Canada-Israel Inclusion Mission – October 2026

Activities:

• Welcome to Israel - Shalom - welcome to Israel. Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport.

• Introduction to the mission and framing session

• Opening Speaker - Canadian Embassador Lisa Stadelbauer - Canadian Ambassador Lisa champions strong ties between Canada and Israel, promoting innovation, cultural exchange, and collaboration. With a warm diplomatic presence and a forward-thinking approach, she works to strengthen partnerships, support shared values, and build a more connected future for both nations.

• Walking tour of the Heart of Tel Aviv - Explore Lev Ha'ir, the Heart of the City, where the first roots of Tel Aviv were planted in 1909. Lev Hair contains some of Tel Aviv’s most beautiful buildings, being at the center of the UNESCO designated “White City” known for its Bauhaus, Eclectic, and International Style architecture. The area is densely populated, rooted in history, and with a glance towards the future with impressive skyscrapers, and a high concentration of start-up companies. Bordered by Habima Theater in the north and Florentin and Neve Tzedek in the south, Lev Ha’ir is a gateway to almost every district in the city. Lev Ha'ir is a cultural hub, filled with galleries, restaurants and parks.

• Opening dinner at Goshen and talk with Jake Plester - Nestled on Nahalat Binyamin, Goshen delivers kosher-meat perfection in a warm, earth-toned bistro setting. Signature aged cuts sparkle in the display, while intimate lighting invites shared moments among friends or dates.

• Dinner at greko - “Step into Greece on a plate at Greco in Tel Aviv—sun-drenched taverna vibes, olive-oil-heavy classics, ouzo to spare and the kind of warmth that turns a meal into a celebration.”

• Return to hotel

• Tel Aviv lodging

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Depart the hotel

• Visit to Beit Issie Shapiro - Beit Issie Shapiro is Israel’s leading developer and provider of innovative therapies and state-of-the-art services for children and adults across the entire range of disabilities impacting on over half a million people annually.
  
  Beit Issie Shapiro promotes social change though a three-pronged approach: development and provision of cutting edge services, changing attitudes in society and advocating for better legislation, and sharing knowledge throughout Israel, as well as internationally, through research, consultation and training.

• Raanana Park (including lunch) - Raanana Park delivers a playful slice of green escape in the city. Families roam wide lawns, paddle on the lake, explore creative playgrounds, grab a coffee, and breathe a little deeper. It’s that perfect everyday getaway where kids run wild and parents recharge.
  Including a visit to the Haverim park, fully inclusive and accessible playground.

• A Talk with Shawna Goodman - Socially active Canadian Chef and entrepreneur. Bringing the community closer together during war.
  Alternative topic: “Inclusion in summer camps”

• Visit Nitzan Onim - Nitzan Onim in Kfar Saba is a warm, innovative elementary school focused on curiosity, friendship, and hands-on learning. Students explore real-world skills, celebrate creativity, and grow together in a caring environment that encourages confidence, community, and a genuine love of learning.

• Krembo's Wings - A Talk with a volunteer and a participant - Krembo’s Wings is a youth movement where children with and without disabilities team up as equals, forming real friendships while building confidence, independence, and leadership skills. Kids explore creativity, learn to support one another, and experience the joy of true inclusion together.

• OPTIONAL: Evening talk with Jessica Steinberg - Jessica Steinberg is the culture editor at the Times of Israel, covering Israeli life, culture, food, travel and business.
  "The War through culture, music, film and art"

• Tel Aviv Lodging

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Travel south to the Gaza Envelope

• Nova music festival site - Stop at the Nova Festival memorial site - at Re'im Forest stop and bear witness to the tragedy of the Nova Festival.
  OPTIONAL - meeting with a Nova survivor

• Visit Aleh Negev - The ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran Rehabilitation Village was named in memory of Eran Almog, the late son of Didi and Major General (Res.) Doron Almog. Fueled by his love for Eran, who was born with severe autism and intellectual disabilities, Doron Almog guided the creation of an expansive residential and rehabilitative complex in Israel’s south that has become a home and family for more than 150 children and young adults with severe disabilities and complex medical conditions, and provides a host of rehabilitative solutions for individuals from all backgrounds and levels of need.

• Lunch at Osi Lankri house in Ofakim - Recognized as one of Ofakim's "Culinary Queens," Osi invites you to savor a home-cooked meal in her beautiful home. While enjoying the culinary experience, listen to her personal stories about life in the Envelope, her birthplace and hometown. Gain insights into how the October 7th attack affected her home, family, and neighborhood.

• Visit Ben Gurion University - The Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research at Ben Gurion University of the Negev integrates scientific research into community healthcare clinics where autism is diagnosed and treated in Israel. Through this unique collaboration invaluable data and samples are collected from hundreds of children with autism and their family members each year, thereby transforming autism research on a national scale.

• Kfar Rafael - Curative Community - Kfar Refael in Be’er Sheva is a warm, inclusive community where adults with disabilities live, work, and grow together. Set in a peaceful neighborhood, it blends independence, support, and meaningful daily activities that create purpose, friendship, and a true sense of home.

• Drive back to Jerusalem and stop on the way for dinner

• Dinner at Family Kitchen by JJ Jalil - A cozy family-run kitchen in Ein Rafa serving fresh, authentic Arab home-cooking. Warm hospitality, homemade flavors, local ingredients, and dishes passed down through generations create a delicious, memorable meal worth traveling for.

