FJC Yitro Leadership Program- February 2025

Activities:

• Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport - You will be greeted at Ben Gurion Airport by an airport representative who will escort you through arrival procedures and bring you through customs.

• Transfer to the hotel and check in

• Gather as a group in the hotel lobby and begin your journey - As you set out to walk to your first program, this is the time to bring intention into your journey. You will be given a task of recording your reactions to what you see along the way. What captures your attention? What would you like to know more about?

• Walk to Neve Schechter for Opening Program - Toast the beginning of your trip with Israeli wine followed by introductions. During introductions share what you noticed on the walk from the hotel and what made you notice it.

• Dinner at Lorenz & Mintz Restaurant at Schechter Institute

• "The State of the State" Conversation with Jessica Steinberg and Haviv Gur - Jessica Steinberg is the culture editor at the Times of Israel, covering Israeli life, culture, food, travel and business.
  
  Haviv Rettig Gur is a veteran Israeli-American journalist and analyst and serves as The Times of Israel’s senior analyst. He has reported from over 20 countries and lectures on Israeli politics, the US-Israel relationship, the peace process, modern Jewish history and identity, and Israel-diaspora relations. Gur is one of the most thought-provoking and detailed analysts of our time.

• Tal Hotel, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Growing the First Hebrew City- Multicultural Tour of Old Jaffa - Guided tour of Old Jaffa, where ancient and modern are situated side-by-side and where people of all faiths meet. Jaffa is one of the most ancient port cities in the Mediterranean basin. Discuss the various narratives about Jaffa.

• Something in a Pita lunch in Jaffa - Grab your lunch and sit or wander through the Yafo Flea Market, a very ‘happening’ area with a classic flea market combined with cafes, restaurants, bars, and cute stores.

• Guided tour of ANU Museum of the Jewish People followed by a discussion about its educational modalities - The newly re-imagined ANU Museum of the Jewish People tells the story of the Jewish people through the generations and up to the present time. Dive into this dynamic and interactive experience that represents all parts of the Jewish people and highlights the creative works and cultural riches of a variety of communities throughout different periods of history.

• Shaking Up Israel Workshop with Robbie Gringras - Engage in an interactive workshop with Robbie Gringras where you'll discover the educational tools and frameworks developed for "The Sake of Argument" discussion strategies. Delve into the complexities of Israel and learn how to tackle thorny subjects like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, religion and State, and the place of refugees in our homeland. In a deeply divided world, commit to advancing healthy arguments as a game-changer in the field of education. Gringras is a seasoned Israel educator.

• Visit to The square of the Kidnapped and Missing in front of the Tel Aviv Art Museum. - See the powerful art created by various artists, including the Shabbat Table set for 200 missing Israelis, to show support and shine a spotlight on the importance of rescuing the lives of those abducted to Gaza. (Hopefully, by the time of this mission, all of the hostages will have been released and back home with their families.)

• Dinner at Tetto Restaurant in Sarona

• Tal Hotel, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Depart the hotel for Otef Aza

• Begin at the Desert Stars Center - Visit a Bedouin Village and meet youth who are part of the Desert Stars Program which is building a generation of Bedouin leaders to promote a thriving Bedouin community and a strong Israeli society. The project empowers mission-driven teens and young adults to realize their individual and collective potential as change-making leaders.

• Bedouin lunch with Desert Stars

• Geopolitical Tour of the Gaza Envelope Area with Lianne Pollak-David - Stop at key lookout points for an in-depth discussion of the complexity of the Gaza Border situation. Lianne Pollack-David is Lianne-Pollak-David is a strategic advisor at Forum Dvora, a regular panelist on Channel 11, 12 & 13 - Israeli news programs, and former Israeli PM’s Office, Former NSC staff member and negotiation team with the Palestinians Pollack-David will analyze the evolving geopolitical environment surrounding Israel in light of the Iron Swords War, focus on the various players, their interests, and the risks and opportunities of the current regional map.

• Stop at key sites to witness the events of October 7 - Stop at Sderot, Tkuma, and the Nova Festival memorial site - at Re'im Forest stop and bear witness to the tragedy of the Nova Festival.

