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The Many Faces of Israeli Society

The Many Faces of Israeli Society

 

We at Nitzan Tours believe that during every visit to Israel it's important that our clients have the chance to get a first-hand look at some of the many and varied faces of Israeli society. We hope that this will broaden their knowledge of the country and its people while unraveling for them the many layers and relevant issues facing the Israeli society, expose them to unique experiences not found anywhere else in the world, allow them to form a connection with the values and goals of this multi-faceted culture and people, and finally to take part in one or more of a myriad of hands-on experiences, leaving their mark even following their departure from the country.

 

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Visit an Army Base

Have the unique experience of visiting an army base where you'll meet with one of the soldiers who will give you a brief tour and explanation of the workings of the base. Take part in a discussion with uniformed soldiers and have the time to ask them general and personal questions about their service in the IDF. There's also the possibility of having lunch or refreshments with the soldiers or planting a tree at the base.

 

This is an extraordinary experience which will prove to be one of the highlights of your trip.

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Plant a Tree

participate in a unique experience – Plant a Tree with Your Own Hands. By planting trees in Israel, you give something of yourself, and while your trees grow they continually improve the quality of Israel’s environment. As the years go by, the sapling you plant will grow and flourish, beautifying the Land of the Bible.

 

This can be planted in honor or in memory of someone or dedicated to a family member or friend to mark a special occasion like a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding or birth of a child.

 

You can either do it with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) OR at Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve.

 !Tree planting is a unique experience that carries on flourishing long after your trip is over.

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Seminars and Encounters

Natal

Established in 1998, NATAL – the Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, is an apolitical organization providing multidisciplinary treatment and support to direct and indirect victims of trauma due to terror and war in Israel. NATAL ‘s mission is to lead the way in the field of trauma, and to advance the resiliency of Israeli society through treatment, prevention, public awareness and research. NATAL’s services have touched the lives of over 350,000 men, women and children. In collaboration with the American Friends of NATAL, NATAL provides trainings to various trauma-related organizations, institutions and nonprofits working in different communities across the United States.

 

Ma'aleh School Films

The Ma'aleh School's unique, cutting-edge films build bridges across all sectors of Israeli society, fostering a deeper understanding and dialogue between religious and secular populations. The films are a powerful catalyst for discussing deep issues of Jewish and Israeli identity and inspiring people.

 

Givat Haviva

Givat Haviva is the national education center of Israel's Kibbutz Federation. Founded in 1949 it is the most veteran institution in Israel promoting reconciliation between Jews and Arabs as a first step towards creating a new shared community, coexistence and equality in the society. Take part in seminars and encounters which focus on the status of Israel's Arab citizens and meet with Jewish and Arab staff members who deal with the daily realities of trying to make a difference to bring about a more positive future for all.  Subjects that will be discussed may include: Who are the Arab citizens of Israel? Who are the Palestinians? What do they share in common and what really is different? What is the relationship between the Arab citizens of Israel and the Palestinians? What is the relationship between the Arab and Jewish citizens of Israel? What and where are the Green Line and security fence?

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The Ultra-Orthodox Culture

Mea Shearim - Take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Jerusalem’s largest religious communities.   Mea Shearim was established in 1874 and is known as Jerusalem's "hard core" ultra-Orthodox neighborhood. As you enter this unique community you'll step back in time and learn about their ancient traditions, strict rules pertaining to their dress, food, relationships and all aspects of their life.

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Kabbalah

The city of Kabbalah, Tzfat is where the Zohar, Jewish mysticism, was founded and developed during the Middle Ages following the arrival of many of the greatest Kabbalistic scholars of the time arrived in the city after the expulsion from Spain in 1492.

 

Participate in a course, workshop, or lecture examining some of the diverse aspects of the Kabbalah:

 

Introduction to Kabbalah – A fascinating talk and short movie will reveal the secrets and mystical wisdom of this spiritual philosophy that has swept the world.  Why do so many people, leaders, scientists, celebrities and spiritual mentors follow the teachings of the Kabbalah?

 

Intimacy, Love & Kabbalah – Listen to a fascinating talk about relationships as set out by the Kabbalah with practical tools for improving them.

 

Scribe Workshop – learn how Tefillan and Torah scrolls are written, how the ink and parchment are made, the art of writing with feather quills, etc.

 

The "Secret Workshop' – Learn all about the meaning of your name, zodiac sign and date of birth, according to the Kabbalah – the DNA of the soul.

 

There are also many more activities such as candle-making workshops, art and calligraphy workshops, etc.

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Israeli Art

Explore the vibrant diversity of Israeli society through its artistic soul.  Israel is a living laboratory of what it means to be a pluralistic democracy, encouraging freedom of expression and individual imagination in each precious tile that makes up its cultural mosaic. We will explore the cultural motifs which continuously serve as sources of inspiration in the Israeli artistic scene. Meet artists, participate in hands-on workshops, and tour iconic sites with an eye towards the power of art to create, transform and mirror society.

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Volunteering Opportunities

During your visit in Israel you can take part in any of a number of volunteer activities from different fields, even incorporating the activity into bar/bat mitzvah trips which will provide an added value of social awareness to the celebrations.

 

Leket Israel -  Spent a few hours volunteering with Israel’s National Food Bank and leading food rescue network which is currently rescuing and providing food to hundreds of organizations serving people in need throughout Israel.  Through various projects and programs in Israel, including Project Leket of gleaning fields, Night-Time Food Rescue and Sandwiches for School Kids, Leket Israel and all of their volunteers work hard to help and feed the hungry and malnourished throughout Israel.

 

Yad L'kashish - A Jerusalem non-profit empowering low income elderly through meaningful work opportunities, essential social and financial benefits as well as promoting positive attitudes towards seniors through intergenerational connections.

 

Pantry Packers® - The food distribution arm of Tzedakah Central/Colel Chabad, the oldest continuously operating network of social services in Israel, was established in 1788. Every month Pantry Packers® delivers crates containing all the necessary foods and household maintenance supplies to Israel’s poorest families and senior citizens.

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