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Whether or not you’ve been to Israel before, there is always something new and fulfilling to experience. This year, the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans invites you to be a part of A Southern Journey, chaired by Cathy Bart and Joshua Force, in which as a community we will explore parts of Israel off the beaten path.

The Jewish Federations of North America’s General Assembly (GA) is the premier communal Jewish conference; it inspires and engages current and emerging Jewish leaders, tackles the critical issues of the day and showcases the best of the Federation movement. This fall, the GA will take place in Israel.

Help Israel celebrate its 65th birthday with a GA so big, it only comes to Israel every fifth year. From November 10-12, 2013, thousands will come together in Jerusalem to learn from each other and shape an even brighter future for Israel and the Jewish people. You’ll see firsthand how the Federation movement impacts millions of people. Details are still being finalized, but both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres are expected to speak. Learn more at www.generalassembly.org/ga-2013.

Few organized trips to the region ever explore the deep south of Israel, including the stunning diving destination of Eilat or the scenic vistas of Mitzpe Ramon. And fewer yet traverse the exceptional beauty of the majestic and ancient rose red city of Petra, Jordan.

While you are encouraged to register for and participate in the GA, there is a track for those wishing to experience Israel. Highlights for visitors not registered for the GA include:

  • A stroll through the archaeological site of Tzippori, including a chance to see the Venus of the Galilee
  • An exploration of Tel Aviv’s unusual Bauhaus architecture
  • The spice farm at Beit Lechem Haglilit, where visitors will learn how to make za’atar
  • A unique tour of Jerusalem’s Old City, via rooftops and ancient walls

Whether or not you participate in the GA, all journeygoers will experience not only how their Annual Campaign dollars affect the lives of others on powerful site visits, but how remarkable southern Israel and Petra are through:

  • A jeep tour of the Ramon Crater
  • A visit to our Partnership 2Gether sister city, Rosh Ha’ayin
  • Ketura Sun, the world’s first solar field with a soul
  • A camel ride in the desert hills surrounding Eilat
  • A security tour along Israel’s border with Egypt
  • A special, communal Shabbat
  • A boat cruise on the Red Sea
  • A guided exporation of the rose red city of Petra, Jordan, a city dating to 312 BCE.

 

Questions?


To learn more, please contact Sherri Tarr  
at sherritarr@jewishnola.com
or at 504-780-5609.

Click here to download the most recent itinerary. This itinerary is subject to change.

Costing, Subsidies and Flights


Programming for A Southern Journey begins the morning of Sunday, November 10, 2013. Please ensure that your flight arrangements accommodate your arrival in Israel by that morning. Journey participants are responsible for booking and paying for their own air travel, and Federation recommends United Airlines.

A subsidy of $1,500 is available to offset the land cost of the journey, for those ages 45 and under, with an additional $250 subsidy for those attending the entire General Assembly (GA). For those 46 and over, a $1,000 subsidy is available, with an additional $250 for those who participate in the full GA.

To receive the subsidies, which are only available to Greater New Orleans’ residents, a minimum gift to the 2014 Annual Campaign of $500 (for first time givers, or an increase of $500 to the participant’s 2013 gift) is requested. The gift is per person, including those who give a combined gift.

Acceptance of subsidies is entirely optional.

The land cost - including hotels, bus fares, most meals, excursions and transfers - of our Southern Journey, prior to the subsidy, is approximately $2,950* (subject to change). This is based on a double-occupancy rate, and does include the domestic flight from Eilat to Tel Aviv. The single supplement is an additional $932 (subject to change).

*The costing for both GA and non-GA participants is the same.

Pricing


The land cost - including hotels, bus fares, most meals, excursions and transfers - of this exclusive adventure is approximately $3,500 (subject to change).