The mission runs April 29 – May 9, 2027 (10 nights, 11 days). Depart the U.S. April 28 and return May 10.

An optional Petra & Wadi Rum extension is available May 10 – 11, 2027.

This mission is open to participants age 50 and over. Our Co-Chairs are Judy Berman & Rob Sarich and Yoram Levy & Cyndy Neighbors.

Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona has the partners, relationships, and experience to create a first-class, meaningful trip. Traveling with JPSA is a way to connect both with Israel and with Southern Arizona, deepening your relationship with Israel long after you return home. Together with our partners on the ground, we offer an inside, up-close look at Israeli life and the region, whether this is your first visit or your tenth.

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of the trip.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL): As of January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to Israel for tourism must obtain an ETA-IL before departure. The application is online, costs approximately $7, and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply at least 72 hours before travel at israel-entry.piba.gov.il.

Connecting through other countries? Verify whether that country requires its own electronic travel authorization. Active systems include the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the EU (ETIAS), Kenya, South Korea, and others.

Each participant is responsible for making their own flight arrangements. We will share suggested group flight information closer to the mission dates.

You are welcome to book the group flight option or arrange your own flights, as long as you arrive at Ben Gurion Airport in time for the group transfer window on April 29, 2027.

Absolutely. This mission is designed to give first-time visitors a rich introduction to Israel: its people, places, faith traditions, and contemporary story. You will witness the impact of our community on the ground and meet the Israelis whose lives we help shape, creating a lasting relationship with the country from your very first visit.

Yes. Post-October 7, Israel is a country transformed, and this itinerary is built to meet that moment. You’ll visit sites and meet people unique to this chapter in Israel’s history, including October 7 survivors and IDF soldiers currently defending the country. Even for seasoned travelers, there will be new geography, new voices, and new perspectives.

Our missions are the ultimate bonding experience for our community. You will form friendships that last well beyond the trip. Group travel also provides personalized VIP service, group pricing, and access to sites and people that would be difficult to arrange on your own. And it lifts the logistical burden – meals, transportation, portage, and the day-to-day itinerary are all handled for you.

The safety and well-being of participants is our top priority. While no travel is without risk, we take every appropriate precaution:

• During trip planning, every route and site is vetted for safety and accessibility.
• The day before the group arrives, the full trip route is re-vetted by security personnel and our on-the-ground staff.
• Each morning, our team consults with Israeli security authorities to confirm the day’s route.
• We remain in constant contact with Israeli security officials and receive ongoing updates about all areas of the country.
• We work exclusively with security companies licensed by the Israeli Ministry of Justice. When authorities recommend it, an armed guard will travel with the group as a precaution.
• If routes need to change for safety reasons, we will not hesitate to adjust.

We treat our participants as family, with the same level of care throughout the trip.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip cost and is strongly recommended. Consider both trip-cancellation coverage and supplemental international health coverage. When reviewing policies, check carefully for war exclusions; some standard policies exclude regional conflict zones.

Companies to consider:

• Redpoint Travel Protection
• Allianz Travel Insurance
• Travelex Insurance
• Arch RoamRight
• Covac Global
• InsureMyTrip (comparison site)

We also strongly encourage you to check international coverage through your current health insurance provider, as participants are responsible for their own medical expenses during the trip.

A draft itinerary is available and will be shared with registered participants. Itinerary updates continue through the week before the trip, and even then, adjustments may occur based on scheduling, unique opportunities, and safety considerations. Flexibility is essential; our goal is to be accurate and well-prepared while staying responsive to conditions on the ground.

The trip and our transportation are not currently set up for someone traveling full-time in a wheelchair or with significant mobility issues. If you use a wheelchair or scooter full-time, please contact us before booking to discuss options.

Many Israeli sites are accessible but still involve uneven stone walkways or dirt paths. Where possible we’ll minimize walking, and you can always remain near the bus or at a convenient location while the group continues.

If you have any mobility concerns, please discuss them with our team in advance so we can align on expectations.

