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Visit Kibbutz on Gaza Border

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Meet with October 7 Survivors

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Learn from IDF Soldiers

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Connect with Kiryat Malachi

Israel Solidarity Trip

March 16th - March 20th

Join Israel Solidarity Trip Chair Sam Wyman and President & CEO Erik Ludwig as we stand as one with our friends and family in Israel. With our delegation from Orange County, you will learn about the transformational work your financial support enables in Israel, including in our sister community of Kiryat Malachi.

Participation requires a minimum gift of $1,800 per person (or $1,000 per person under age 40) to the 2025 and 2026 Annual Campaigns of Jewish Federation of Orange County.

Space is limited. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

On this trip, we will - 

  • Visit the sites of the Nova Music Festival and the kibbutzim attacked on 10/7/23;
  • Volunteer, hands-on, to help the people and local businesses in the region affected by the war;
  • Meet with senior government and military leaders to learn the lessons of the attack and subsequent war, and asses prospects for the future; and
  • See how your Federation contributions provide meaningful humanitarian and trauma support to those most in need.

Itinerary


The below itinerary is subject to change as the situation in Israel is very fluid.

  • Opening session - "Why, Once Again, Israel Will Survive" with Prof. Gil Troy
  • Mount Herzl
    • Visit the site of Israel’s national cemetery.
  • Visit an IDF base on the Gaza Border
    • Hear testimonies from soldiers based less than one kilometer from Gaza
  • Visit Tkuma
    • We will listen to the story of Ben Shimoni z"l.
  • Hospital Challenges during War
    • Visit Share Zedek Medical Center
  • Israel Geo-Political Update
    • Israeli journalist Amos Harel will provide context and expertise.
  • Nova Festival First Responder Story
    • Hear from ZAKA Israeli’s internationally recognized Search and Rescue team.
  • Visit JFedOC sister city Kiryat Malachi
    • Meet with family members of bereaved families and hands-on volunteer opportunity
  • Private meeting with the President of the State of Israel, Mr. Isaac Herzog, and dinner with the U.S. Ambassador (to be confirmed)

Flights


Please plan to arrive by 2 p.m. on March 16 to participate in the opening session.
*Flights are not included*

Pricing 


Group expenses:

  • Transportation- a bus throughout the mission
  • Security throughout the mission
  • Guide
  • Hostess
  • Israeli Staff expenses
  • Programming
  • Printed Materials- personal itinerary and bus
  • 3 nights at the Orient hotel JLM, March 16-19, 2025
  • 1 night in the north, March 19-20, 2025
  • Meals; 4 lunches, 5 dinners (all dinners include wine)
  • Transportation to hotels and to Ben Gurion Airport, TLV
  • Snacks and water on the bus

Costs do not include:

  • Tips for guide, driver and hostess
  • Health and travel insurance
  • Flights

Accommodations


5 star hotels, three nights at the Orient, JLM and one night in a hotel in the north of Israel to be finalized.