• Dinner TBD - Home hospitality in Ofakim, dinner meeting with soldiers, or other

• Return to Tel Aviv

• Tal Hotel, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Begin the day at A Healing Place - The Healing Space (Merhav Marpe) is an emergency mental health facility that was established during the war in response to the need for care for thousands of traumatized young people at music festivals around the Gaza Strip. From the beginning of the war caregivers volunteered, including psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, psychotherapists, and certified clinical instructors. Within a few days, a new model for initial mental assistance was developed, offering a holistic, integrative, and community-based approach.

• Continue to Nazareth to meet Maoz Inon - Embark on a unique journey of hope with Maoz Inon - Traversing the enchanting streets of Nazareth's Old City. Amidst individual and communal challenges, it's crucial to spotlight the transformative power that cross-community partnerships can yield. Maoz's personal experience in Nazareth is a true testament to that power. Inspired by the partnerships you will observe, one can collectively shape a lasting vision of hope and cooperation. Inon's parents were murdered in their home on October 7 by Hamas terrorists. Amid his grief, the tragic loss and war have not quashed his compassion and hope for peace.

• Learn to roll grape leaves and lunch with Galileat - Together with your hosts in their private home, prepare traditional Druze Galilean dishes and then enjoy a meal of the foods you learned to cook. Get to know your hosts and their culture and history. Hear about the strong bond between the Druze community to the State of Israel and their contribution to the IDF. Dinner is included.

• Meet the Hashomer Hachadash Project - HaShomer Hachadash is a youth volunteer program dedicated to safeguarding the land in the Negev, the north, and across the country. Hear about their vision and their efforts to help ensure Israeli food and nutrition security as well as supporting the local farmers that are dealing with a shortage of workers during this war.

• Return to Tel Aviv

• Meet the founders of Tishrey Bar- Drink down a story of Israel! Travel the different regions of the country through the drinks. - Through local spirits, quality Israeli produce, cultural design, and Israeli innovation, meet the staff of an Israeli cocktail 'start-up' and see how they translate this into amazing cocktails. Cocktails are mixed with Israeli alcohol, fruit in season, and wrapped into the Israeli story. You’ll have a chance to learn to mix the drinks as well.

• Dinner on your own

• Tal Hotel, Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel - Check out of the hotel

• Conversation with Dr. Nir Tsuk "Adaptive Innovation in Times of Disruption" - With Dr. Nir Tsuk, probe how creating new solutions to problems, promoting systemic chance and thinking (and doing) out of the box are the zeitgeist for at least a decade in many fields, industries and corporations. Dr. Nir Tsuk is a seasoned practitioner, academic and facilitator with over 25 years of international experience in the fields of social capital, entrepreneurship and culture of innovation. Nir is the founder of NYU’s of Institute for Impact and Intrapreneurship. Prior to this, Nir served as the head of growth at Idealist.org – the world's largest social online talent acquisition platform, and Ashoka, the world's largest social entrepreneurship organization. Nir holds a PhD from Cambridge University in social and political sciences.

• Continue to MOLET - Sustainable Workshops & Design - At the onset of the war, MOLET began focusing on meeting the needs of evacuees. Volunteer and build functional equipment that evacuees need in their temporary homes. MOLET is a sustainable and modular way of thinking about furniture using upcycled wooden pallets.

• Pizza lunch at Mashav Food Trucks - Stop on the way to Jerusalem at one of Israel's favorite food trucks!

• Drive to Jerusalem and check into the hotel

• Kabbalat Shabbat as a group or at a local synagogue

• Dinner at the home of Chef Rabbi Josh - Rabbi Josh is a Talmud scholar, a documentary filmmaker, a registered tour guide and specialty chef at Jerusalem’s iconic Tmol Shilshom Restaurant. Overyour meal, Rabbi Josh speaks on a wide range of topics from his riveting personal story to an explanation of Jewish tradition and an introduction to the Talmud.

• Ibis City Center

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Optional Shabbat Tefilot at local synagogues

• Shabbat lunch at the hotel

• Shabbat Rest

• Experience the Four Faces of Israel with Helen Gottstein - Four Faces of Israel is an interactive program on modern day Israel: its challenges, its divisions, its history, its passions, and its people. The four characters convey a great deal of information on the nature of the state, Middle East history, modern Jewish identity, and the complex challenges Israel faces.

