Federation Launches “Mission Mosaic” Journey to Israel Nov. 3-10

Posted on 02/15/2013 @ 06:58 AM

Members of Miami's Jewish community have a new opportunity to experience the mosaic that is Israel by joining the Greater Miami Jewish Federation on Mission Mosaic, November 3 through November 10, 2013.

Mission Mosaic will allow participants to shape their Israel experience based on their own interests. A menu of different tracks has been designed for first-time visitors, as well as for those wishing to explore Israel from various points of view.

The tracks include:

Discover Israel - Perfect for first-time visitors and those who have not been to Israel in many years and want to experience the "must-see" sites.

The Israeli Entrepreneurial Spirit - Visit high-tech companies and hear from corporate visionaries. Learn what makes Israel the "Start-Up Nation."

Footsteps of the Bible - Tiyul and Tanach ~ With the Bible as your guide, travel across Israel's landscape while having fun learning about ancient civilizations and cultures.

Politics and Security - Understand the complexity of the land of Israel from a political and security perspective. Meet with and hear from high-level dignitaries.

Food, Wine and Art - Visit Israel's art museums and villages as well as private collections, meet renowned artists, dine with private chefs, tour and enjoy wineries – and more.

The Dynamic Israel Trail - Bike and hike through the landscape of the country, paraglide, skydive, zip line, and ride a dragon boat and 4x4. Perfect for the adventure lover!

All Mission Mosaic participants will come together for community programs and events. In a year with two major milestones — the 65th anniversary of the creation of the modern State of Israel and the 75th anniversary of Federation's founding — participants will celebrate Miami's ongoing partnership with the people of Israel by seeing it firsthand.

Beginning on October 28, there also will be an optional Pre-Mission to Morocco, focusing on that nation's rich history and culture. After Mission Mosaic, participants can stay on in Jerusalem for The Jewish Federations of North America's General Assembly, where thousands of Jews from across North America come together to share innovations, celebrate achievements and be inspired by noteworthy speakers.

"No matter how many times you've been to Israel, Mission Mosaic will offer something special for you," said William Lehman, a Federation Past Board Chair who is heading up the Mission. "If you've been there many times before, you can create the trip of your dreams, based on what you want to see and do. And if you've never been there, this is a great year to go. Just imagine being in Israel during her 65th anniversary year, and celebrating Federation's 75th anniversary there, as well."

Jacob Serfati is Morocco Pre-Mission Chair, and Brian Bilzin and Robert Berrin are Advisory Co-Chairs. To date, Mission Vice Chairs include Dr. Mark Gordon, Sandi-Jo Gordon, Elena Salomon, Sheree Savar and Linda Schechter.

Mission Mosaic follows the success of Federation's Miami Mega Mission to Israel, which brought more than 700 people to Israel last April, making it the largest community trip of its kind in more than a decade.

"Those from Miami who were there with us were so inspired by what they saw, and the people of Israel were so excited that we traveled there to support them," Lehman said. "With Mission Mosaic, we are continuing that sense of community and connection that you can only get on a Federation mission."

To register, click here.

To learn about available subsidies for early registration and first-time mission participants, click here.

To learn about costs and mission inclusions, click here.

In addition, Federation is hosting a number of informational meetings in coming days and weeks at private homes and small venues. To find out about an event, contact Federation’s Missions Department at [email protected] or 786.866.8436.

All participants will be asked to make a meaningful contribution to the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, to help support Jewish needs in Miami, in Israel and worldwide.

For more information, visit JewishMiami.org/missionmosaic or email [email protected]. To find about an upcoming informational meeting and see the tentative itinerary, contact Lawrence Muscant at 305.705.0800 or Karen Weiner at 786.866.8436.