The mission is designed to accommodate travelers who keep Shabbat and/or kosher, with a diverse group of participants in mind. All group meals are certified kosher under the Rabbanut in Israel, and official programs are shomer Shabbat.

Friday night we will welcome Shabbat together and share a festive Shabbat dinner. On Shabbat day, in addition to a walking tour option and information about nearby synagogues, participants are welcome to chart their own course.

Yes. If you have family or friends in Israel, you are welcome to arrange visits during free evenings at the hotel. Please do not invite family to join during scheduled group programs or mid-day meals.

The itinerary is carefully built as a holistic experience, and our strongest encouragement is to stay with the group. Splitting off mid-program makes logistics difficult for staff and can dilute the group dynamic. Outside of illness or extraordinary circumstances, we ask all participants to remain with the group during organized programming.

Dress is generally casual. Pack comfortable, easily laundered clothing and layers – late April and early May in Israel can mean warm days and cool evenings, especially in Jerusalem and the Galilee. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

For religious sites and Shabbat, men may want slacks and a collared shirt; women may want a skirt or pants covering the knees and a top with sleeves below the elbow. A light shawl or scarf is useful for covering up at holy sites.

Also bring: sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, and a Type H plug adapter (Israel runs on 230V / 50Hz). Keep valuables, your passport, and prescription medications in your carry-on, and use the hotel safe once you arrive.

Late April and early May is shoulder season in Israel: warm and mostly dry, with cool evenings. Daytime highs typically run 70 – 80°F (21 – 27°C) across the country; evenings in Jerusalem and the Galilee can drop to the low 50s°F (around 10 – 13°C). Tel Aviv tends to be warmer and more humid than Jerusalem. Pack a light jacket for evenings and a compact rain layer just in case.

Our coach bus is air-conditioned and heated throughout the trip.

Transatlantic flights generally allow one checked piece of luggage and one carry-on per person. Check your carrier’s specific rules on weight and size.

Security questions about your luggage are routine at Ben Gurion Airport. Do not accept mail, packages, or unknown items from anyone at or near the airport.

Gratuities for your Israeli tour guide, bus driver, hostess, and security team are included in your trip cost. You do not need to tip these mission personnel separately, though you are always welcome to offer more if you feel inspired.

Tipping at restaurants on your own time is customary: 15% to 20% is standard. Let your server know before paying by card whether you’d like to add a tip – once the card is charged, gratuity cannot be added afterward. Cash tips in shekels or dollars are always appreciated.

That depends on your preferences. Meals not included in the program typically run $15 to $50 depending on the restaurant and city. Beyond that, most spending goes toward souvenirs, coffee, and personal items.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Israel, as are ATMs at Israeli banks (you’ll need a 4-digit PIN). ATMs generally offer the best exchange rate. The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS). Check with your credit card company about foreign transaction fees before you travel.

Yes, with a few considerations:

• International roaming: Most U.S. carriers offer international plans that include Israel. Check rates before departure; roaming without a plan can be expensive.
• Local SIM or eSIM: For longer stays, an Israeli SIM or eSIM can be cheaper. You’ll need an unlocked phone for a physical SIM.
• Wi-Fi: Widely available at hotels, cafes, and public areas.
• Messaging apps: WhatsApp is the default in Israel and works well over Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Israel is 10 hours ahead of Arizona during the mission dates. Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round, while Israel observes daylight saving through the summer months.

If you register for double occupancy, list your intended roommate during registration. If that person doesn’t register in time, or if you don’t list a roommate at all, we cannot guarantee double occupancy and you may be charged the single supplement.

A few basics go a long way:

• Shalom – hello, goodbye, peace
• Todah – thank you
• B’vakasha – please, or “you’re welcome”
• Slicha – excuse me, pardon me
• Boker tov – good morning
• Laila tov – good night
• Kama zeh oleh? – how much does this cost?

English is widely spoken at hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites, so you will always be understood.