FAQs and general information
Please review this FAQ for specific questions you may have about the Mission. You can view it in its entirety or click the links below to jump to particular sections:
General Mission questions
Q. Why go on the Mission? What makes this Mission so unique?
A. This Mission is unique in more ways than one:
- You choose the focus of your trip based on your interests. The Mission offers multiple programmatic track choices:
- Meet and attend exclusive briefings with leaders, including principal business leaders & innovators, Israeli newsmakers, politicians, artists, military experts and more. You will also have considerable opportunity to strategize, network and exchange ideas with important leaders and visionaries from Israeli and local Bay Area communities.
- It presents an extraordinary opportunity to experience three of Israel’s most distinctive and deeply meaningful observances: The trip will span Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day for fallen Israeli soldiers) and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) where we join thousands in celebration on the streets of Tel Aviv.
- Join with fellow Jews and like-minded professionals from throughout the Bay Area community to build strong and long lasting connections with Israel and one another. The mission is chaired by Robert Blum & Bobby Lent, prominent Bay Area leaders in the Jewish community.
- Observe first-hand how our community dollars are making an impact on Israel and Israeli society.
Q. What are the dates of the Mission?
A. The program will start in Israel on the evening of May 1 and end on the night of May 8, 2008.
Q. Who is eligible to participate in the Mission?
A. Bay Area Jewish community residents and supporters who are at least 18 years of age.
Q. May I bring my childen?
A. This mission has been designed for adult travelers only. If your children are over 18 years of age they are eligible to participate.
Q. May I bring a friend who lives outside of the Bay Area?
A. First priority will be given to Bay Area residents. If there is vacancy available at the close of registration, non-local residents will be permitted to register for the Mission.
Q. How can I find more information about the Mission?
A. You have a number of options for obtaining more information.
Q. What is the registration deadline?
A. You can still register for the land-only option, but the remaining spaces are going fast.
Q. How many people will be on the Mission?
A. There is capacity for 120 people to participate.
Q. How can I register for the Mission?
A.Registration can be completed online by going to the registration tab. You may also request an application by email or phone (see above) and mail it to:
Israel @ 60 Mission
121 Steuart St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
Q. Are there any pre-Mission educational seminars planned for participants?
A. Yes. There will be an educational series leading up to the Mission with top educators and teachers from Lerhaus Judaica. Participants will have the opportunity to attend a one-day seminar in multiple Bay Area locations. Upon registration, you will receive more information about dates and locations of these gatherings. There will also be a gathering prior to the trip to become acquainted with fellow travelers and answer any outstanding questions.
Q. Is there a minimum gift required to the Federation campaign?
A. No. Mission participants will be solicited, but no gift is required for participation. This Mission will give participants on-the-ground insight as to where and how their dollars are spent in Israel.
Tracks
Q. What are the tracks offered on this mission?
A. We are offering three tracks from which to select:
Q. Can I choose my track or do you assign me? When do I need to make my choice?
A. Although signing up for a specific track is not a requirement for registration, we highly recommend that you make your selection while registering. Openings on each track are limited and will be occupied on a first-come, first-served basis. You may choose to participate in any one of the three tracks. If the track is full, you will be asked to choose an alternative track.
Q. Can I switch tracks while on the trip?
A. Switching from one track to another will not be possible during the Mission. On specific days, you will have an option to attend a variety of programs that are different from those in your chosen track. These specific days will be clearly communicated in advance and you will be able to select from a variety of offered programs.
Q. Can my traveling partner and I choose different tracks?
A. Yes. The Mission is designed so that traveling companions can sign up for different tracks and meet again in the evening. All tracks meet back at the hotel every night.
Q. Are there opportunities for me to spend time with participants outside of my designated track?
A. Yes. There are evening events designed for the entire group. In addition, on Shabbat, participants select the activity they wish to participate in regardless of which track they chose.
Logistical information
Q. How will I get to and from the airport in Tel Aviv?
A. We will arrange a transfer from the airport in Tel Aviv to the hotels and back. In order to arrange this for you, we will need to have your exact flight information for your arrival and departure in Israel. The online registration will prompt you to give us your departure and arrival flight information. Your transfer costs are included in the pricing.
