important , we are going as a community to visit and show support for our sister region . We know that Federation does a lot of good in Israel . Now we will be able to go and actually see the work with our own eyes . This is a once in a generation opportunity .”
That is the opportunity Jewish Federation of San Diego County is offering with CommUNITY Trip to Israel May 4 - 11 , 2023 . Participants will be there to celebrate Israel ’ s 75th birthday and the 25th Anniversary of San Diego ’ s partnership with Sha ’ ar HaNegev , a region in southern Israel . Federation is busy planning this once-in-a-generation Israel travel experience .
“ There is nothing like being in Israel with its inspiring mix of ancient and new , traditional and innovative , and , of course , the incredible people ,” Heidi Gantwerk , President and CEO of Jewish Federation of San Diego County shared with GB Magazine . “ Whether you have been to Israel ten times , once , or never , the CommUNITY mission will be the trip of a lifetime because of the access we will have , the places we will stay , the social and political issues we will explore , and the caliber of people with whom we will meet .”
Federation is crafting this transformative trip to include private tours , special events , and VIP access to show Israel beyond the headlines and explore tech innovations , social cohesion and challenges , women ’ s accomplishments , immigration , arts , cuisine , and more . “ Trip participants will have a close-up look at incredible programs their dollars fund through their support of Federation ,” adds Gantwerk . “ Our local support has such a positive influence on families ’ lives - when San Diegans see it for themselves , it cements a really special , personal relationship between our communities .”
One of Federation ’ s core priorities is to cultivate global people-to-people connections with programs that connect community members to their Jewish heritage , to historic and modern Israel , and to fellow Jews around the world . As an example , Federation ’ s ShinShinim program brings young Israelis to work as Israel emissaries throughout San Diego , building what Gantwerk calls “ a cultural bridge ” between our communities .
“ The reach and access of our Federation will open doors and provide opportunities that are otherwise unattainable ,” adds Jack Maizel , Board Chair of Jewish Federation of San Diego County . “ Just as
The CommUNITY trip is the first of its kind for San Diego since 2006 . Generous underwriting keeps the cost reasonable , and significant subsidies are offered for the first 50 people between ages 25-45 .
“ This trip isn ’ t happening in a vacuum ,” Gantwerk concludes . “ It is building on the incredible relationships our community has with Israel and Israelis . And when we all return home from this life-changing experience , we will build on that with a stronger sense of community and opportunities to connect to each other .”
www . jewishinsandiego . org / israel2023
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