Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cost of the trip?

Transfers, Accommodations, and Guides:

  • Individual arrival transfer from Ben Gurion Airport to the hotel in Tel Aviv on July 12th, with VIP assistance from the plane
  • Individual departure transfer from hotel or restaurant to Ben Gurion Airport, including VIP service at the airport to passport control
  • 6 nights of accommodations at the Tel Aviv Hilton (2 nights) and David Citadel in Jerusalem (4 nights)
  • Porterage at hotels and airport
  • 5 days of touring with a private, English-speaking government-licensed guide
  • Tips and gratuities for guides
  • 5 days of transportation with licensed drivers in luxury coaches
  • Onsite coordinators for the duration of the trip
  • Security
  • Entrances and speaker fees
  • Wi-fi on the bus, as available

Meals:

  • Mineral water on the bus
  • Meals as per itinerary:
    • Daily breakfast buffet at hotels
    • 5 lunches:
    • 5 dinners (with wine)
    • Cocktail reception

Additional Services:

  • 2 PCR tests and one serology test, as required (departure PCR for departure will be conducted for the entire group on a specific date)
  • Ticket to the Maccabiah Opening Ceremony

What is the single supplement upcharge?

Hotels in Israel base room rates on two occupants. The upcharge for a single person in a room in Israel is estimated (as of November 23, 2021) at $1,392. This estimate includes both hotels in Israel, but does not include upgraded rooms.

What is travel insurance?

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Israel requires trip participants to purchase travel insurance in the event of an emergency cancellation. Our tour provider strongly recommends Arch RoamRight. All trip participants must also have full medical insurance. Click here to read more information on Arch RoamRight’s travel policies as impacted by COVID.

What are the passport requirements?

Israel requires that your passport be valid through January 31, 2023 (six months following travel). Please take care of any necessary passport issues as soon as possible, as the Department of State has been experiencing delays in the renewal process.

What do I need to know about covid-19 travel restrictions?

As of March 1, tourists of all ages can enter  and remain in Israel, whether or not they are vaccinated, subject to two negative PCR tests (one before flying, and one upon arrival).  All travelers must enter isolation for up to 24 hours from arrival or until a negative PCR test result performed upon entry to Israel has been received, whichever is earlier. COVID policies in Israel are constantly changing.  For the latest updates, please visit the Ministry of Health COVID Information Center. (Updated April 26, 2022)

Can I participate in more than one track on this mission?

No. Each participant may only choose one track to stay with during the entire mission.

Is this trip child-friendly?

All participants on the mission and its programming must be at least 18 years old.

how are deposits and refunds calculated?

Refunds:

$100 of your initial $1,000 deposit is non-refundable. Should Israel close its borders, 100% of your payment will be refunded.

If you cancel by April 11, 2022 you will receive a 100% refund, less the $100 service fee.

Cancellations between April 12 and May 11, 2022 are subject to a $1,000 service fee.

Cancellations between May 12 and June 10, 2022 are subject to a $2,750 service fee.

Any cancellation after June 11, 2022 is subject to the full trip cost of $5,500.

Billing:

A deposit of $1,000 is due at the time of registration.

The balance of the cost of the trip is due by May 11, 2022.

You will be contacted by a staff person at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans to confirm your registration and discuss payment of the balance.