Hope & Healing - Show Up and Serve Israel Trip

Show Up and Serve Israel Trip

JANUARY 24-31, 2024

Take part in a meaningful journey that combines faith, service, and support, with a few touring components throughout Israel.

This trip promises to leave a lasting impact, both on the land and in your heart, as you stand united with the people of Israel and become a beacon of hope and healing.

Service opportunities could include:

Host, care for and engage in activities with displaced families across Israel
Package and serve hot meals to families living in bomb shelters
Support local farmers by harvesting crops on farms located in the Golan heights
Pack groceries for wives and children of soldiers serving in the war
Participate in intentional times of prayer and worship over Israel on the Mt of Olives, Sea of Galilee, the Valley of Armageddon and others

At the end of your trip join with local believers for a Prayer and Worship event led by Joshua Aaron and other Israeli worship leaders.

Individual Price: $1,850 USD

*Pricing is based on double occupancy.

Payment and registration due January 16, 2024

Flights

Participants must book and pay for their own flights. You must book your flight into Israel on El Al Airlines. You can fly with a US-based airline to your connection, but your flight into Israel must be on El Al.

Other airlines are showing flights to Tel Aviv and then canceling them. El Al is the only airline that we know of that is 100% landing their flights. If you choose another airline, you risk a cancellation and then having to book a last minute flight on El Al, which will be even more expensive.

Depending on where you are flying from, you will need to choose a departure date and flight that will ensure you arrive after 2pm on January 24th.

Itinerary

Wednesday, January 24 – Arrival Day

Arrival in Israel and transfer to hotel.
Overnight Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem

Thursday, January 25 – Orientation & Touring Day

Breakfast and Orientation with FIRM.
Mount of Olives, Palm Sunday Path, Garden of Gethsemane, Southern Steps, Western Wall.
Overnight Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem

Friday, January 26 – Service Day

Service Day.
Shabbat Dinner at Hotel.
Overnight Ron Beach Hotel, Sea of Galilee

Saturday, January 27 – Service Day

Service Day in Galilee Region/Golan Heights.
Overnight Ron Beach Hotel, Sea of Galilee

Sunday, January 28 – Service Day

Mount Precipice: Overlook and prayer.
Service Day: Could include Farming/Harvesting in the Golan OR Food Box Packing in Tel Aviv.
Overnight Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem

Monday, January 29 – Service Day

Service Day with Displaced families.
Overnight Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem

Tuesday, January 30 – Service & Departure Day

Service project in the morning.
Mid to late afternoon worship and prayer event.
Overnight Grand Court Hotel, Jerusalem or shuttle to airport depending on departure flights

Wednesday, January 31 – Travel Day

Transfers to Ben Gurion Airport depending on flight departure times.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

January 24 – January 31, 2024

Seven nights stay in 4 star hotels
Group transfer between hotel and airport upon arrival and departure.
Travel by private, air-conditioned, deluxe motor coach.
Breakfast and dinner provided each day (lunches not included)
Service Opportunities on your trip: you will be serving displaced families in a variety of capacities and in several locations throughout Israel
Tour Components: Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee, Mt. Precipice (overlook and prayer), Tour of Jerusalem
Entrance fees if applicable
All taxes and gratuities

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Accommodations are provided on the basis of two persons sharing a twin or double bedded hotel room with a private bath. FIRM and its sub-agents reserve the right to substitute hotels of the same category when necessary for the proper handling of the trip.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Flights
Lunches
Travel Insurance
Personal Items/Expenses

FAQs

Before You Go

Do I need a passport?

Yes. Proof of citizenship is required for all travelers, and passports are required (must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of travel). All non-citizens of the U.S. must have passports, visas and other documentation normally required for entry into the country of destination. Do not pack your passport or travel documents in your luggage.

What should I make copies of before I leave for Israel?

In case documents get lost or stolen, make two photocopies of the following: the first two pages of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and itinerary and travel insurance details. Leave one copy with a contactable friend at home and take the other with you (separate from the originals) or give it to a friend traveling with you.

How safe is traveling to Israel?

While Israel is normally a very safe country to visit, due to the current situation the US Government has issued a Level 3 - Reconsider Travel Advisory to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. We encourage you to visit the US Embassy page here to read further information provided by the US Government. During this trip you will NOT be going to the West Bank or Gaza and your safety is our top priority. We use various measures to ensure the safety of participants, but we also encourage participants to take precautions they normally would when traveling to another city or country.

What time zone is Israel in?

Israel Standard Time (IST) is the standard time zone in Israel. It is 2 hours ahead of UTC and 7 hours ahead of EST.

Can I drink tap water in Israel?

Tap water is safe to drink in Israel, but bottled water will also be available on the bus for purchase.

What is the weather like in Israel?

The temperature will be around 40-68°F with periods of rain during your visit. Please pack appropriate clothing for this weather.

What clothes should I pack for Israel?

Bring clothing for cool weather and especially a jacket for the evenings. Also bring your ‘holywear,’ something to cover your shoulders and knees, as this is required at some of the locations we will be working at. Please plan to bring comfortable shoes or sneakers, as there will be a lot of walking and standing. As this is a service trip, please make sure you pack clothing that you are comfortable working in all day.

