Baltimore Zionist District Plans First Mission to Israel Since Outset of the Pandemic

(Provided photo)

When it comes to tourism, Israel tends to sell itself, with its wealth of historical and religious sites, stunning beaches and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, bustling cities and vibrant nightlife, as well as other points of interest and intrigue.

But the past two years have been incredibly challenging, to say the least, for Israel’s tourism industry due to COVID-19.

The Baltimore Zionist District is currently planning its first trip to Israel since the outset of the pandemic. The mission is for adults ages 55 and up, geared toward first-time visitors as well as individuals who have toured Israel on multiple occasions.

Adi Ratzon
Adi Ratzon (Provided Photo)

Jmore recently spoke with Adi Ratzon, BZD’s shlicha, or Israel emissary, about the trip, which takes place Mar. 22 to Apr. 5, 2022. Ratzon, 31, is a native of the Israeli city of Ramat Gan.

Jmore: What is your role with the upcoming Israel Tour for Adults? 

Ratzon: With my position as Israel shlicha at the BZD, my role was to initiate and ultimately create the full itinerary for the Israel trip. Additionally, I speak with each registrant to discuss trip details, Israel regulations and updates as they become available.

Why is this trip for people 55 and older?

Over the past 21 months, the BZD has been providing free virtual programs that have been engaging and targeting the 55-and-older community. Our programs have had such great success with tours reaching over 800 people on Tuesday mornings.

Due to this success and the relationships we have built with our members, we decided this would be the appropriate time to run an adults-only trip.

Do you prefer participants who’ve been to Israel before? 

The itinerary was purposely built for those who have never visited Israel and for those who have traveled to Israel many times before.

In your press release, you describe it as a “life changing” journey. How so? 

At BZD, we feel that every trip to Israel is ‘life changing.’ As an Israel shlicha, my goal is to take as many people to Israel as possible, to experience an authentic and direct connection to the land and the people.

There is no feeling like the one of stepping off the plane and feeling like you’re at home. Whether you are coming with us for the first time or the 10th time, it will be life changing. That’s our promise.

Where will the participants go during those two weeks? 

We will be starting in Tel Aviv, heading up to the north and finishing the trip in Jerusalem. Some highlights include [the northern city of] Safed, the new ANU Museum [of the Jewish People, in Tel Aviv], the Western Wall tunnels, the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation [in Tel Aviv-Jaffa].

Who will participants meet?

Local artists in Safed, community members in Netiv Ha’asara [a moshav, or cooperative settlement, in southern Israel].

Who will lead the trip? 

The trip will be led by expert English-speaking tour guide Jacob Shoshan

What makes this Israel trip different from others? 

We will be joined by people from not only the Baltimore area but from all over the country who have been engaging in our online events for the duration of the pandemic and are eager to meet one another and be in Israel after being exposed to over a dozen virtual tours of Israel.

Will you go to Ashkelon, Baltimore’s sister city? 

Yes, we will be visiting Ashkelon and walk through the archeological park and the marina.

Is there a chance the trip could be canceled because of a resurgence COVID?

There is always a chance with any trip in today’s world.

Will would-be participants be able to get refunds if that’s the case? 

Yes, participants would get a full refund.

Are you planning more trips yet for younger Jews?

Yes, I am currently working on the itinerary for our month long Summer Teen Trip, which is set for July 7 to Aug. 4 of 2022.

How can people get information? 

To get information about the adult trip, people can visit bzdisrael.org/israel-travel. For information about our teen trip, people can contact me directly at 410-484-4510 or adi@bzdisrael.org

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