VIP MISSION
ITINERARY
MAY 17 - 25, 2020
* All itinerary items are subject to change as we strive to bring you the most impactful and up-to-date schedule possible.
Bruchim HaBaim – Welcome
SUNDAY
MAY 17
2020
Tel-Aviv (Hilton Tel-Aviv)
Accommodation
Welcome to Tel-Aviv! Our staff will greet you at the hotel and help you to a speedy check-in. After settling into your rooms, we will join StandWithUs founders and executives, Roz and Jerry Rothstein, for an overview of our time together. We will continue to get to know each other at the incredible 2C - a restaurant at the top of the famous Azrieli towers, which combines fine dining with a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Tel-Aviv.
Security, Peace, and Innovation
MONDAY
MAY 18
2020
Tel-Aviv (Hilton Tel-Aviv)
Accommodation
Take off at the Israel Air Force Base, where we will meet with one of the country’s top fighter pilots for a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s strongest air-force. We continue our flight with a cutting-edge F-16 flight simulator that puts you in the pilot’s seat. Following free-time for shopping and independent exploration of Tel-Aviv, we continue to a fascinating meeting in the Facebook Israel offices where we will learn about the dynamic nature of Israeli entrepreneurship from Facebook Israel CEO, Adi Sofer Teeni, and renowned tech-insider, Hillel Fuld. In the evening we will meet with some of the StandWithUs Israel Fellowship alumni who fought in the IDF, joined StandWithUs to fight on the front-lines of public opinion, and are now changing Israel and the world through their innovative ideas.
The Many Faces of Israel
TUESDAY
MAY 19
2020
Setai Kinneret
Accommodation
Trading in the bustle of Tel-Aviv for the north’s tranquil beauty, we examine the vibrant tapestry of Israeli society during a tour of the Carmel region and meetings with local religious leaders. For lunch, we will enjoy the famous home-hospitality of the local Druze community, and then travel to the Galilee to uncover the mystical secrets that line the colorful alleyways of Safed. Before making our way to one of Israel’s finest and newest spa-hotels, we will raise a glass to diversity and enjoy a delicious gourmet dinner on the banks of the iconic Lake of Galilee.
Borderline Affairs – Security and Strategy from 1967 until today
WEDNESDAY
MAY 20
2020
Setai Kinneret
Accommodation
Joined by Lt. Col. (res.) Sarit Zehavi, founder of the pioneering Alma northern-security think tank, we travel to the edge of the Lebanese border to understand the ever-growing threat with our own eyes – including an exclusive look at one of the Hezbollah-dug terror tunnels uncovered by the IDF! A relaxing afternoon at the Setai spa facilities will cap off the day. Our staff will be happy to book you the treatments of your choice.
A Time to Dance – Jerusalem Day 2020*
THURSDAY
MAY 21
2020
Jerusalem (Herbert Samuel Hotel)
Accommodation
Celebrate Jerusalem! As the country celebrates 53 years of the miraculous Six Day War victory, we travel to the capital to further understand the events of 1967. Following in the footsteps of the heroic Paratroopers, we head to the Old City for a VIP behind the scenes tour of the fabled Western Wall Tunnels - including sites that are not open to the general public. As thousands begin ascending to the City of Gold, we will tour the Jewish Quarter, before joining the throngs of Israelis celebrating Jerusalem with song and dance.
*Please note that Jerusalem Day will be celebrated a day early this year so as not to be held on Sabbath Eve. We will be in Jerusalem for the festivities, and - if need be - will adjust the schedule accordingly as the official celebrations are announced.
Unpacking the Gaza Envelope
FRIDAY
MAY 22
2020
Jerusalem (Herbert Samuel Hotel)
Accommodation
A source of conflict since the time of Samson, the Gaza Strip is one of the most pressing security-issues Israel’s face on a day-to-day basis. Together with Col. (res.) Miri Eisin - one of Israel's foremost geopolitical experts - we will travel along the border area and uncover the current threats, as well as the tenacity of the Israelis living in the shadow of Hamas. Following time to prepare and refresh for Shabbat, we raise our voices in thanks at the symbol of the city’s reunification – the Western Wall – before sharing an incredible Friday night dinner in the Old City.
A Day of Rest
SHABBAT
MAY 23
2020
Jerusalem (Herbert Samuel Hotel)
Accommodation
Explore Jerusalem, rest, or enjoy services on a free Shabbat morning. An optional walking tour of Jerusalem’s Seam-Line will introduce us to the issues of the divided city and where they are felt today. Following lunch at the famous King David Hotel, we will hear from award winning Israeli-Arab journalist Khaled Abu Toameh, and enjoy a walking tour in one of Jerusalem’s picturesque neighborhoods. We will usher out the Sabbath with a special Havdalah service, and enjoy time in downtown Jerusalem.
Beyond the Green Line
SUNDAY
MAY 24
2020
Jerusalem (Herbert Samuel Hotel)
Accommodation
What does a “settlement” community look like? Guided by international spokesperson of the city of Ariel - one of the West Bank/Judea and Samaria’s largest cities - we will debunk the false claims of the BDS movement at the Achva factory and bakery, where Israelis and Palestinians work together. On the final night of the trip, we will join Israeli StandWithUs supporters for a special Gala evening in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem - Past, Present, Future
MONDAY
MAY 25
2020
End of trip
Accommodation
As we bid farewell to Jerusalem, we will honor those who fought for the city while joined by one of those heroes on a tour of Ammunition Hill - site of the critical battle that paved the way for Jerusalem's reunification. We will then head to Jerusalem City Hall, where an exclusive briefing with Mayor Moshe Leon and Deputy Mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum kicks off a series of closed-door meetings with leading Israeli politicians - including former Chief of Staff and current Member of Knesset, Lt. General (res.) Gabi Ashkenazi. Before we part ways, we will enjoy a farewell banquet at one of the country’s hidden culinary gems.