Sponsored by Ronald S. Lauder’s JNF Water Initiatives · Explore the Old City of Jerusalem with a walking tour through both the Jewish and Christian Quarters. Begin at the Southern

Jewish National Fund

ISRAEL H2OA TOUR ON THE TRAIL OF ISRAEL’S WATER SOLUTIONS

Sponsored by Ronald S. Lauder’s JNF Water Initiatives

November 29 - December 6, 2017

Tour Chair: Marc Kelman, Incoming Chair, National Water Task Force

JNF Staff: Talia Tzour Avner, Chief Israel Emissary

Guide: Issy Herzog

Wednesday, November 29: North

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Welcome to Israel!

Upon arrival into Ben Gurion airport today, meet the group and depart north for a tour of the state-of-the-art Eshkol Filtration Plant facility, which is the fourth largest filtration plant in the world. Learn about how the treated water is supplied by Mekorot, Israel’s National Water Company, to one-third of Israel’s population via the National Water Carrier.

Following a light lunch, we will stop at the beautiful Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) lookout, which is known for its incredible views as we review the topic of water in the region. Next, we will depart to Ramot Resort Hotel in the Golan Heights and enjoy an opening dinner in a private room at Ramot with special guest speaker Dr. Doron Markel, Monitoring and Manager of Lake Kinneret and its watershed for the Israel Water Authority. Dr. Markel will give an overview of Israel’s national water resources, the national carrier and the additional water sources like desalination, recycled water, geopolitics, and hydro politics.

Ramot Resort Hotel, Golan Heights

Itinerary is subject to change.

Clockwise from top: The Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, Eshkol Filtration Plant

Thursday, November 30: North

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Following an Israeli-style buffet breakfast at Ramot, we will depart for a guided tour through Agmon HaHula, a unique eco-system of regional and international importance—a significant and prominent center for eco-tourism in Israel and throughout the world. Here we will be met by a JNF representative to learn about the water journey that has made this area one of the most significant bird migration routes in the world.

Following that we will visit AMIAD, a high tech company located on Kibbutz Amiad which specializes in developing and marketing environmentally-friendly filtration systems for industrial, municipal, and agricultural use.

Afterward, visit the Shamir Drillings, a JNF initiative that involves drilling for new groundwater resources, freeing up fresh water and replenishing rivers and lakes that can also be used for agricultural purposes. Leading our tour will be Shabtai Glass, Manager of the Galilee Water Association, who will discuss the significance of the drillings and how they have helped Israel overcome some of its water challenges. Afterward, enjoy a light lunch with the group in the area.

Continue to the Banias Spring, one of the main tributaries in the Upper Golan between the Hula Valley and Mount Hermon, where we will witness the abundance of natural and historical beauty of the roaring Banias Waterfall. Proceed to the Mount Bental Observation Point for stunning views of the surrounding area including the Golan Heights landscape, several local Druze villages, Mount Hermon, and Syria, which lies just east of Mount Bental. Here we will understand the geopolitical and hydro political complexities of the region.

Upon returning from Mount Bental, enjoy dinner in a private room at Ramot with Sivan Ya’ari, Founder and CEO of Innovation Africa, an organization that brings Israeli solar, agricultural, and water technologies to rural African villages.

Moshav Ramot, Golan Heights

Itinerary is subject to change.

Banias Spring

Friday, December 1: North/Jerusalem

Itinerary is subject to change.

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Following breakfast and check-out, we will spend the morning exploring the Jordan River—learning about its opportunities and challenges. Next we will visit Yardenit on the banks of the Jordan River, a place with tranquility and spiritual beauty in which Jesus was baptized. We will learn about the rivers religious significance as well as its importance with regards to peace and our neighbors.

Moving on, we will travel downstream to the Lower Jordan River (Old Gesher) where we will hear from Ret. Ambassador Ram Aviram as he speaks about the Jordan River and how Israel is transitioning the conversation on water from one

of war to one of peace. We will then proceed to Jerusalem.

Upon arrival in Jerusalem we will head to Machane Yehudah Marketplace, widely known as “Shuk MachneYuda,” a true gem, as we experience the hustle and bustle of the entire city preparing for Shabbat. The market is widely recognized as a symbol of the Jerusalem as Jerusalemites see it as a place that represents them, symbolizes them, and gives them a unique identity in a larger Israeli social context. Take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the market as you enjoy lunch on your own. Arrive at Inbal Hotel in

Jordan River

time to check in and refresh before we depart for the Kotel (Western Wall) to celebrate the spirited ritual of Kabbalat Shabbat with other local Israelis. Shabbat dinner will be served at the hotel after candle lighting services.

