features

Damage to homes_Photo by Jewish Agency for Israel_10-12-2023
Visit a Kibbutz in the Gaza Envelope That was Victim to Infiltration and Terror
Meet Survivors of the October 7 Attack
Meet Recipients of Pittsburgh's Israel Emergency Relief Fund
Visit IDF Base With Soldiers Serving in Swords of Iron War

Israel has many needs right now.

One of them is supporters like you.

Are you ready to give the time and energy to help a country at war? If so, this mission is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stand together with the people of Israel, bear witness and provide support to those in need. We are committed to visiting the people and areas most affected by the war and connecting with people and organizations supported and impacted by the Pittsburgh Jewish community.

Space is limited. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
*This will be a physically and emotionally rigorous journey. You can expect long, but fulfilling days, meeting those impacted directly by the events of October 7.

Participation in this mission requires a minimum commitment of $1,800 to the 2025 and 2026 Federation Community Campaigns (or $1,000 for young adults ages 22-45 at the time of the mission).

VIEW FULL ITINERARY

*Itinerary is subject to change as the situation in Israel is very fluid.

ITINERARY

Israel in the news
Israel Geo-Political Update
A leading Israeli journalist will deliver a situation update upon your arrival.
Nova Festival Survivor Personal Story
Dine with a survivor who witnessed and experienced the terror first-hand.
Damage to homes_Photo by Jewish Agency for Israel_10-12-2023
Visit Kibbutz on Gaza Border
Meet a community that was attacked on October 7.
Lunch in the Gaza Envelope on IDF Base
Provide soldiers with a meal and thank them for their service.
See Your Donations in Action
Visit several organizations that have received allocations from Pittsburgh's Israel Relief Fund.
Sheba Medical Center
Sheba Hospital
Visit Sheba Tel HaShomer and their rehabilitation unit that is taking care of wounded soldiers..
Jerusalem
Shabbat in Jerusalem
Visit the Kotel and festive Shabbat dinner.
man watering plants in greenhouse
Agricultural Volunteering
Hands-on volunteering with HaShomer HaChadash.
Theodor Hertzl's Ttomb
Mount Herzl
Visit the site of Israel's national cemetery.

FLIGHTS

Please book refundable flight tickets. El Al Airlines is currently flying to Tel Aviv. United Airlines has not yet announced when they will resume service.

When booking flights, please arrive and depart within the following time frames:
Please plan to arrive in Israel by 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
Please plan to depart Israel after 11:00 PM on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Recommended Flights

Flight numbers may change.

Departure:

Monday, June 17, 2024
Pittsburgh to Newark: United 3537
Newark to Tel Aviv: United 84 (arrive on June 18, 2024)

Return:

Sunday, June 23, 2024
Tel Aviv to Newark: United 91
Newark to Pittsburgh: United 4494 (arrive on June 24, 2024)

Insurance

We strongly suggest the acquisition of comprehensive medical and travel (‘Cancel for Any Reason’) insurance prior to your arrival in Israel. If you are interested in “cancel for any reason” trip insurance, it must be purchased within 15 days of making your trip deposit or purchasing your flight, whichever occurs first.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh does not currently, and will not in the future, provide any medical insurance coverage while on the Mission. Any medical insurance coverage desired must be purchased by mission participants.

Travel Insurance: There is no trip cancellation insurance offered by Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA)/Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.

Note: JFNA/Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh highly recommends that all mission participants review their own personal insurance coverage needs with their insurance advisors to determine if additional travel insurance is required. Additional travel insurance could cover items such as reimbursement for trip delay, missed connections, sickness and/or accident medical expenses, lost baggage, personal effects, baggage delay, etc.

Here are some providers should you wish to purchase additional insurance. Inclusion on this list should not be construed as an endorsement by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.
Travel Guard: www.travelguard.com, 800-826-4919
Egert and Cohen: egertcohen.co.il/tourist-health-insurance

TRAVEL NOTE: Your passport must NOT EXPIRE BEFORE December 24, 2024 for entry into Israel.

PRICING

Solidarity Mission to Israel Price Land Only

$3,599 Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
$4,799 Per Person Based on Single Occupancy
$2,999 YAD (ages 22-45 at the time of the Mission) Per Person Based on Double Occupancy
$4,199 YAD (ages 22-45 at the time of the Mission) Per Person Based on Single Occupancy

Price Inclusions

  • Minimum suggested tips for driver and guide 
  • A private licensed English-speaking tour guide  
  • Private driver and airconditioned bus  
  • Security Guard 
  • On-site coordinator throughout the trip 
  • 5-star accommodations 
  • Speakers and activity rooms 
  • Meals: all breakfasts at the hotel, 5 lunches and 4 dinners 
  • Water on the bus 

Price Exclusions

  • Airfare. (Please arrive to Israel by June 18, 2024 at 10:00 AM and depart after June 23, 2024 at 11:00 PM) 
  • Meals not mentioned above and, in the itinerary, 
  • Travel and health Insurance (required) 
  • Personal expenses of any kind 
  • Anything not mentioned above 

Payment Details

Full mission price is due upon registration to secure your spot on the mission. 

Cancellation Policy

Cancel on or before April 12, 2024: Full refund minus a $500 non-refundable deposit.
Cancel on or before May 17, 2024: 50% refund.
Cancel after May 17, 2024: No refund. 

For more information, contact Kim Salzman atksalzman@jfedpgh.org.

For immediate assistance, contact Marlene Layton at 412-992-5247.

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Royal Beach Hotel
3 Nights
Tel Aviv
Orient Hotel Jerusalem
Orient Hotel
2 Nights
Jerusalem

Mission Chair

Kim Salzman
Kim Salzman
Director, Israel & Overseas Planning & Impact
412-992-5239
Marlene Layton
Marlene Layton
Israel & Overseas Coordinator
412-992-5247

Full inclusion is a core value of Jewish Pittsburgh. The Jewish Federation welcomes participants of all abilities, backgrounds, races, religious affiliations, sexual orientations and gender identities. Some mission activities require physical mobility. Please notify us prior to the trip if you require accommodation for accessibility or any other needs. We will do whatever possible to assist. Additional costs may apply. Call Jordan Tal 412-992-5227 to discuss.

NOTICE: By registering for this event, you agree that your (and your guest's) picture and/or video may be taken and potentially used in Jewish Federation marketing material and social media. If you do not agree, please call 412-681-8000 to register by phone and indicate that you decline to agree. Thank you.

Our COVID Plan

The Federation cares about the health and well-being of all mission participants. We encourage everyone to follow current CDC recommendations as regards to vaccines, masking and isolation when feeling sick or suspect a COVID-19 exposure. If a participant becomes ill during the mission, the laws and regulations of local, state, federal and international governments may require quarantine in a separate location, at your expense, without physical access to family and friends, and could result in the interruption or cancellation of your mission participation.

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