How much walking do I need to be prepared for?

Most days will include some walking. Participants can expect to walk approximately 2-3 miles per day. We would recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers each day. Most walks will be light to moderately strenuous and there will be breaks throughout the day as you travel to and from sites. Please keep in mind that walks can typically include steps and uneven terrain.

Can I use my cellphone in Israel? Do I need to get a different SIM card or prepaid phone?

Most cell phone providers offer international plans; check with your carrier before your trip to see what international options they provide. If your phone is unlocked you can purchase a prepaid SIM card at a fairly low price.

What currency does Israel use? How should I exchange my money?

We suggest you bring US Dollars, British Pounds, or Euros, which can be exchanged for the Israeli Shekel. There are locations throughout each city in Israel to exchange currency, including most hotels; you may also obtain Shekels prior to departure. Rates vary from place to place and some charge commission.

What about my debit card? Do shops and restaurants accept debit/credit cards or do I need to bring money to convert to local currency?

Most shops and restaurants accept foreign debit/credit cards. Exchanging some money for Israeli Shekels is a good idea. You will need Shekels for there are a small number of shops that may only take cash (especially when outside of tourist areas or in the markets).

Should I bring a backpack or bag every day?

A backpack is always a good idea. Water bottles, cameras, money and souvenirs will be harder to manage if you do not have something to put them in.

You will be given a drawstring bag as a gift from FIRM. This is great for carrying water bottles, your Bible, money, etc.

Will I be able to plug in electronics in Israel?

Most hotels in Israel will have 220 volts AC 50 Hz. You will need to bring along necessary converters and adapters to operate any 120 volts, 60 Hz appliances such as hair dryers, electric razors, etc. Some small electronic devices are dual-voltage and will adjust automatically for other countries. If your appliance’s charger has a manual switch, you’ll need to change it back and forth before plugging in your appliance. For dual voltage electronics, you’ll simply need to bring an adapter to plug the charger in to the outlet. Before leaving on your trip, check the manual or power cord for the device to know if it will work with 220 voltage without a converter. Be aware that U.S. electronics that are not dual-voltage should never be used without a converter in countries with a voltage of 220.

Traveling

Can I travel with liquids?

Any liquids in your checked-in suitcase should be in tight (preferably plastic) bottles. Fill them only three-quarters full to allow for expansion. International security regulations require that liquids, aerosols and gels in carry-on bags must be in containers of 100 ml or less and carried together in one transparent plastic bag (20 cm by 20 cm or 15 cm by 25 cm) with a resealable (zip-lock) top. Among these are cosmetics, sun block, perfume, shaving cream, insect repellent, antiperspirants, and toothpaste.

Departure/Connections on El Al

What security questions will I need to answer?

If your departure or connecting flight into Tel Aviv is on El Al, you will need to be prepared to meet and talk with security personnel before you check-in for your flight.

Questions can span a variety of topics: Why are you traveling, where are you staying, who are you staying with, who do you know in the country, have you traveled to any of a list of countries they will list out. Etc.

You will be given the hotel names and address of where you will be staying as well as other information before you depart.

Upon Arrival in Tel Aviv

What can I expect at Customs and Passport Control

There are kiosks on the way to passport control that will ask you to scan your passport and print out a ticket, this is your Visa for Entry. This will save you a lot of time in the Passport Control line. You MUST ALWAYS keep the ticket with your passport, this is your entry visa. If you are ever asked for this and cannot present it, it could be problematic.

You should tell the customs agent that you are coming in as a volunteer to serve.

What do I do when I arrive in Israel?

Once you have collected your luggage, go into the Arrival Hall and your FIRM host will be there to greet you. (They will be holding a sign with the group name)

Will we have a trip guide?

Yes, Israel’s best licensed, hand-picked trip guides will be provided during the trip.

Other Important Tips

Sun/Rain Protection

We will spend much of our time during the trip outdoors therefore ensure you bring sun lotion and appropriate outdoor gear to wear each day.

Drink Water

Even if you don’t feel thirsty, you will need to drink plenty of water as we travel together. This is to avoid getting headaches from dehydration. You can drink the tap water in your hotel room but many prefer bottled water. FIRM will provide bottled water on the bus free of charge.

Gratuity

Basic gratuities for the hotels, guides and drivers are included. You are always free to give extra gratuity for exemplary service. The going rates for gratuities (for meals purchased on your own) is 15-20%.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner are included at your hotels. Lunch can be bought for approximately US$20 per person per day and lunch locations will vary according to the group's location each day.

Israel Work Week

In Israel, the workweek is Sunday to Thursday. Shops and businesses are normally open on Fridays but close early afternoon for the Jewish Sabbath (or Shabbat). The Jewish Sabbath lasts from after sundown Friday to after sundown Saturday. Shops closed Saturdays for the Sabbath tend to open up Saturday night. Muslims and Christians observe their own Sabbaths on Friday and Sundays, respectively.