Milwaukee Jewish Federation
Major Donor
Israel Mission

Nov 14, 2026 - Nov 22, 2026

  • DESTINATION Israel
  • Who's Going Adults Only
  • Trip Type Mission
  • Duration 9 DAYS
  • Group Size 30+
  • Price From $7,390
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

Returning With Purpose
There are moments when standing with Israel means responding.
And there are moments when it means returning—to listen, to reflect, and to lead thoughtfully.
This mission comes at such a moment.
Israel continues to endure and evolve. This journey offers an opportunity to return with intention—to reconnect with Israel’s people, values, and future in a changed reality.

A Moment to Return
This is not a mission of crisis.
It is a journey of presence, partnership, and purpose.
For those who have always answered the call,
this is a moment to return—to Israel, and to leadership.

This mission is open to all major donors and step up major donors who make a gift of $10,000 or greater to the annual campaign.

Once you have registered for the Israel mission, you can also register for the Optional Pre-Trip to the United Arab Emirates. Click here for details.

  •   Food & Wine
  •   Expert Scholar
  •   UNESCO Heritage Sites
  •   Cooking Workshop
  •   Current Affairs
  •   Art & Culture
  •   Wellness

Program Itinerary

DAY 1
ON OUR WAY – A JOURNEY OF PURPOSE
Sat. Nov 14, 2026
  • Depart the United States on your overnight flight to Israel.
Overnight: Flight
DAY 2
WELCOME TO ISRAEL – CONTEXT, CHALLENGE, AND VISION
Sun. Nov 15, 2026
  • Arrive at Ben-Gurion International Airport and feel the excitement of landing in Israel. Receive VIP assistance through baggage claim and customs.
  • Transfer to your hotel and take time to acclimate after the journey.
  • This evening, gather for a welcome dinner and opening dialogue with Haviv Rettig Gur, senior political correspondent and analyst for The Times of Israel, offering sharp insights into Israel’s challenges and the evolving international landscape since October 7.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Dinner
DAY 3
TEL AVIV TODAY – PEOPLEHOOD, CIVIC LEADERSHIP, AND INNOVATION
Mon. Nov 16, 2026
  • Begin the day with “The Long Way Home,” a powerful meeting with a returned hostage who will share their personal story of captivity, resilience, and the long road toward recovery.
  • Stroll along historic Bialik Street, once home to Tel Aviv’s early artists and writers, followed by a guided visit to Beit Ha’ir, part of the UNESCO-recognized White City. Meet with the Mayor of Tel Aviv for a conversation on civic leadership, urban resilience, and the city’s evolving vision.
  • Explore select art galleries that have positioned Tel Aviv at the forefront of the global art scene, meeting gallery owners to discuss creativity, culture, and innovation in times of uncertainty.
  • Visit Hackaveret (The Beehive of Innovation), a flagship initiative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). Meet social entrepreneurs developing bold solutions to Israel’s most pressing challenges and learn how Federation-supported partners translate Jewish values into measurable impact.
  • Conclude the day with a hands-on Israeli cocktail workshop, inspired by local flavors, ingredients, and stories - an experiential celebration of Israeli creativity.
Overnight: Tel Aviv Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
THE NORTHERN FRONT – SECURITY, SERVICE, AND RESILIENCE
Tue. Nov 17, 2026
  • Meet with Dr. Levanon of the Israel Trauma Coalition to learn about the organization’s collaborative approach to emergency preparedness, trauma response, and long-term community resilience.
  • Experience The Squadron, a state-of-the-art Israeli Air Force flight simulator center founded by senior IAF commanders. Suit up in authentic flight gear, receive a mission briefing from veteran fighter pilots, and take the controls of advanced F-16 simulators, followed by a leadership debrief on decision-making under pressure.
  • Depart Tel Aviv and travel north through Israel’s changing landscapes.
  • Meet wounded soldiers from Brothers for Life and experience the healing power of music through Tamari’s Project, established in memory of the Kedem-Siman Tov family murdered on October 7. Witness how creativity and community foster recovery and hope.
  • Participate in a meaningful, hands-on volunteer experience in the Sovev Kinneret region - Milwaukee’s long-standing Partnership region - working side by side with local residents. This special connection deepens the impact of our time on the ground, strengthening personal relationships and reinforcing the enduring bond between the Milwaukee community and its Israeli partners in the Galilee.
  • Check in to the hotel and enjoy an evening at HaZore’im Winery with members of the Yaad group and female reservists. Through conversation and wine tasting, hear firsthand stories of service, leadership, and perseverance.
Overnight: Upper Galilee Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
FROM PERIPHERY TO POWER – PARTNERSHIP, HEALING, AND UNITY
Wed. Nov 18, 2026
  • Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure, taking advantage of the hotel’s spa facilities or time for quiet reflection. For those interested, we will offer an optional hike along the Summit Trail on Mount Meron - an opportunity to experience one of Israel’s most beautiful nature reserves, with fresh mountain air, lush Mediterranean woodland, and panoramic views stretching across the Galilee. The trail provides a refreshing and meaningful way to connect with the landscape before the day continues.