Q. Is there a visa requirement for Israel?
A. A visa is not required if you are traveling on a U.S. or European passport. Your passport will be stamped at Ben-Gurion airport upon arrival. You will however need a valid passport that will not expire for at least six months after the return date of the Mission.
Q. Where can I get information on how to get a passport or update my current passport?
A. We recommend you apply early for a new or updated passport. Passport information may be found at the National Passport Information Center. Routine service takes up to 10-12 weeks to receive your passport from the date you applied. Expedited service takes 2-3 weeks to receive your passport from the date you applied.
Hotel Accommodations
Q. At which hotels will we be staying?
A. The following are the hotels that have been selected for the Mission:
| May 1-4, 2008, 4 nights: |
David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem |
| May 5-6, 2008, 2 nights: |
Kibbutz guest houses in the Galil |
| May 7-8, 2008, 2 nights: |
David Intercontinental Hotel, Tel Aviv
** Check out May 9 by 12:00 noon |
Q. Can I reserve extra hotel nights either before or after the Mission?
A. Yes. Our travel agency in Israel, Mabat, has a limited amount of reserved hotel rooms at either the beginning or end of the Mission and encourages you to reserve your room as soon as possible. They are available on a first-come first-served basis.
To reserve these rooms, you will need to make the reservation and payment arrangements directly with Mabat at Malka@mabat.com.
Q. Can I get an upgrade for my hotel room?
A. Yes. All hotels have been carefully selected for their high standards and quality. However, you may request an upgrade for an additional charge (referred to as a room upgrade on the registration form). Room upgrades are limited and will be available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Q. Can I request to have a single room or an upgrade?
A. Yes, We have limited rooms available for the Mission. You will need to specify on your registration form what type of room you prefer and pay for the additional costs.
Q. Can I get more information about these hotels?
A. Yes. Please go to the following websites for more information:
David Citadel — www.thedavidcitadel.com
Kfar Blum — www.kfarblum-hotle.co.il
Kibbutz Hagoshrim — www.hagoshrim-hotel.co.il
David Intercontinental — www.ichotelsgroup.com
Q. Will I be charged value-added tax (V.A.T) on hotel rooms?
A. Only if you hold an Israeli passport (or have dual citizenship). Any passenger that has an Israeli passport is legally required by the government of Israel to declare so and enter and exit Israel with this passport and pay all applicable V.A.T. Please note the different prices quoted below including V.A.T.
Cost
Q. How much does the mission cost and what does it include?
A. *Package Price
| Cost per person based on double occupancy |
$3,445 |
| Cost including V.A.T for participant holding Israeli passport |
$3,645 |
Price includes:
- Eight nights accommodation per person based on double occupancy in first-class hotels
- Breakfasts, lunches, & dinners as specified in program
- Hotel taxes, gratuity and tips
- Transportation to and from airport in Israel
- Hotel taxes & gratuity to service providers
- Entrance fees as specified in program
- Cultural events as specified in program
- Speakers and expert guides
Q. What does the trip cost NOT include?
A. The above prices do not include the following items:
- Pre- or post-trip accommodations
- Any meals not specified in the program
- Personal expenses of any nature
- Flight upgrades to business or first class
- Single supplements on hotel rooms
- V.A.T costs for Israelis on hotel rooms (specified separately)
- Insurance costs of any kind
- Medical bills
Billing, payments and cancellations:
Q. What are the available payment methods?
A. We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Full payment is due upon registration.
Q. What is the cancellation and refund policy?
A.
1. All cancellations for any reason must be received in writing.
2. Cancellations made between January 25 and March 1, 2008 will be eligible for a partial refund based on the package selected
- If airfare is purchased through the Federation (when this option was available), all payments minus $2,700 (includes non-refundable deposit, airfare and a portion of the ground costs) will be refunded
- If airfare is purchased separately (not through the Federation), all payments minus $1,000 (includes non-refundable deposit and a portion of the ground costs) will be refunded
3. No refunds will be made available after March 1, 2008
Q. Is there financial aid available?
A. Yes. To assist participants who need help funding their participation we have limited subsidies available through the Jewish Community Federation’s Endowment Fund. For more information on obtaining this aid, please contact Judy Bloom at 415.512.6063
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