Hope & Healing - Show Up and Serve Israel Trip - May 2024

Show Up and Serve Israel Trip

May 1-8, 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 may include, but itineraries are subject to change:

Host, care for and engage in activities with displaced families across Israel
Package grocery boxes for families living in bomb shelters
Support local farmers by harvesting crops on farms in the North or South
Serve meals to IDF soldiers
Paint and clean schools, houses, so displaced families can return home
Participate in intentional times of prayer and worship over Israel on the Mt of Olives, Sea of Galilee and potentially others as the schedule allows.

Individual Price: $2,299 USD

*This trip occurs during high-travel season in Israel. Price reflects the season and is based on double occupancy. If you don’t want to be placed with a same gender roommate, there is a single supplement option at an additional cost.

*There is a $500 non-refundable fee if you cancel after registration. However, there is the possibility of transferring your registration to another trip, minus the $500 fee.

Payment and registration due April 15, 2024

Flights

Participants must book and pay for their own flights. We highly recommend that you book your flights into Israel on El Al Airlines. However, if you choose another airline please beware that there is always a chance they will cancel depending on the situation on the ground. 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 in the afternoon on May 1st. Please see the “What’s Included Section” below for further details on the airport transfers.

If you arrive outside the arrival window, on a earlier day and/or depart on a later day. You are responsible for your own transportation and hotel stay.

Tentative Itinerary Details

Tuesday, April 30 – Departure Day

This applies to most of you, especially those coming from the US. You should be actually arriving in Israel on May 1st

Wednesday, May 1 – Travel Day/Transfer to hotel

Arrival in Israel and transfer to hotel
Overnight in Jerusalem

Thursday, May 2 – Orientation and service Day

Breakfast and Orientation with FIRM
Overnight in Jerusalem

Friday, May 3 – Service Day

Service Day
Shabbat Dinner at Hotel
Overnight in Tiberias

Saturday, May 4 – Service Day

Service Day
Overnight in Tiberias

Sunday, May 5 – Service Day

Sea of Galilee Boat Ride
Service Day
Overnight in Jerusalem

Monday, May 6 – Touring Day

Mount of Olives, Palm Sunday Path, Garden of Gethsemane, Southern Steps, Western Wall
Overnight in Jerusalem

Tuesday, May 7 – Service and Departure Day

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

Wednesday, May 8 – Travel Day

Transfers to Ben Gurion Airport depending on flight departure times.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

May 1–May 8, 2024

Seven nights stay in 4 star hotels
One group transfer between hotel and airport upon arrival and departure. This is for the majority of the group. This will be scheduled around the arrival times of the most participants. If you arrive outside that window, you can either arrange your own transportation or for an additional cost we can arrange that for you.
Travel by private, air-conditioned, deluxe motor coach.
Breakfast and dinner provided each day at the hotel.
Lunch will be served on the work sites.
Service Opportunities
Tour Components
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
Travel Insurance (required)
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.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Israel?

That entirely depends on the passport you carry. It’s your responsibility to know if you need a visa before you can travel to Israel.

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. 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 including having security on each bus. 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 free of charge.

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. Be prepared to ruin some clothes - cleaning, painting etc.

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. We encourage you to initially exchange your money at the airport as we can’t guarantee access to other locations.

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.

We will provide you with a letter to show them if necessary. However, we are seeing that if you tell them you are here to visit and serve Israel, that seems to be well received.

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.

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.

How will we communicate?

WhatsApp, will be used for communication during the trip. Please make sure you have it downloaded prior to arriving in Israel.

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. Because of the locations we are serving lunch is often being pre-ordered and delivered. Because of this we are asking people to prepay for lunch during registration, we can’t guarantee there will be an option to buy lunch on the spot. It’s also important that you let us know if you have dietary restrictions.

Free Time?

Evenings when we arrive back at the hotel are your free time. How much will vary based on what service project we just completed.

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.