Who is eligible for this mission? Do I have to be Jewish to participate? Do I have to be a current resident of the Toledo area to participate and receive the subsidy?

This mission is designed as a Jewish community mission to Israel. The themes, sites, and goals of the mission are designed for Jewish residents of the Toledo area and their significant others who have a connection to Jewish Toledo and are members of the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo.

 

Participants who receive a subsidy must reside in the Toledo area. If you are a former Toledo resident with a special connection to northwest Ohio, or the family member of a current Toledoan, we will consider acceptance to the mission (without subsidy) on a case-by-case basis.

 

The Toledo Jewish Community Mission is for adults only (at least 18 years of age).

 

NOTE: As of June 2023, Jewish community members living in other communities involved in the Partnership2Gether Central Consortium with Akko and Matte Asher are welcome to participate in this trip.

 

What are the physical requirements?

You can expect our itinerary to include sightseeing tours on foot (walking moderate distances on uneven terrain) and often long periods of time standing. You should be able to get on and off the bus and climb stairs without duress. The bus will not have a bathroom; however, opportunities to stop will be available and carefully planned.

 

Who is making the flight arrangements?

Participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to/from Israel. If you require assistance with booking a flight, please contact Stephanie Gersten at Ottawa Hills Travel Group: stephanie@ohtco.com. Stephanie has our mission itinerary and can help you book your flights. Please note that there is a $35 fee when booking with a travel agent, payable to Ottawa Hills Travel Group at the time of booking flights. We ask that all participants arrive at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) no later than 10:00 am on Monday, 6 November 2023, with flights departing Israel no earlier than 11:30 pm on Tuesday, 14 November 2023.

 

We recognize that some community members will want to extend their travels in Israel or visit Europe while abroad. Some may also want to use their personal airline miles to book their flights. Prices fluctuate constantly and airlines reserve the right to change their departure times in advance.

 

Do I need a valid passport?

All participants must have a valid passport to travel internationally. Per Israeli regulations, all visitors to Israel must hold a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date they are departing the country. If you do not have a valid passport, do not delay applying for one to avoid an issue. Visit https://travel.state.gov.

 

Help me understand the difference between a Federation mission to Israel and any other Israel trip?

From the moment you land in Israel to the moment you say l’hitraot at the conclusion of the trip, your experience will forge a sense of Jewish solidarity with the people of Israel and your fellow travelers. You will meet and spend time with immigrants to Israel, exchange ideas with everyday Israelis, hear in-depth briefings from top civic leaders, and share stories with our friends in the Western Galilee, Toledo’s partnership region for 25 years. The trip itineraries are planned and designed to include short-term intensive exposures to specific Federation funded programs that you help to support. You get to see first-hand the positive impacts of your dollars at work. This trip will strengthen our community, positively impacting it for years to come.

 

I’ve been to Israel many times. I want to meet new people, see new programs, and dig deeper into areas I’m more interested in learning about. How can I do that on a mission with so many people, including some who will be traveling to Israel for the first time?

While there is strength in numbers, we also know the benefits of making time for smaller group experiences tailored to individual interests and needs. You will be able to customize parts of your trip experience by selecting from a variety of electives and optional excursions. We call it “Israel: Have It Your Way.” During these electives, you will be with a smaller group of travelers who also want to dive into that specific area in a smaller setting.

 

Will there be certain times when all of us are together?

Yes, we will have times when everyone on the mission will join together. These events may include a special ceremony at Yad Vashem commemorating the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht; a Partnership2Gether Mega Event in the Western Galilee; and welcoming in Shabbat as a community at the Kotel (Western Wall). In addition, we will invite special guests to some of these larger events and dinners, including former Toledo residents who have made Aliyah (immigrated to Israel).

 

Will we have time to visit with our friends in the Western Galilee?

Yes, we will! We have two days planned for visiting the Western Galilee. After visiting some of the kibbutzim and unique sites that sit right on the beach, we will participate in a Mega Event celebrating the 25^th anniversary of our special Partnership connection. The following day, we will visit some of the people and programs that our Federation supports with your philanthropic dollars, followed by a tour of Akko’s Old City and souk (market).

 

What are the dates and what is the cost of the mission?

The dates are November 6-14, 2023. After a generous Federation subsidy, the cost is $3,000 per person double occupancy, for 8 nights and 9 days of touring (an additional $1,550 for a single supplement). For young adults (18-45 years old), there is an additional $1,000 subsidy, bringing the total cost to $2,000. Some meals are included. There will be two busses, each with its own tour guide and medic/armed guard.

