Jewish Federation
of Greater Rochester
Solidarity Mission to Israel

Led by Meredith Dragon

Jan 19, 2025 - Jan 26, 2025

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who’s Going Adults Only
  • Trip Type Mission
  • Duration 8 DAYS
  • Group Size 10+
  • Price From $4,250
Program is tentative and subject to change. Connect with our Customer Care Team by calling: (888) 230-6008 Mon.-Thur. from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

YOUR journey

J² crafts journeys of inspiration, education, and Jewish connections to Israel and worldwide. We are guided by a simple but powerful concept: No two trips are the same; each experience should be personal, meaningful, and backed by superb service. Travel is not just about the places you visit, but the connections you make along the way.

Coming to Israel today is a special act of solidarity and of Jewish peoplehood. Israel has never faced more challenging times. We hope that your solidarity mission is about encountering and understanding where the people of Israel stand – in our hurt, in our healing, and in our hope. The mission is about bringing comfort and being comforted. It is an act of empathy and a confirmation of shared memory and destiny. Above all, the solidarity mission is about what each one of us chooses to do to make a difference on the day that we return to our communities from Israel.

  •   Heritage
  •   Local Specialists
  •   Social Justice
  •   Current Affairs

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN
Sun. Jan 19, 2025
  • Depart for Israel.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME HOME
Mon. Jan 20, 2025
  • Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport.
  • Make your way to the hotel for check-in.
  • 5:30 PM Meet your J² Expert Educator at the hotel lobby for a short group orientation and setting expectations.
  • Dinner and dialogue with Dan Feferman.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
HOPE AMIDST CRISIS
Tue. Jan 21, 2025
  • Head north.
  • Meet with residents of Northern Israel displaced by the Lebanon war to hear their personal stories and resilience. Explore how local projects, such as those supported by JAFI/JDC, are aiding recovery and fostering community rebuilding efforts.
  • Understanding the Security Challenges on Israel's Northern Border: Receive an expert field briefing with IDF Lt. Col. (Res) Marco Moreno, exploring the complexities of Israel's defense strategies, the evolving threats from Hezbollah, and the geopolitical dynamics of the region.
  • Visit a Druze village in northern Israel to connect with local leaders and engage in a dialogues about life as Druze Israelis, their contributions to the IDF, and advocacy for amending the Nation-State Law.
  • Return to Tel Aviv.
  • Bring your support to Hostages Square and express your solidarity with all of Israel and ask what can be done to help.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4
RESILIENCE AND REMEMBRANCE
Wed. Jan 22, 2025
  • Drive to the Gaza Envelope.
  • ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village was named to honor the memory of Eran Almog, the late son and guiding light of founders Didi and Major General (Res.) Doron Almog. Fueled by his love for Eran, who was born with severe autism and cognitive disabilities, Doron Almog led the creation of the one-of-a-kind rehabilitation village in Israel’s south, a community where people from diverse backgrounds and all levels of ability can live, heal and grow together.
  • Continue your journey to the site of the Nova Music Festival, which has transformed into a poignant living memorial for those who lost their lives on October 7. As you walk through the grounds, you will witness the heartfelt tributes and commemorative displays that honor the victims. The memorial stands as a place for reflection, mourning, and remembrance, ensuring that the legacy of those affected endures.
  • Visit "The Burnt Vehicles Compound". 1,560 vehicles evacuated from the Gaza Envelope’s roads and communities following the Oct 7 events.
  • Visit Kibbutz Nir Oz in the Gaza Envelope, a community deeply scarred by the tragic October 7 attack. Witness the aftermath of destruction and hear moving stories of survival and loss from residents. Learn about their efforts to rebuild amidst the devastation and the support provided by local and international organizations. Explore how the kibbutz, once a thriving agricultural and cultural hub, is working to restore its spirit and resilience following the attack.
  • Dinner with lone soldiers hosted by the Federation in their Bayit Brigade home. Hear stories from these individuals who serve (or have served) in the IDF, dedicating themselves to protecting Israel and its borders.
  • Return to Tel Aviv.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5
SERVICE, REFLECTION, AND RENEWAL
Thu. Jan 23, 2025
  • Check out of the hotel.
  • Meet with members of Brothers for Life, a non-profit founded by wounded soldiers from Israel’s elite Duvdevan anti-terror unit. Learn about their outreach programs and how the tragic events of October 7 have increased the number of soldiers needing their support. Gain insight into their efforts to help injured soldiers through rehabilitation and community integration.
  • Enjoy a free afternoon in Jerusalem and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Mall.
  • Visit Pantry Packers to pack food for Israel’s poorest families, providing direct support to those in need.
  • Roots & Wings – A Walk Along Jerusalem’s Capitol Hill from Israel’s Past and into Israel’s Future. Walking from the mosaic plaza at the Israel Antiquities Authority across from the Israel Museum, past the Knesset’s monumental menorah adorned with tens of scenes from Jewish lore and history, the Arena of Letters outside the National Library, and continuing past the Givat Ram Campus of the Hebrew University to the Israel Supreme Court reminds us of times of defeat, of triumph, and of challenges met and those challenges still ahead.
  • Check into the hotel.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6
PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION
Fri. Jan 24, 2025
  • Visit the Kotel (Western Wall), widely considered Judaism’s holiest site. We’ll discuss the wall’s historical and contemporary importance and experience its unique atmosphere.
  • Visit Mount Herzl, Israel's national cemetery, and a site of profound historical and national significance. As you walk through the grounds, you'll encounter the graves of key figures in Israeli history, including political leaders, military heroes, and cultural icons. The cemetery also includes memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, providing a solemn and reflective space to honor their sacrifices.
  • Explore the bustling Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem, where you'll find an array of fresh produce, spices, and artisanal crafts. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as you interact with local vendors and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the city.
  • Spend the afternoon with our partners in Modi'in, engaging in collaborative activities and meaningful discussions.
  • Bring in Shabbat with the community in Modi'in including home hospitality dinner.
  • Return to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM
Sat. Jan 25, 2025
  • A free day to enjoy Jerusalem (with lunch on own)
  • Late checkout from the hotel.
  • Festive farewell dinner.
  • Transfer to Ben-Gurion International Airport.
Overnight: Flight Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
UNTIL NEXT TIME
Sun. Jan 26, 2025
  • Arrive back in the US.

