What Is a Mega Event?
With more than 800 participants traveling together through Israel and an itinerary packed with activities from sunup to well past sundown, 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. “They’re big in scope – the first-rate entertainment they offer, the surprises in store for participants, the things that will make the Mega Mission memorable for everyone,” said Saby Behar, Miami Mega Mission 2012 Chair. “And, while the buses will be taking different travel tracks throughout the time we are in Israel, all of us will share the Mega Events.”
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 the people of Israel to the Jaffa Gate for a spectacular musical performance and a delicious dinner buffet featuring local delicacies and wine.
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 share in a spectacular evening on the grounds of the newly renovated Israel Museum, enjoying food and wine as they visit the Shrine of the Book, which houses the Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare manuscripts. A meaningful commemorative ceremony and a high-level guest speaker are other highlights of the evening, which will culminate in a performance by legendary Israeli singer Shuly Nathan – who made Jerusalem of Gold popular worldwide – and Yom Ha’atzmaut fireworks over Mount Herzl.
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 memorable dinner beneath the desert stars. An extraordinary performance by Israeli pop singer Einat Sarouf will have participants dancing and singing into the night.
Time stands still at the stunning Beit She’an Archaeological Park, where the fourth Mega Event will take place. The ancient marketplace will come alive at a bustling street fair with wares from Israeli artisans, street performers and an array of unique and tempting foods. The highlight of the evening will be the 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, near Caesarea. Participants will gather together to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea and to share memories of their amazing journey together as they enjoy a family-style dinner, drinks, dancing, music and more.
For a glimpse of the full Mega Mission itinerary, click here.
Prices for Miami Mega Mission start at just $3,600 per person (double occupancy) and include a non-stop, round-trip, coach-class El Al charter flight from Miami to Tel Aviv (limited availability); for land only, prices are from $2,500 per person (double occupancy). Included in all packages are luxury accommodations in Jerusalem, most meals, individual bus tours and excursions, and all Mega Events. Participants will also be asked to make a meaningful contribution to the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign. Itinerary is subject to change. Charter packages are subject to a $300 fuel surcharge per person.
Already, more than 630 people have registered for Miami Mega Mission Israel 2012. Space is still available, but going fast. To secure a place on this life-changing adventure, make a $500 deposit (fully refundable until September 30, 2011) by clicking here and visiting the Mega Mission website, MiamiMegaMission2012.org. For more information, contact Katy Boyask, Mega Mission Manager, at 786.866.8466 or [email protected].
Read about the Miami Mega Mission itinerary.
Learn about the Pre-Mission to Poland.