• Jerusalem lodging

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - Overnight:

• Visit to the The Knesset - The Knesset, Israel's parliament, was named after “Haknesset Hagedolah,” the Great Assembly of the Second Temple period. Today it stands as a symbol of both Jewish sovereignty and dedication to democracy. In lively, often heated, debates, its 120 elected members reflect the divergence of Israeli public opinion, legislate and oversee the workings of the government.
  The Knesset - a visit and meetings with a few officials.
  including a structured meeting with the Commission for Equal Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
  Optional meeting with: MK Karin Elharar, MK Merav Cohen, MK May Golan.
  Visit to the Ministry of Social Affairs - Meeting with the manager of Tkuma Initiative, stated at the beginning of the war to handle all rehabilitation of the and welfare of those affected by the war. Discuss the successes and failures of the program.

• Lunch at Shalva Cafe - Visit Shalva Center - Shalva provides services to children with special needs and their families. With the opening of their new state of art National Center, you will see firsthand, the special work that Shalva and its’ staff and volunteers do for families with children with special needs. Enjoy a great meal at Café Shalva, a restaurant in the center that is open to the public and run together with graduates of Shalva.

• The Katie Manson Sensory Garden - The Katie Manson Sensory Garden invites children and families to discover nature through touch, scent, sound, and color. A playful, inclusive space where curiosity blossoms and every sense comes alive

• Reflection Session at Israel Edwyn Center

• Dinner at Meshek Offaimme - At Offaime Restaurant you are invited to savor the food and take part in the move to flavorful, organic, and environmentally conscious agriculture. The restaurant focuses on handmade produce that is crafted slowly using traditional techniques to create food that is tasty and healthy and packaged with complete respect for the environment and for the people who take part in the creative process. The restaurant's unique setting in Beit Hansen brings another element to the experience - it sits in one of the first hospitals established in Jerusalem in the mid-19th century, by the Joint Anglican-German Protestant Community in Jerusalem.

• Jerusalem Lodging

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Morning walk to Mishkenot Sha'ananim - Explore the picturesque neighborhood and rich cultural heritage of Mishkenot Sha'ananim, the first Jewish residential area built outside the Old City walls in 1860 by British philanthropist Moses Montefiore to help the Jews of the Old Yishuv. While wandering through the quaint alleys, hear about its history, the people who lived here, and how it has changed over the years. The landscapes of the Old City walls and Mount Zion serve as a background and add to the beauty of this place.

• Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem - Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem explores human dignity, social justice, and coexistence through powerful exhibitions, immersive experiences, and conversations that challenge prejudice while celebrating the diverse voices and cultures that shape Israel today

• 2 OPTIONS:

• OPTION 1: Short recital at Eden Tamir Music Center - Nestled in historic Ein-Kerem in Jerusalem, the Eden Tamir Music Center hosts intimate chamber‐music concerts—imagine a Saturday evening recital in a candle-lit room where world-class artistry meets warm local charm.

• OPTION 2: Machne Yehuda Tasting Tour - In the heart of the city sits a bustling multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor. A tasting tour through Machane Yehuda Market is an adventure for your taste buds! Enjoy the hustle and bustle with all the rich fragrances, colors, and sounds this iconic Jerusalem market offers.

• Visit to SHEKEL - Inclusion for People with Disabilities - SHEKEL champions independence and belonging for people with disabilities through accessible housing, employment, community programs, and support services. Their mission: empower every individual to participate, connect, and thrive across Israeli society

• Free time to relax at the hotel - Then - Shabbat Services and Festive dinner at the hotel.
  Reflection sessions after dinner.

• Jerusalem Lodging

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Morning options: - Shabbat morning Services
  Walking tour of the Old City
  Day Tour to Masada and the Dead Sea (Early morning departure)
  Resting

• Afternoon sessions: - Cohort roundtables – peer learning and Canada network building.
  Light snacks and drinks served

• Havdala on the roof of Beit Hansen

• Dinner on your own - Dinner on your own - enjoy an evening at leisure and dinner at a local restaurant, we will be happy to make restaurant recommendations and reservations. (meal and transfers are not included)

• Jerusalem Lodging

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Morning program at JDC - Jerusalem - Supported housing, independent living and employment programs.

• Lunch at Cafe Gan Sipur Jerusalem - Café Gan Sipur mixes great coffee, fresh food, and storybook charm inside beautiful gardens. A cozy, family-friendly spot to relax, meet friends, and enjoy nature in the city

• Alyn Children's Hospital Innovation Center - ALYN Hospital is the only pediatric rehabilitation hospital in the Middle East and has been globally recognized as a leading pediatric rehabilitation facility. Since its founding in 1932, ALYN has developed an international reputation for our comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to meeting the needs of infants, children, and adolescents with a broad range of congenital and acquired conditions. The hospital welcomes all patients regardless of religion or nationality, and frequently treats children from neighboring countries and overseas.

• Afternoon Session - OPTION 1: Meeting with Abas Abas - founder of Almanarah.
  OPTION 2: Meeting with the head of Gdolim B’Madim

• Cohort synthesis session – commitments and next steps.

• Farewell dinner at Caffit B'agan - Caffit at Jerusalem’s Botanical Garden serves fresh, colorful Israeli comfort food beside lotus-filled ponds. A relaxed escape with leafy views, great coffee, and family-friendly energy in every bite

• Jerusalem Lodging

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Farewell and transfer to the airport (or for extensions) - We hope to host you again in our beautiful country!