  • Embark on a 4x4 tour of the Golan Heights, exploring settlement, agriculture, security, and development along the Israel–Syria border, followed by an on-site briefing with Sarit Zahavi, Founder and CEO of the Alma Research and Education Center.
  • Travel to Jerusalem and check in to the hotel.
  • Meet with President Isaac Herzog for a rare and meaningful conversation on leadership, unity, and Israel’s relationship with the global Jewish community.
  • Enjoy dinner in Mahane Yehuda Market, followed by a nighttime tour uncovering vibrant street art and the hidden stories behind the market’s graffiti-covered shutters.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6
THE SOUTHERN REALITY – TRAUMA, RESPONSIBILITY, AND RENEWAL
Thu. Nov 19, 2026
  • Meet Brig. Gen. (Res.) Dr. Hadas Minka-Brand, Executive Director of JDC Israel, for a compelling discussion on national resilience, trauma response, and Israel’s civil leadership following October 7, including her work with vulnerable populations and the Hostage Family Unit.
  • Visit Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, deeply affected by October 7, and learn how the community is rebuilding while preserving memory and purpose. Participate in a special cooking workshop and lunch led by chef and social worker Paz Raiael, blending nourishment, healing, and storytelling.
  • Continue to the Nova Music Festival memorial, now a powerful living space of remembrance. Walk among tributes honoring those lost and reflect on collective grief and responsibility.
  • Visit ADI Negev–Nahalat Eran, Israel’s unique rehabilitation village and medical center, and learn how it provides cutting-edge treatment for wounded soldiers and others with complex injuries.
  • Enjoy dinner at Alami Wine Bar in Kibbutz Zikim before returning to Jerusalem.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
JERUSALEM AT THE CROSSROADS – VALUES, PLURALISM, AND SHABBAT
Fri. Nov 20, 2026
  • Engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Micah Goodman, senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, exploring Israel’s internal debates, moral dilemmas, and paths forward.
  • Enjoy a VIP curated visit to the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, including a private tour of Frank Gehry’s iconic building.
  • Walk through Nachalat Shiva as Jerusalem prepares for Shabbat, feeling the city’s energy gently shift as shopkeepers close early and the streets fill with anticipation. Continue along Ben Yehuda Street, where the lively pedestrian promenade reflects the blend of modern Israeli culture and timeless tradition, musicians and families gathering as the weekend approaches. Experience firsthand the changing rhythms of Jerusalem as weekday bustle gives way to the calm and sanctity of Shabbat.
  • As evening approaches, participate in Kabbalat Shabbat at the newly renovated Tower of David Museum, followed by joining Jerusalemites at the Western Wall.
  • Conclude the day with a private Shabbat dinner at the hotel, joined by special guests - community leaders, grantee representatives, former shlichim, and others connected to the Milwaukee community. Their presence will enrich the evening with shared stories and reflections, deepening the sense of relationship and communal connection.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
SHABBAT IN JERUSALEM – REFLECTION, CHOICE, AND CELEBRATION
Sat. Nov 21, 2026
  • Begin Shabbat your way with optional morning experiences:
    • Option 1: Yoga to stretch and unwind.
    • Option 2: A morning run with great city views.
    • Option 3: Shabbat services at a local synagogue.
  • Choose an afternoon experience:
    • Wine tasting in the Judean Hills. Journey through the scenic landscapes of the Judean Hills to a boutique winery, where you will learn about Israel’s flourishing wine industry and the region’s ancient viticultural roots. Enjoy a curated tasting of local varietals while meeting winemakers and gaining insight into the blend of tradition, innovation, and terroir that defines Israeli wine today.
    • Old City exploration, including rooftop viewpoints and the Armenian Quarter. Delve deeper into Jerusalem’s layered history with a guided walk through the Old City’s lesser-known corners. Ascend to panoramic rooftop viewpoints overlooking the Temple Mount and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and explore the quiet beauty of the Armenian Quarter, uncovering stories of faith communities that have shaped Jerusalem for centuries.
    • Guided mountain biking in the Judean Mountains. Experience the natural beauty of the Judean Mountains on a professionally guided mountain biking adventure. Ride along scenic trails that wind through pine forests and rolling hills, combining active exploration with sweeping views and a fresh perspective on the landscapes surrounding Jerusalem.
  • Gather as a group for a facilitated closing reflection session, creating space to process the experiences of the mission, share personal insights, and consider how the relationships and learning from our time together will continue to shape our community moving forward.
  • Mark the close of Shabbat with Havdalah overlooking the Old City, followed by a festive farewell dinner with drumming, dancing, and celebration of shared purpose and partnership.
Overnight: Jerusalem Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
RETURNING HOME – IMPACT THAT ENDURES
Sun. Nov 22, 2026
  • Check out of the hotel and enjoy individual transfers to Ben-Gurion International Airport, concluding a journey defined by access, insight, and lasting impact.