Overnight Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem

Saturday, December 2: Shabbat

AM Today will be a leisure day in honor of Shabbat. Shabbat services will be offered to those who wish to attend. Alternatively, enjoy the day relaxing at the hotel, or consider participating in an optional walking tour of the Old City or a tour of the Dead Sea and Masada.

OPTION 1: Walking Tour of the Old City Explore the Old City of Jerusalem with a walking tour through both the Jewish and Christian Quarters. Begin at the Southern Wall Excavations to see the original steps that lead to the Temple Mount. Visit the Western Wall and listen to the soft sounds of prayer and contemplation. Continue to the Christian Quarter for a visit to the Church of Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the location of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Continue with a stroll down the Cardo, Jerusalem’s main street more than 2,000 years ago. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore the rest of the Old City’s four quarters at leisure.

OPTION 2: Masada & Dead Sea Tour* Spend the day at Masada and the Dead Sea. The bus will depart from the hotel early this morning and drive via the Judean Hills along the shores of

Itinerary is subject to change.

From left: Masada, Jerusalem Jewish Quarter

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the Dead Sea, the lowest place on Earth. Continue to Masada, the mountain fortress built by King Herod, where the Zealots made their final stand against the Romans. Learn about the history of the Jewish fighters before taking a cable car ride to the top of the Herodian Palace Complex. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before proceeding to the Dead Sea. Take a swim in the buoyant waters or simply relax at the beach. *Additional cost–not included in tour price.

Enjoy the evening and dinner at leisure, exploring Jerusalem at your own pace.

Inbal Hotel, Jerusalem

Sunday, December 3: Jerusalem/Tel Aviv

AM We will begin our morning with breakfast at the hotel and check out. The first stop of the day will be to HaGichon, Jerusalem’s water and wastewater utility where we will tour the command center with Zohar Yinon, CEO of Facility, and Avi Balashnikov, Chairman of HaGhichon and discuss how the facility is used as a model for smart water utility.

Proceed to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum & Memorial for a tour of Israel’s main Holocaust remembrance and education center, situated on the green slopes of Har HaZikaron, which translates to mean the “Mount of Remembrance.” See how the museum tells the stories of various Jewish communities in Europe through photographs, films, documents, and other artifacts and testimonials from survivors.

PM Take a step back in time with a visit to Ammunition Hill, site of the most pivotal battle of the Six-Day War. Walk through the battlegrounds and bunkers to follow in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought here with Yoel Rosby, JNF-Ammunition Hill Liaison. See the multimedia exhibit and movie that tells the story of this fierce battle and reunification of Jerusalem. End at JNF’s Wall of Honor, which commemorates Jewish veterans from around the world. A catered lunch will be served upon arrival.

Itinerary is subject to change.

Jerusalem

Continue to the JNF 9/11 Memorial, built in memory of the victims of the September 11 terrorist attack. It is the only place outside of the United States that recognizes the names of the people who were killed on 9/11. Participate in a special ceremony to honor those who lost their lives.

Depart for Tel Aviv where you will check in and enjoy dinner on the rooftop of the hotel, discussing the successes and challenges of the water economy in Israel with Giora Shacham, Chairman of Israel Water Authority.

Overnight Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Monday, December 4: Central/Tel Aviv

Itinerary is subject to change.

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Today we will be joined by Avraham Tenne, Former Head of the Desalination Division, Israel Water Authority.

After a hearty breakfast we will depart the hotel and arrive at the Sorek Desalination Plant, the world’s largest seawater desalination plant. See firsthand how this facility uses seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) to provide water to Israel’s population. Joining the group will be one of its owners Ronen Wolfman, CFO and Director of Hutchison Water and Former Chief Executive Officer of Mekorot. Continue to the Shafdan Wastewater Treatment Plant, the largest in Israel. Learn about how the plant recycles water from 22 municipalities in the center of the country, which is then piped to the northern Negev for much-needed irrigation use. Following the tour we will enjoy a catered lunch on site.

Next, visit a Rain Harvesting System at a local Israeli school to learn about how JNF in partnership with Green Horizon youth movement has implemented a unique educational program which has helped address Israel’s water crisis. Hear from JNF-Green Horizons Liaison Ido Reichman-Eisikovitz, as he explains how this young leadership group cultivates growth, self-confidence and independence among Israeli youth.

Continue to Tel Aviv where this evening, we will enjoy a walking tour of Sarona, a newly renovated complex in the heart of Tel Aviv. Originally a German Templar Colony, the site sits at the heart of what is a new central business district of the city, and today it houses boutique stores, artist galleries, quaint cafés, and some of the city’s hottest restaurants and bars. The tour will be led by the Executive Vice-Chairman Society for Preservation of Israel Heritage Sites Noa Gefen followed by dinner at Whiskey Bar, an underground restaurant.

