ABOUT THE TRIP
The ACC-GTM affirms our love for Israel, our unwavering support of her people, and our commitment to traveling together as a community to Israel in July. Together we will be present, bear witness, listen to testimonies, show support, learn, grow and volunteer “Yachad Lev el Lev | Together Heart to Heart.”
MISSION DATES
Please note that the updated core dates for our ACC-GTM journey will now be July 3-10.
Pre-Trip Option
The pre-trip option July 1-3 will be an opportunity for additional exploration of Israel’s current situation through the lens of the arts. You will be asked to indicate on the Via Sabra form your interest in this additional portion of the mission. Once we’ve reached a critical mass of interest for the 2.5 day pre trip, we will send out the cost. The exact itinerary will be determined closer to May.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Encounters with Leaders and Experts:
- Gain deeper insight from individuals that will provide context to the events of and since October 7
- Understand civil society’s indelible role in relief efforts through various organizations
- Build bridges with organizations on the ground that our communities at home can learn from and support
Reform/Progressive Judaism:
- Connect with our sister organizations, IMPJ, IRAC, and HUC-JIR
- Rosh Chodesh Tamuz with Women of the Wall
Music and Spirituality:
- Spiritual and cultural experiences as a community with local Progressive/Reform communities and leaders.
- New music/t’filah from TMP with the release of Libi B’Mizrach III
- Experience the artist community’s response to October 7
Learning:
- Day of Learning at HUC-JIR and celebration of Cantor Eli Schleifer and the release of his anthology by TMP
- visit with organizations like Rimon School of Music, FeelBeit, Polyphony, Yad B’Yad
- Acquire information and skills to bring back to our congregations to educate and talk about Israel/how to be better partners to Israel at home
Volunteering:
- Based on the needs of the moment
*The itinerary is still in development and subject to change
MISSION PACKAGE
Early Bird Rate Extended through March 15!
- Standard mission cost (double occupancy) is $4,775
- Deluxe mission cost (double occupancy) is $5,500
- Single occupancy room upgrade is an additional fee $850 for standard hotels and $1400 for deluxe hotels.
Regular rates will be available from March 13 through May 3, 2024.
- Standard mission cost (double occupancy) is $4,850
- Deluxe mission cost (double occupancy) is $5,650
- Single occupancy room upgrade is an additional fee $850 for standard hotels and $1400 for deluxe hotels.
Late registration will be available from May 4 to June 15 at the following rates:
- Standard mission cost (double occupancy) is $5,300.
- Deluxe mission cost (double occupancy) is $5,900.
- Single occupancy rates will be determined at the time of reservation.
INCLUDED IN THE MISSION COST
- Depending upon flight arrivals and number of buses, group pick ups will be scheduled on July 3 at TLV.
- Group transfer to the airport after the final program on July 10.
- Services of licensed tour guides throughout the mission.
- Hotels for the duration of the trip.
- All breakfasts and select meals TBD in the final itinerary.
- Bottles of water and snacks on the bus for all participants.
- Transportation throughout the mission for all programmed activities beginning July 3 (all coaches include full-size bus, AC, free wifi, personal USB ports).
HOTEL
Participants will stay at Crown Plaza (deluxe) & Tal by the Beach (standard) in Tel Aviv and The Orient (deluxe) & The Batsheva Jerusalem (standard) in Jerusalem. The cost of the mission includes double occupancy rooms, but participants may have their own room for an additional fee of $850 (standard) and $1400 (deluxe).
NOT INCLUDED
- Early arrivals are invited to book a private transfer through Via Sabra or meet the group at the airport at the appointed time for the bus to the Tel Aviv hotels.
- Participants are responsible for booking their own flights.
- Individual transfers upon arrival and departure.
- VIP Assistance.
- Meals not included in the final itinerary.
- Transportation for “on own” meals.
- Tips (in cash) for Israel staff (driver, guide, on site coordinator).
- Programs marked optional or “add on”
- Travel insurance
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance to protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your participation on the trip for covered reasons.
Currently, Travel Guard is issuing travel insurance policies for Israel. "Cancel for any reason" coverage upgrade is available only when purchased within 15-days of your initial deposit. It would refund 50% of the cost of the trip if you cancel at least two days before departure for any reason. If you wish to upgrade to “cancel for any reason” coverage, and you pre-registered for this mission, please contact the ACC office.
Standard trip insurance is available at different levels of coverage and reimbursement and includes a cancellation clause for unforeseen medical emergencies or deaths and provides 100% of the cost of the trip (with documentation) when cancelled up to the day of departure. More information about the types of policies is available in this attachment or by emailing our travel partners at Traveland Group Travel Insurance. Note that Acts of War or medical expenses due to an act of war are not currently included in any travel insurance policy.
See the fee refund schedule before deciding to forgo insurance. The ACC and Via Sabra will not be making exceptions to the refund policy.
PASSPORT
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your final day of travel. Please check your passport well in advance of the mission.
SECURITY
Your safety is paramount to us in our planning efforts. Via Sabra is in contact with the IDF and local authorities (AKA "Situation Room") who will be monitoring the situation. Should the security needs change while we are there, we will alter our itinerary accordingly.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
- Registration fees already paid are fully refundable until February 15, 2024.
- Final payment is due on May 3, 2024. Because of the situation, please wait until that date to make your payment. Should things escalate, payment dates will be postponed.
CANCELLATION-REFUND POLICY FOR LAND-ONLY COSTS
See the fee refund schedule below before deciding to forgo insurance. The ACC and Via Sabra will not be making exceptions to the refund policy.
- Refunds requested 60 to 45 days before departure are subject to the forfeiture of 50% of the per person cost.
- Refunds requested 44 to 30 days before departure are subject to the forfeiture of 75% of the per person cost.
- Refunds requested from 30 to 8 days before departure are subject to the forfeiture of 90% of the per person cost.
- Cancellations with 7 days of departure will result in 100% forfeiture of fees.