Traveling to Israel right now may seem like a questionable choice at best. But with the right precautions, thoughtful planning, and communal support, it can be a transformational opportunity. That’s why the greater Ann Arbor Jewish community is planning a 10-day trip together, leaving December of this year.
A community-wide endeavor, this trip is being jointly planned by the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor, the JCC of Greater Ann Arbor, Beth Israel Congregation, Temple Beth Emeth, and Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor. Additional partners include Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation, Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan, and Chabad of Ann Arbor.
The trip is designed for participants ages 9+ and will be an opportunity to experience Israel’s rebuilding efforts first-hand, understand one’s own relationship with Israel, explore the nuance of life in Israel, enjoy delicious food and new friends, and travel with local community leaders. As an intergenerational trip, there will be dedicated activities for children and teens, as well as opportunities for adults to connect with one another outside of their families. Those traveling with children, grandchildren, no children, a partner, friend, or solo are all welcome. Regardless of one’s stage in life, participants will bring deep new relationships home to Michigan.
Federation’s CEO Eileen Freed has visited Israel twice since October 2023, so she knows how pivotal a trip like this can be for Americans’ understanding of Israel’s past and present. “It’s very hard for us to comprehend what it’s like to live in Israel, from here in Michigan,” Freed says. “There is so much complexity and nuance that comes to life when you’re there, seeing the places and talking with real people. Even if you’ve been to Israel before, a trip like this can help anyone better understand their own relationship to the land and people.”
The theme of the trip is “Israel With New Eyes,” and it is intended for both first-time Israel travelers and those who have visited multiple times. While this trip is not specifically focused on the atrocities of 10/7/23, there will be no denying that the attack and ensuing war have shaped present-day life in Israel. As such, safety and security will be of the upmost importance throughout the trip. Trip leaders will be in constant communication with security and intelligence personnel, and, while unlikely, activities on any given day could change if significant safety concerns arise.
Highlights from the trip’s itinerary include major cities and sites like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and the Dead Sea, as well as more personalized and unique opportunities. Some of those specialized stops include an intimate conversation with an Israeli political correspondent and age-appropriate Jewish learning programs at The Shalom Hartman Institute, which is a leading center of Jewish thought and education. Plus, no Ann Arbor area trip to Israel would be complete without a visit to Moshav Nahalal, Ann Arbor’s partnership community through the international Jewish Agency for Israel, leading to tours of Israel’s agricultural North.
A trip like this can be a significant financial investment for families. That’s why the Jewish Federation is subsidizing the cost for all participants with a generous grant from the Susan L. Lichter Memorial Scholarship Fund. In addition, the Federation is offering a subsidy of up to $1000 specifically for teens who participate in this trip with their families, and who complete a subsidy application.
For all trip details and to express interest in a personalized registration link, visit www.JourneysInternational.com/ann-arbor-israel-2025. Individual questions may be emailed to info@jewishannarbor.org.