Our mission offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from leading experts working on the front lines of trauma recovery in Israel, to engage with the complexities of trauma response, and to participate in profound, meaningful dialogue. Participants will gain insight into the nuanced challenges of healing in a conflict zone, while also experiencing firsthand the resilience and innovative approaches that define Israel's response to trauma. This journey is not only centered around learning, but also designed to foster deep connections, expand perspectives, and cultivate a shared commitment to support Israelis affected by trauma.
It is also hoped that participants will share the knowledge gained upon their return. By helping others understand how Israelis are responding to the challenges they face, participants can play a key role in fostering greater support for Israel during these challenging times.
This mission is an opportunity for professionals to engage with Israel in meaningful ways—building long-term connections, offering support, and growing understanding.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of trauma and resilience through expert-led presentations, discussions, and immersive experiences.
Beyond acquiring knowledge of Israel’s cutting-edge approaches to healing trauma, participants will build a sense of connection and shared purpose over the course of the mission. Through shared experiences, exposure to the realities on the ground, rich conversations, and connections that form along the way, participants will leave with greater insight, a strengthened commitment to Israel, and enhanced motivation to contribute in meaningful and impactful ways.
The mission is not limited to mental health professionals. While we welcome social workers, nurses, psychologists, and their spouses, it is also open to others—regardless of profession—who have a deep commitment to Israel. Credentials are far less important than the ability to engage with respect and sincerity.
Certain sessions will be intense and emotionally challenging, so it is essential that all participants have the capacity to approach moments of conflict, discomfort, and pain with calmness, respect, and a shared sense of purpose, without contributing to polarization or division within the group or with others. For this reason, we cannot accommodate individuals who may be antagonistic, disruptive, or disrespectful toward speakers or fellow participants. Our mission is about support, learning, and solidarity in a highly sensitive environment.
Our intention is to document the mission via video to support future learning. Participants will be asked to sign relevant waivers.
Many opportunities to volunteer therapy services are available through various organizations in the US and in Israel. This trip, however, is designed as an informative and empathic mission on trauma management as participants connect with top trauma experts in Israel about their work and their discoveries in the post-October 7 context.
A trained security guard will accompany our group at all times (with the exception of Shabbat when everyone will be on their own). Your safety is a top priority. Our trip is organized in partnership with Makor Journeys, an organization with extensive experience planning group travel in Israel that coordinates closely with Israeli security authorities to ensure the highest standards of safety.
Makor recommends the HomeFront Command app; its information comes straight from the IDF, and identifies where you are through your GPS. If you're in an area where the sirens will go off, the app notifies you on your phone.
Our maximum is 25 participants.
Please notify Deborah Boyar if you are interested in being paired with a roommate. We’ll coordinate that information and do our best to connect you if possible.
We have arranged a private luxury bus for our group. We will travel together on the same bus throughout the trip. Water will be provided daily on the bus.
Getting a local SIM card is highly recommended to stay connected, navigate easily, and coordinate with others.
Popular options include:
Local SIM cards usually offer affordable data plans and good coverage throughout the country. You can buy them at the airport, mobile stores, or online before your trip.
Yes. Makor recommends cancellation insurance and supplemental medical coverage to cover preexisting conditions, and has made arrangements with SMS-Travel Insurance Center of Omaha, Nebraska. The promo code for our trip is IGT-MAKOR.
SMS has over 25 years of experience as worldwide insurance brokers and can help you choose the policy that best meets your needs. Yonah Engel is Makor's contact person.
Most travel insurance policies must be purchased within 21 days of your first registration payment in order to receive maximum coverage (pre-existing conditions, bankruptcy insurance, etc).
Trip costs are all pre-paid expenses (e.g. airfare + land costs).
Even if you do not yet know the final trip cost (e.g. flights), provide the amount you do know. At a later date, the insurance premium can be amended if necessary.
Trip dates should be listed as the entire period away from home
travelinsurance36@gmail.com
1-402-404-5205
Promo code: IGT-MAKOR
Participants are responsible for booking their own flights.
Please send all your flight details to Harel Rosengarten at Makor.
Makor will provide one group arrival transfer from Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv on June 15, and one group departure transfer from Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport on June 22. These group transfers will be scheduled to accommodate the largest number of arrivals and departures. Outside of these group transfers, participants will need to cover the cost of their own airport transportation.
To arrange other paid airport pickups, including optional VIP service to get you through airport security faster; contact Harel Rosengarten at Makor. You can also take the train from the airport, which is cheaper and likely faster than a taxi.
Yes.
On certain dates, which are indicated on the itinerary, there will be group lunches and dinners. At other times, you’ll be on your own.
Tips are not included. In Israel, it’s customary to tip guides $8 per day and drivers $4 per day. For our journey, we suggest bringing approximately $100 US or 350NIS (Israeli shekels) to cover this expense. We will collect contributions at the end of the mission and distribute tips on your behalf, so there’s no need for you to manage tipping.
If available, Makor will send participants a link that participants can use to invite their Israeli guests to register for certain events, along with information about the opportunities. It's uncertain whether this will be possible, but if so, participants will be given as much advance notice as possible.
Makor is happy to arrange additional hotel nights for participants at the mission hotels (or any hotels of their preference). Contact Harel Rosengarten at Makor for assistance.
As of January 1, 2025, all travelers to Israel who do not hold an Israeli passport are required to obtain a valid Electronic Travel Authorization - ETA-IL - prior to departing for Israel. You must complete the online application and payment (approximately $7 U.S.) before your flight to Israel. Your registration will be valid for two years, and each visit to Israel can last up to 90 days. Please visit these sites to learn more and apply for your ETA-IL:
Be sure to keep the blue B2 visa form you receive at passport control.
Present it when you check in to hotels—it exempts you from paying 17% VAT.
Take a photo of the form to ensure you have a copy in case it gets lost.