RATES & LODGING

Protect yourself from fraud by being cautious and vigilant when it comes to online theft. It is crucial to note that J² adventures will never send an email requesting you to transfer funds to a new account or to redirect a payment. We will never alter our account number or issue additional payment requests without first personally speaking to you and properly identifying ourselves. If you feel uncertain about any communication (scammers often impersonate legitimate companies via e-mail or by calling), halt and contact us directly through our toll-free number listed on our website to discuss any necessary payments. Refrain from responding to suspicious emails or clicking on links or attachments unless you are completely certain of their legitimacy. By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
participants
10+
Cost p/p in double room
$4,250
Cost p/p in single room
$5,310

Tel Aviv: Royal Beach

Jerusalem: Orient

What to expect

  • 5 nights' accommodations. Late check out until 6 p.m. on the day of departure is included.
  • 6 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide), 6 days of touring in a luxury, air-conditioned bus.
  • All arrival transfers from the airport.
  • All departure transfers to the airport.
  • Daily breakfast, 3 dinners.
  • The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 7 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
  • Water on the bus.
  • Porterage at the hotels.
  • All site entrance fees & program fees as per your final program.
  • Credit card fees.
  • Flights to & from Israel.
  • Late check out past 6 p.m. on the day of departure is not included.
  • BBQ dinner with IDF soldiers ($3,960 up to 30 soldiers).
  • COVID related expenses, including tests.
  • Evening transportation when dinner is not included.
  • Amendments to the program: In the event that any sites, programs or meals etc. are added to the program, an additional fee may be required.
  • Personal extras: Items of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, beverages, coffee, tea, food other than the table d’hotel menu, passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes, unless otherwise specified.
  • Gratuities: Recommend guidelines for tipping are provided in the terms section.
  • US and foreign airport taxes, Q fuel surcharge and border taxes when applicable.
  • Value Added Tax is currently not applicable to tourists visiting Israel. Should the law change, you will be notified accordingly, and VAT will be added to your final invoice.
  • Please review our terms & conditions (T&C’s) or request that we send you our full T&C’s. Until you do that, here is the small print, and other stuff you may want to know:
  • Validity | All prices quoted are based on exchange rates as of the proposal date and are subject to change without notice. Rates are per person and are based on shared twin room occupancy.
  • How to Make a Reservation | The quickest way to make a reservation is to register online or contact us by email. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is required in order to complete the registration process.
  • For any assistance with this registration process or other trip-related queries, please email Customer Care: [email protected].
  • Payments | The balance of your payment is due 90 days before your trip begins, or as specified in your invoice. You will receive an email reminder 2 weeks before this date. Various payment options are available as follows:
    • Credit card | We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Please check with your credit card provider regarding international processing fees. We are unable to process payments of over $1,000 over the phone. Please submit payment online via a credit card or by wiring funds via your bank.
    • Domestic bank wire transfer | Payment should be wired in the same currency that is listed on your invoice. Please add the name of your group or invoice number as a reference and forward a copy of the transfer receipt by email. The bank transfer should clearly state the beneficiary’s name on the wire transfer.
  • J² Adventures reserves the right to automatically cancel your reservation on that date and it may be subject to reconfirmation should the final payment not be received.
  • Cancelation Policy | All cancelations need to be made in writing. The cancelation fee depends on the date when we receive written notification of your request to cancel your booking. Please note that the deposit is non-refundable.
  • Cancelation fees | Cancelations made 89 to 46 days prior to departure incur the loss of 50% of the full trip cost. Cancelations made 45 days or less prior to the departure incur the loss of 100% of the full trip cost.
  • Cancelation fees may also include: Hotel or supplier cancelation fees. J² Adventures reserves the right to adjust its terms of payment, including cancelation policies and initial deposits.

DISCOVER NEW WORLDS.

JOURNEYS.

A family vacation to Israel. An adventure of a lifetime traveling with friends to Morocco. A  trip to Poland or Portugal with your community. What do these trips have in common? No matter where you go, you will come back with a fresh perspective and appreciation of the place you visited as well as a heightened awareness of your identity as part of the global Jewish community. 

Stuff.

We have everything you need to know before you go. Check out our Instagram my_j2adventures for cool updates and interesting tidbits.