7-Day Israel Extension

LENGTH: 7 Days

GRADES: 9th-12th

COST: $950

EXPERIENCE: Israel

All core Israel programs are based on a three-week experience. Participants can get more out of their summer in Israel by choosing a week-long Israel extension to explore Israel from a new perspective.

About the Experience

PART 1 | Choose Your Own Path

During the first half of the extension week, participants choose between...

Sea-to-Sea Hike
Hike from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee on your own two feet. Cross through the lush canyons and mountaintops of the Galilee, camping out under the stars all along the way (all gear is provided). Learn how to navigate and survive in the wilderness like our ancestors did, explore Israel’s most scenic terrain, visit picturesque villages on the route, and connect to the beauty of the land in a way that few ever do. Most important? Gain a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that you will cherish for years to come.
Culture & Innovation Tour
Discovering the cultural, technological, and environmental innovations that have made Israel a world leader. Meet with the founder of Mifalot: Sport for Education, Development and Peace. Attend a moving theater production staged by deaf and blind actors at Nalaga'at. Visit an ocean water desalination plant to learn how Israel is addressing persistent water shortages. Explore a new and thoroughly modern side of Israel on this Tel Aviv-based experience.

PART 2 | Service Learning

The second part of the extension week is devoted to community service. In some cases, the service may be focused on a single project, and in other cases it may be a series of different service projects each day. Activities may include preparation and delivery of meals for the hungry, volunteering at a domestic abuse center, building wheelchairs and crutches for disabled and elderly Israelis, bringing the gift of company and song to children needing medical attention, working with disadvantaged children to learn English, and working with the Jewish National Fund to restore Israel's forests. Depart Israel with a sense that you not only visited, but gave something back as well.

Sample Itinerary

DAY #1 / Monday / Elective Week
• Travel northwards for start of Elective Week
• Option #1: Sea-to-Sea Hike – From the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee
• Option #2: Culture & Innovation Tour – Based in the Tel Aviv region
     - Walking tour of Jaffe
     - Meet with the founder of Mifalot: Sport for Education, Development and Peace
     - Evening: Visit Nalaga’at to see a performance by deaf and blind actors

DAY #2 / Tuesday / Elective Week
• Option #1: Sea-to-Sea Hike – From the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee
• Option #2: Culture & Innovation Tour – Based in the Tel Aviv region
     - Graffiti tour of Tel Aviv
     - Go on a culinary tour of Shuk HaCarmel, an open-air market
     - Tour Habima, the national theatre of Israel
     - Relax on the beach
     - Hear from a panel of Tel Aviv artists
     - Evening: Night out at the Tel-Aviv Port

DAY #3 / Wednesday / Elective Week
• Option #1: Sea-to-Sea Hike – From the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee
• Option #2: Culture & Innovation Tour – Based in the Tel Aviv region
     - Visit a desalination plant
     - Tour Tel-Aviv University and visit the planned green building

DAY #4 / Thursday / Elective Week
• Option #1: Sea-to-Sea Hike – From the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee
• Option #2: Culture & Innovation Tour – Based in the Tel Aviv region
• Travel to Kibbutz Hanaton for service learning experience
• Overnight: Kibbutz Hanaton Guest House, Galilee DAY

#5 / Friday / Service Learning
• Community service projects and cultural exchange
• Overnight: Kibbutz Hanaton Guest House, Galilee DAY

#6 / Saturday / Service Learning
• Community service projects and cultural exchange
• Overnight: Kibbutz Hanaton Guest House, Galilee Day

#7 / Sunday/ Shalom and L’Hitraot
• Community service projects and cultural exchange
• Wrap up session
• Return to Ben Gurion Airport