All Wisconsin residents are invited to a party in Israel in February to celebrate the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s 100th anniversary.
Themed “Together — B’Yachad in Israel,” the community mission is slated for Feb. 10-18. Family members or friends from out-of-state are welcome to join the group as are children 14 or older, although there is no specific programming for them.
Co-chairs Bill Appel, Judy Bluestone and Rick Ruvin are hoping to meet their goal of 200 participants. “More than 40 have already signed up and another 40 are pretty committed,” Appel said.
He added, “I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve been to Israel — probably at least 10 times. I’m one of the chairs of this mission because it’s an opportunity to share the experience with other Milwaukeeans.”
Bluestone, who also travels frequently to Israel, agreed. “I love the experience of being together with other Milwaukeeans. We think we know everyone here, but we don’t. Traveling with your community is a wonderful bonding experience.”
She added, “When we began planning the mission, it was to be the opening of the federation’s centennial celebration. Now it’s taken on some characteristics of a solidarity mission. That may be an incentive for some people to go…. Things in Israel change so fast and we’re only thinking positively and enthusiastically about the opportunity.”
Ruvin’s first trip to Israel was on the 1996 community mission. “I thought it was a great way to experience the country — especially as a first-timer.” He and his wife, Amy, also went on the 1998 community trip.
“Since then, I’ve become more involved in the Jewish community and federation and hope to convey my enthusiasm to other prospective travelers,” he said.
While the co-chairs are working together to ensure a great experience, they each have specific areas of responsibility. Appel is chair of the program subcommittee, which developed the tracks; Bluestone is head of the marketing subcommittee; and Ruvin is spearheading recruitment.
Appel explained that while the tracks will be “fine tuned” as the trip gets closer, “we are offering some repeat tracks, some new ones and some repeat ones with new concepts. We know what we want to accomplish to make things interesting.”
Daytime tracks
Travelers will participate in several events together while selecting from several daytime tracks. They include:
• Discover the land of our heritage and her people for the first time: An introduction to the land and the people of Israel.
• Explore the heights, depths and breadth of Israel outdoors: An eco-adventure for the more energetic.
• Embrace Israel through arts and culture: A multi-cultural, artistic experience of Israel today.
• Follow in the footsteps of our sacred texts across the Promised Land: An experiential study opportunity. Classical texts will serve as a guidebook along with a scholar as participants retrace the history of the Jews through the Rabbinic Era.
• Focus on modern Israel through the lens of the last 100 years: Enhance understanding and appreciation of the evolution of the modern state of Israel.
According to mission coordinator Anat Barkin, “For those who wish to pursue special interests or visit sites not on the itinerary, we suggest they extend their stay. However, there will be one or two free evenings in Jerusalem and optional activities on Shabbat. Unfortunately, it is not possible for travelers to switch from one track to another.”
Bluestone is switching gears from being the trip coordinator of the 1996 community mission to serving as a co-chair. “This time I’m an advisor, not a dictator,” she laughed.
Her committee is developing several pre-trip gatherings that will include information sessions, orientations and briefings on issues. “We’ll get started right after the High Holidays. Post-trip programs are also in the works after we get back to keep the enthusiasm up and share the excitement with those who didn’t participate.”
The committee is working with all the local synagogues and Jewish communal agencies to encourage participation in the community-wide event.
Said Ruvin of his recruitment task: “People go to Israel for many different reasons. Some go just for the solidarity aspect while others are first-timers. Others have family or friends going and want to share the experience with them. Still others have been and like to travel with a community group. My role is to communicate all the reasons why to go and let potential travelers know we can meet their desires.”
He thinks that the best way to allay any fears among potential travelers resulting from recent acts of violence in the region is to talk to recent returnees. “They are the best recruiters. They’ve been there.” (See story, above.)
Further, Ruvin is attending “as many gatherings as I can” to promote the trip, such as the JCC annual meeting, synagogue functions and federation events. “I think people want to go so we have to make them feel comfortable.”
Barkin confirmed that all itineraries are designed with safety in mind. “The police, the Jewish Agency for Israel, United Jewish Communities and other organizations provide around-the-clock security for all groups traveling in Israel. Itineraries are checked and coordinated constantly to ensure everyone’s safety,” she said.
All participants are required to make a minimum $100 contribution to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s 2002 community campaign.
For reservations made by Oct. 15, cost is $2,299 per person. After that the cost is $2,349. The price includes roundtrip-airfare, five nights at the Inbal Hotel (formerly the Laromme) in Jerusalem, a one-night stay in Milwaukee’s Partnership 2000 region (Sovev Kinneret), most meals, and group and track programming.
Some business class seating is available for an additional $899 each way. Single room supplement is $365. Cancellation insurance and accident coverage is available.
For reservation applications or more information, contact Barkin at 414-390-5762.
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