 

NOTE: As of June 2023, there will be one bus, not two.

 

Is there an annual minimum gift required to the Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo (JFGT) to participate on this mission?

As a participant, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful gift to JFGT’s Annual Campaign on this trip of a lifetime. We hope you will be inspired by your experience and make a significant contribution to increase the impact YOUR Federation makes in Israel. All participants are asked to pledge at least $500 a year for a minimum of three years.

 

On the last day of our trip, there will be a special reflective session. Participants will have the opportunity to share reflections about any part of the trip and how it has impacted them. This will be a special opportunity to strengthen our connections to Israel and each other before we return home. During this session, all trip participants will be asked to make a gift to JFGT that is meaningful to them. There is no requirement to share that gift publicly.

 

What is included in the price? What is not included?

What’s Included:

• 2 nights luxury hotel in Tel Aviv
• 1 night luxury hotel in the Western Galilee
• 5 nights luxury hotel in Jerusalem
• Daily Israeli buffet breakfasts
• Some lunches and dinners
• 9 days of touring in deluxe air-conditioned busses with leading Israeli tour guides and a medic/armed guard per bus
• Water bottles (3 per person per day) and Wi-Fi provided on buses
• Entrance fees for all included activities, except for select optional excursions

What’s Not Included:

• Flights
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Early hotel check-in, if you arrive before the trip
• Late hotel check-out, if you depart after the trip
• COVID-19 related testing
• Suggested gratuities: tips are recommended to be $7-10 per person per day for the tour guide, and $5-7 per person per day for the bus driver, totaling around $150 per person
• Travel insurance
• Medical insurance
• Personal expenses

 

What is the payment schedule?

Deposit:

A $500 per person deposit is required upon registration. Secure your spot with a $500 deposit per person, fully refundable through July 31, 2023.

Remaining Payments:

• 50% of the outstanding balance is due by October 1, 2023.
• The remaining balance is due by October 15, 2023.

 

What if I cannot afford the subsidized price?

If you cannot afford the subsidized price, please contact Ben Malczewski, Vice President Senior, Family and Social Services, at 419-724-0408 or at ben@jewishtoledo.org. At this time, we cannot guarantee that we will have additional subsidies available but we will do our best to include everyone eligible and interested in participating, subject to space and funds available.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

• No cancellation charge prior to August 1, 2023.
• From August 1, 2023 through October 1, 2023, there is a $500 per-person charge for cancellations.
• From October 2, 2023 through October 15, 2023, there is a $1,000 per-person charge for cancellations.
• From October 16, 2023 through October 25, 2023, there is a $2,500 per-person charge for cancellations.
• No refunds will be made after October 25, 2023.

 

Insurance Information

Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo (JFGT) does not currently, and will not in the future, provide any medical insurance coverage while on the mission. Any insurance coverage must be purchased for the mission on your own.

IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS PURCHASE TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE. Medicare does not provide benefits outside the United States. JFGT does not provide trip cancellation insurance for mission participants and any coverage must be purchased for the mission on your own.

Note: JFGT strongly recommends that all mission participants review their personal insurance coverage needs with their insurance advisors to determine if additional travel insurance is required. Additional travel insurance could cover items such as reimbursement for trip delay, missed connections, sickness and/or accidental medical expenses, lost baggage, personal effects, baggage delay, etc. Each participant must make their own decision regarding insurance, as JFGT is not authorized to give insurance advice.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of providers should you wish to purchase additional insurance. Inclusion on this list should not be construed as an endorsement by JFGT.

Allianz | 866-672-9580

Travel Guard | 800-826-4919

Travelex Insurance | 800-228-9792

Travel Insurance Services | 800-937-1387

Insure My Trip | 800-487-4722

 

Toledo Jewish Community Mission and COVID-19

Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo is requiring all mission participants be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. There will be regular updates regarding exact COVID-19 protocols. Closer to the date of departure, travelers will be asked to provide all mandatory documents and signed statements (e.g., proof of vaccination).

 

Where does the mission go?

The mission includes time in Tel Aviv, the Western Galilee, the Golan Heights, Jerusalem, the Negev Desert, and more. The exact itinerary is subject to change. Each day follows an educational theme:

I still have questions about the mission. Who should I contact?

Please contact Daniel Pearlman, VP Community and Government Relations, at 419-724-0315 or at daniel@jewishtoledo.org with remaining questions.

 

I’m ready to sign up! Where do I go now?

To register, please visit https://www.jewishtoledo.org/mission.