We are delighted to host our first ever mission to Israel! We will be accompanied by members of other federated communities in the Canadian Coast-to-Coast partnership with whom we partner in our Israel work.
Explore the itinerary below and then save your spot today, so we can gage interest. A full commitment is not required yet. You are welcome to extend your stay in Israel before or after the mission dates.
Here are some of the highlights:
November 1 | Framing Israel's Moment — Political & Civic Leadership
We open at the Western Wall before a day in the corridors of power: a private breakfast briefing with analyst Haviv Rettig Gur, a meeting at the Knesset, time at the President’s residence and a private lunch and tour at the National Library of Israel. We close with dinner alongside Canada's Ambassador to Israel, Leslie Scanlon.
November 2 | The Long Journey of Healing — The South
A day of bearing witness in Israel's south: a geo-strategic briefing overlooking Gaza, a first-hand account a raw video footage of October 7 from at the Sdot Negev Resilience Centre, a meeting with Mayor Alon Davidi in Sderot, and a memorial ceremony at the Nova Festival site. We also visit Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva to witness the city's rebuilding - with a local falafel lunch along the way – before returning to Jerusalem for dinner with Yehuda Setton, CEO of the Jewish Agency, our largest partner in Israel.
November 3 | Coming Back Home — The North
We journey north to our Coast-to-Coast Partnership Region of the Galilee Panhandle, where we will volunteer at Kibbutz Manara and enjoy a home-cooked welcome lunch at Beit Vancouver Youth Centre in Kiryat Shmona. The afternoon offers an option of two powerful exposures to the mental health reality facing the region: an exclusive session on trauma and resilience with internationally renowned Professor Mooli Lahad, and a visit to the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Clinic with its head in Kiryat Shmona, Dr. Aric Zvielli. The evening is a celebration with the community, its leaders and its residents, overnight at Kfar Blum.
November 4 | Roots & Renewal
We start with an early rise and visit to the Hula Valley to witness bird migration, peak season to for this unique spectacle, a visit to Tel Hai University, and a winery brunch with local leadership: GalilEast participants. The day closes with a special rebuilding ceremony at one of the regional schools, in which Canadian federations are invested, and an intimate chef dinner as we travel back to the centre of the country.
November 5 | Shalom ve'Lehitraot — Tel Aviv
A presentation by Glenn Cohen—the leading psychologist (and former Mossad agent) to the returning hostages—at Hostage Square, followed by a street-art graffiti tour that tells the story of Israeli society since October 7. After lunch at a great meat restaurant, Besarim, we spend the afternoon at the Anu Museum of the Jewish People before closing at the beachfront with Hagal Sheli — surfing, community, and a final debrief facilitated by our surfing friends in the Mediterranean Sea.
This inaugural mission represents an exciting and meaningful opportunity, and we are pleased with how it’s coming together. We invite you to take part in this experience at a truly meaningful time.
Participants are welcome to extend their stay in Israel either before or after the mission dates.
This mission is offered to UJA donors in good standing at the $1,500 level and above. Donors who have not yet reached this giving level are invited to top up their gift and join us, too.
Registration is now open, with the option to reserve a place without full commitment at this stage. Those planning to attend as a couple or with others are asked to complete individual registrations.
While final itinerary details are still being confirmed, the program is being carefully developed to ensure a meaningful and lasting experience.
