Take a Peek into Miami Mega Mission Israel Itinerary

Masada, a rocky cliff at the western end of Israel’s Judean Desert, combines natural splendor with deep historic meaning, making it a “must-see” for many travelers. But for participants of Miami Mega Mission Israel 2012, breathtaking views and Jewish history will be just part of the Masada experience.

“Imagine ascending Masada on Yom Ha’atzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day – with hundreds of your friends and neighbors,” said Saby Behar, Miami Mega Mission Chair, “and reaching the mountaintop in time to watch the sun set. Imagine not only touring the sites of Masada, but also participating in a meaningful prayer ceremony with rabbis from our community.

“And that’s just the beginning of the adventure,” he said.

As night falls and with Masada aglow from torchlight, participants will descend together down the Roman Ramp to the desert floor, where they will enjoy an unforgettable Mega Event featuring dinner beneath the stars and an extraordinary musical performance by dynamic Israeli pop singer Einat Sarouf.

“This and the four other spectacular Mega Events that are planned will truly make this a memorable, meaningful and magical journey,” said Behar.

From April 22 through May 1, 2012, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Mega Mission will take 800 members of Miami’s Jewish community on a transformational journey across Israel. With meticulous attention to every detail, Federation is filling the nine-day itinerary with activities and encounters that will inspire and impress even the most seasoned traveler. The partnership with Miami synagogues and community agencies – which are helping with recruitment efforts – is making the Mega Mission a community-wide experience.

While Mission-goers will travel each day with their own buses to separate places of interest, all participants will gather for the Mega Events, which will feature world-renowned entertainers, high-level guest speakers, and extraordinary surprises.

“This is going to be the trip of a lifetime,” said Federation Board Chair Barbara Black Goldfarb. “People will not only feel connected to the land of Israel, but also to their Jewish heart and soul.”

Upon arrival in Israel, participants will be welcomed at an Israel Defense Forces base, where they will meet with military officials. Later, they’re off to the first Mega Event – a celebration of this extraordinary Mission complete with a welcome from Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, a solidarity parade down Jaffa Street, a musical performance and a delicious dinner buffet featuring local delicacies and wine.

The following days of the journey will be a whirlwind of sites and sounds, special personal moments and thrilling group adventures. From tours of the holiest city in the world, Jerusalem, to commemorating Yom Hazikaron (Israel Remembrance Day) with Israeli soldiers to celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut with the people of Israel, this Mega Mission will be an unforgettable experience. Participants will also have the opportunity to visit programs and organizations that receive funding from the Annual Federation/UJA Campaign, and to see how contributions are making a difference in the lives of Israelis.

On one of the Mega Mission days, participants will also be able to change buses and explore a track that suits their personal interest. The various options include: arts and culture, fashion and shopping, nature, extreme adventure, food and wine, high-tech, legal, medical and more. Each track is formatted to provide a unique perspective for each participant.

“It's an experience that is difficult to convey,” said Behar, a veteran of many Israel missions, including two Mega Missions. “But when you’re on a Mega Mission with your friends and family members, you don’t have to describe it. You are sharing Israel together.”

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). For participants ages 22-39, the Mega Mission with charter air is $2,650 per person (double occupancy, space limited) and $1,800 per person ages 22-39 (double occupancy, space limited) for land only. 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 $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].

What Is a Mega Event?

Learn about the Pre-Mission to Poland.