Carlton Hotel, Tel Aviv

Rainwater harvesting Sorek Desalination Plant

Tuesday, December 5: Eilat/Arava

Itinerary is subject to change.

Early morning flight from Tel Aviv to Eilat.

Today we will be joined by Professor Eilon Adar, the Alain Pöher Chair of Hydrology and Arid Zones at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, where he will discuss the country’s water economy and scarcity as well as Israeli noble innovations in these fields.

On this day we will be visiting one of the most remote regions in Israel, The Arava. The Arava’s jurisdiction covers more than 22% of Israel’s landmass, but is inhabited by just 8,000 people scattered throughout several isolated communities. The Arava Region is not connected to the National Water Grid and through our tour we will discover and learn about the innovative and new water advancements that are being worked on to help bolster the water economy, agriculture, and population growth in the region.

AM We will begin our way through the region with a visit to Yotvata with Mayor Hanan Ginat, Mayor of the Eilot Region, where we will get an introduction on the region. Following that we will see the Eilot-Eilat Renewable Energy R&D Center in Yotvata.

As we continue to head north through the Arava we will take a stop for a light lunch at Timna Park, a site of great historical significance and a premier recreation destination for Israelis and tourists. See the wild ibex, acacia trees, and other arid-land vegetation that gives Timna Park its unique charm.

PM Proceed to the Central Arava. See first-hand how JNF is transforming the region and revolutionizing the land and lives of the people who live there. Gain insight into the complex challenges and obstacles facing the region, hear updates on the initiative to attract new residents and visitors, and see the progress being made in the Arava. Next we will visit the Paran Observation Point and meet with Mayor Eyal Blum, Mayor of the Central Arava and Noa Zer to hear an overview of agriculture and water sources in the area.

As we continue through the region we will head to Sapir, the regional service center for Central Arava—we will see all of the amazing JNF projects that have changed the face of the region, including the Medical Center, new Olympic pool, AICAT, and more.

We will conclude our visit to the Arava with the Yair agricultural R&D in Hatzeva. Following this incredible and packed day we will head to Beresheet in Mitzpe Ramon where we will have a relaxing dinner together.

Overnight Beresheet, Mitzpe Ramon

The AravaMitzpe Ramon

Wednesday, December 6: Arava/Departure

Itinerary is subject to change.

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You have the option to embark early this morning on an exciting sunrise jeep tour ride through the Ramon Crater. Discover the colorful landscapes and hidden treasures of this one-of-a-kind geological phenomenon.

Today we will be joined by Dr. Clive Lipchin, Director of the Center for Transboundary Water Management at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES): the leading graduate level environmental educational institute in the Middle East. As Director, Dr. Lipchin oversees research projects, workshops, and conferences that focus on transboundary water. Depart hotel to the Ramon Air Force Base where you will see JNF’s work come alive through the Ramon Wetlands Project—using cutting-edge wetlands technology to build an environmental reclamation area to recycle water using no electricity. Continue on to the Besor Reservoirs, along the Besor River, which allow floodwater and recycled water to be used to irrigate local farmers’ fields, while the dams erected in the riverbed halt the erosion caused by the swift water flow and help to enrich the groundwater.

Explore the developing region of Halutza, where several communities were built for young pioneers and their families who chose to move to this remote corner of the desert—which had never been inhabited or farmed—because they saw the development of the Negev as Israel’s next national mission. During a tour with Yedidya Harush, JNF-Halutza Liaison, see how Halutza is flourishing in its desert surroundings with the establishment of organic vegetable farms, greenhouses, new housing sites, and various public facilities such as a state-of-the-art Medical Center, followed by a tour of the new water drilling site.

Following lunch, arrive at Netafim, an Israeli pioneer of drip and micro-irrigation products for agriculture, greenhouse, landscape, and mining applications. We will meet with Naty Barak, Chief Sustaiablity Officer of Netafim, where we will learn about and visit the field to see first-hand the drip irrigation in action.

Next stop is Be’er Sheva, the capital of the Negev. Upon arrival, visit the Be’er Sheva River Park, the centerpiece of JNF’s efforts to create a renaissance for the city. Hear how this urban renewal project has served as an anchor of tourism and recreation. See the Pipes Bridge, a pedestrian and cycling bridge that links to the Old City of Be’er Sheva, and the 12,000-seat amphitheater now the largest in Israel. Afterward, participate in a special tree planting ceremony and contribute to JNF’s ongoing afforestation efforts in Israel.

We will wrap-up our incredible journey with a special farewell dinner in Be’er Sheva before transferring to Ben Gurion Airport for your return flights to the U.S.