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
30+
Cost p/p in double room
$7,390
Cost p/p in single room
$9,215
This mission is open to all major donors and step up major donors who make a gift of $10,000 or greater to the annual campaign. Registration open

Tel Aviv: The David Kempinski

Rosh Pina: Mitzpe Hayamim

David Citadel Jerusalem

Jerusalem: David Citadel

Choose Your Way

VOYAGER

What to expect

  • 7 nights' accommodations.
  • 7 days of touring with a J² Expert Educator (guide) in a luxury, climate-controlled bus.
  • An armed security guard throughout the mission.
  • Individual arrival airport transfers and assistance at the airport.
  • Individual departure airport transfers.
  • Daily breakfast, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners.
  • J² Staff On-the-Ground Representative.
  • Gratuities for the J² Expert Educator (guide) and driver.
  • The J² adventures App available on the App Store & on Google Play (active 30 days before your departure and throughout your trip).
  • Bottled water on the bus.
  • Hotel porterage.
  • All site entrance fees and program costs as outlined in the final itinerary.
  • This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
  • Credit card fees.
  • Flights to & from Israel.
  • Guests for meals.
  • COVID related expenses, including tests.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • This journey includes walking tours, cultural site visits, and hotel stays that may involve uneven terrain, stairs, and longer distances on foot. While we do our best to accommodate a range of mobility levels, a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to fully enjoy the experience. For more information, please see the “Travelers with Physical Limitations” section in our full Terms & Conditions.
  • 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 $675 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 120 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 120 or more days prior to departure incur the loss of the deposit. Cancelations made 119 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.
  • 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.
  • Please click here to view our full terms (T&C's). These T&C's apply to all reservations created within J2 Adventures.

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.