• Group Havdalah

• Free Evening and Dinner on your Own

• Ibis City Center

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Modern Technology- Ancient History: Tower of David Museum - Visit the newly renovated and stunning Tower of David Museum located in the iconic David citadel. The museum has pioneered the use of new and interactive digital technologies, games, and virtualizations that add a new dimension to understanding the site itself and Jerusalem as a whole, emphasizing the importance of Jerusalem to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Climb up to a magnificent lookout to enjoy a bird's eye view of the Old City and the New City spreading on the surrounding hills outside the Walls. This is a great introduction to what you will see in the rest of the day.

• Tour the Old City through a lens of Pluralism - Tour Jerusalem’s Old City and meet the people and places that make this place so unique. Delve into the complexity of a city sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

• Lunch on your own in the Old City

• At the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, explore the role of Culture in society. - As the leading film school in Israel, the Sam Spiegel Film and Television School educates towards excellence and professionalism. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and our alumni make up the core of the Israeli film industry. The school provides fertile ground for the next generation of film and television creators. Located in central Jerusalem at the new Arts Campus, we see our role as essential to the vibrant culture in downtown. Learn about the school and then screen student film followed by a talk with students/alumni/faculty.

• Walk from the film school to Machane Yehuda Market through Nachlaot - Nachlaot is known for its narrow, winding lanes, old-style housing, hidden courtyards and many small synagogues. In the wake of gentrification projects in the area, the face of the neighborhood has changed while retaining its unique character.

• Machane Yehuda Market Appetzier Tour - In the heart of Jerusalem sits this bustling, multi-ethnic market bursting with life, art, and flavor. Immerse yourself in the world of Middle Eastern cuisine as you indulge in a tasting tour through Machane Yehuda Market. Learn about the market's rich history, and meet the vendors who bring this place to life, as you experience the vibrant energy unique to this iconic culinary destination.

• Dinner at Hatzot restaurant - Hatzot is a part of Jerusalem’s history. Two brothers, Abraham and Michael Ajami founded this landmark family restaurant in 1970. Legend has it that Meurav Yerushalmi - the favorite Israeli mixed grill dish - was born at Hatzot Restaurant.

• Ibis City Center

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• The Psychological, Existential, and Moral State of Israelis Today with Professor Eva Illouz - Eva Illouz is a renowned sociologist. Her research focuses on the sociology of capitalism, the sociology of emotions, the sociology of gender and the sociology of culture. Her work explores several significant and thought-provoking themes, such as the influence of capitalism on emotions, the commodification of romance and the meaning of freedom, choice, and individualism in the modern world.

• Volunteer at, learn, and eat lunch at about Metzilot Mazon - The Jerusalem Food Rescuers, aims to create a more Just and sustainable urban food system with less waste. Working with the wholesale market, they divert surplus produce that would have otherwise gone to waste and support communities that don’t have equitable access to food, engage in food literacy focused activities such as lectures and workshops with kids and adults, and run a sustainable catering business.

• Visit the 9/11 Living Memorial and discuss the Israel-U.S. Relationship - Visit the memorial monument that takes the form of an American flag transforming into a flame at the tip, with a metal remnant from ground zero embedded at the base.

• Summary Session through Finding Our Way- Mapping Our Journey at Beit Avi Chai - Finding our Way- Mapping Journeys from October 7. Traditionally, when lost, humans have looked to the sky, sea and land to map our journeys, to locate ourselves and to ground us, literally. In this visual arts workshop, we will begin to interpret our journeys from October 7th through the lens of artist’s maps and use the process of mind-mapping to help us find our footing in this unstable new reality. Beit AVI CHAI serves as a center for the creation and expression of Jewish and Israeli culture and education.

• Final Dinner at Eser Restaurant - Eser Restaurant is a new restaurant of the 1868 group and is situated in the Anna Ticho House. This dairy restaurant focuses on farm-to-table cuisine.

• Transfer to the airport