Melton’s Swords of Iron Solidarity Trip | Jan. 2024

Activities:

• Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport - Private car service can be arranged.

• Drive to Tel Aviv & check-in to the hotel - Please note: check-in time is after 3:00 PM.

• Welcome - group introduction - Join us upon arrival, as we gather at the hotel with Melton leadership and group members for a warm welcome and a light meal.

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• War update and briefing with Amos Harel - Chief Military and Defense Correspondent for Ha'aretz Newspaper for the past 25 years. Harel is one of Israel's leading media experts on military and defense issues.

• Visit the Carmel Market and Nachalat Binyamin Art & Craft market - Where you can actively contribute to the local community by supporting talented artisans, spice merchants and more. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere pre-Shabbat Tel Aviv while making a positive impact on the livelihoods of local entrepreneurs.

• Explore Tel Aviv-Yaffo - Where the rich tapestry of coexistence unfolds before your eyes. Delve into inspiring narratives of harmonious collaborations between Israeli Jews and Israeli Arabs, discovering the unity that transcends cultural boundaries.

• Leisure time in preparation for Shabbat

• Shabbat Dinner as a community in the hotel - Participate in a meaningful Shabbat dinner at the hotel, possibly alongside evacuees, if they are still present.

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at your hotel

• Morning lecture at the hotel with Lucy Aharish - Morning lecture at the hotel featuring Lucy Aharish. Mrs. Aharish, born in Dimona, Israel, in 1981, is a renowned Israeli news presenter, journalist, and television host. She studied Political Science and Theater at Hebrew University and Journalism at the Koteret School of Journalism in Tel Aviv. As the first Arab to present the news on prime-time television in Israel, Aharish is widely recognized for advocating pluralism and interdenominational openness in the country's public agenda.

• Seudat Brunch

• Visit The Square of the Kidnapped and Missing - Witness the compelling works of various artists, among them the poignant Shabbat Table set for 200 missing Israelis. This evocative display serves as a testament of solidarity, shedding light on the crucial mission to rescue those abducted to Gaza. In an optimistic spirit, we hope that by the time of your visit, all hostages will have been released and joyfully reunited with their families.

• Dinner at leisure

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Head to Jerusalem

• Half day programs at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem - Immerse yourself in enlightening interactions with students, reservists, and professors at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Gain a profound understanding of the diverse student body, explore varied academic perspectives, and delve into the principles of coexistence within this dynamic academic community.

• Lunch at the university

• Visit The National Library of Israel - Founded in 1892, the National Library (NLI) holds the collective memory of Israelis of all backgrounds and faiths and the Jewish people worldwide. While continuing to serve as Israel's preeminent research library, over the past decade NLI has embarked upon an ambitious journey of renewal to encourage diverse audiences in Israel and around the globe to engage with its treasures in new and meaningful ways. Visit the new landmark campus, opened recently.

• Take time to reflect at the Western Wall - Take time to reflect at the Kotel (The Western Wall), sacred because it is one of the last remnants of the Second Temple that was destroyed by the Romans. Feel the stones that have witnessed so much in the history of the Jews. Place your special and personal prayer in the cracks of the stones.

• Travel back to Tel Aviv

• Dinner together

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel

• Depart Tel Aviv and travel south

• Geo-political tour of Gaza Envelope with Grisha yakubovich - Stop at key lookout points for an in-depth discussion of the complexity of the Gaza Border situation. Grisha Yakubovich served in the Israel Defence Forces for 30 years, ending his career as Head of the Civil Coordination Department of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). He now consults and guides educational tour of the Gaza Border and the West Bank.

• Visit D'fus Be'eri and hear their story - At Kibbutz Beeri, you'll discover the thriving "D'fus Beeri" printing company, a renowned establishment specializing in the production of checks, envelopes, photo albums, and more. Despite facing significant challenges, including extensive damage and loss of life during the war, Kibbutz Beeri has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The printing company, recognized as the largest enterprise within the kibbutz, has not only endured but quickly resumed operations, contributing to Kibbutz Beeri's standing as one of the most prosperous kibbutzim in Israel.

• Meet Osi, one of Ofakim's "Culinary Queens" - Indulge in the warmth of a home-cooked meal at Osi's residence while also gaining hands-on experience in crafting Sfing, a traditional Moroccan Chanukah donut.

• Visit a Resiliency Center in Ofakim - Explore one of Israel’s Resiliency Centers, designed to offer a comprehensive approach spanning emergency preparedness, crisis management, and recovery. Engage with the dedicated staff to gain insights into their perspectives on the impact of the war. Learn about their crucial efforts and trauma treatments, integral components of the initiatives led by the Israel Trauma Coalition.

• Travel to Tel Aviv - Dinner at leisure

• Sheraton Tel Aviv

Activities:

• Breakfast at the hotel & check-out

• Morning lecture with Yoseph Haddad - Haddad has risen to global prominence as a social media influencer and expert, establishing himself as a fervent advocate for Israel. His commitment to the cause dates to his service in the Israel Defense Forces and extends to his current role as the CEO of Together – Vouch For Each Other. This organization plays a vital role in fostering connections between the Arab sector of Israeli society and the broader Israeli community, showcasing Haddad's dedication to bridging gaps and promoting unity.

• Volunteer with Leket Israel - Upon the return of volunteers who have diligently picked and gathered fruits and vegetables left untouched during the commercial harvest, our next endeavor involves volunteering at the logistics center. Here, we will actively engage in sorting and packing the collected produce, ensuring its readiness for distribution to various establishments such as soup kitchens, food pantries, senior citizen centers, homeless shelters, and other institutions dedicated to serving those in need.

• Wine tastings at Vitkin Winery - Vitkin Winery stands as a distinguished family-owned boutique winery, renowned for its pioneering role in the Israeli wine industry. Recognized for its captivating Mediterranean approach, Vitkin Winery boasts unparalleled expertise in crafting original and exceptional Israeli wines.

• Experience Druze home hospitality as you engage in meaningful conversations with Druze soldiers - Uncover the deep ties between the Druze community and the State of Israel, exploring their significant contributions to the IDF. Immerse yourself in a distinctive cultural exchange within the private confines of their home. Engage in the hands-on experience of crafting traditional Druze Galilean dishes side by side with your hosts. The culmination of this culinary adventure is a shared meal, showcasing the delectable creations you've mastered. This intimate gathering not only offers insights into the Druze community's connection to Israel but also serves as a platform for fostering meaningful connections through the exploration of their rich culture and history.

• Closing session & reflection

• Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport and fly back home

• We look forward to hosting you again in our beautiful country!