What Is a Mega Event?
Dudu Fisher
With more than 800 participants traveling together through Israel and an itinerary packed with activities, it’s easy to see why the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is calling its 2012 Mission to Israel a Mega Mission. But what is a Mega Event?
It’s a Mission event that celebrates in a big way. From first-rate entertainment to surprises for participants, these events will make the Mega Mission memorable for everyone. While the buses will be taking different travel tracks throughout the time in Israel, all 800 Mission-goers will share the Mega Events together.
In fact, Miami Mega Mission 2012 features five Mega Events, with the first taking place within hours of the participants’ arrival in Israel. After a visit to an IDF base, everyone will meet at Safra Square for a warm welcome from Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. Then, as live music plays, all will parade in solidarity with Israel to the Jaffa Gate for a spectacular musical performance and a dinner buffet featuring local delicacies.
The second Mega Event takes participants from the somber Yom Hazikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) to the joyous Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day). Participants will tour the grounds of the Israel Museum, enjoying food and wine as they visit the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare manuscripts. The evening will culminate in a performance by renowned Israeli singer Shuly Nathan – who made Jerusalem of Gold popular worldwide.
Majestic Masada is the setting for the third Mega Event. After an afternoon atop the historic peak, participants will descend by foot down the Roman Ramp lit dramatically by torches. Then, as night falls and with the spectacle of Masada glowing before them, Mission-goers will enjoy a dinner beneath the desert stars. An extraordinary performance by Israeli pop singer Einat Sarouf will have participants dancing and singing into the night.
The fourth Mega Event will take place in the stunning Beit She’an Archaeological Park. Ancient cities will come alive at a bustling street fair with wares from Israeli artisans, street performers and an array of unique foods. The highlight of the evening will be a musical evening with illustrious Broadway and stage entertainer Dudu Fisher, who will perform traditional and contemporary songs in the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater.
The Mega Mission concludes with Mega Event number five, a farewell party at S’dot Yam, a kibbutz in the Haifa area. Participants will watch the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea and share memories of their amazing journey together as they enjoy a family-style dinner, drinks, dancing and music.
Prices for the Mega Mission start at only $2,500 per person based on land only ($1,800 for participants ages 22-39) double occupancy, and include luxury accommodations, most meals, tours, Mission programs and Mega Events. Federation’s Mega Mission staff can assist participants with information about flights to Israel, as well as other arrangements.
For more information, click here or contact Katy Boyask, Mega Mission Manager, at 786.866.8466 or [email protected].
