Bear Witness. Lend a Hand.
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.
Optional Pre-Mission Volunteer Component
Sunday, June 16 to Tuesday, June 18, 2024
More information coming soon.
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
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
Todd RosenfeldMission Chair
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.