Chabad West Hampstead 2nd Trip to Israel Program 

Monday April 1st

Aza haktana:
Early morning trip from Jerusalem to Tzeleim Army base, Shacharit and breakfast with the soilders followed by a visit to Small Gaza
( where the army have built a mock Gaza city in order to train) 

Overlook the Gaza Border:
Look out over Gaza and see the complex dynamics of Israel’s war firsthand. Hear an in-depth briefing from a top Shabak (secret service) official, examining the challenges and opportunities ahead for Israel.

Encounter Resilience in Sderot: 
Experience Sderot’s resilience. Visit the city control room and the police station that Hamas terrorists overran on October 7, meet survivors, soldiers who battled Hamas on that fateful day, residents who returned amid fighting, and the Pizem family—whose Chabad House continues to operate under fire.

Lunch at Chabad Sderot 

Re'im Car cemetery: 
Encounter the solemn monument, presented by the heartrending scene of burnt-out cars outside the Re’im forest.

Kfar Aza: 
Bear witness to the horrors of October 7 as they unfolded at the kibbutzim and communities on Gaza’s border. Hear the personal stories of those who lived through the attack and see the heartbreaking destruction that terror wrought on these peaceful communities.

Nova festival grounds:
Walk through the silent forest where, the terrible Nova Music Festival massacre unfolded and pay tribute to the victims.

Treat the IDF to a grand lavish  Barbecue:
Host IDF combat troops on the Gaza border for a lively barbecue dinner complete with live music and dancing. Experience true solidarity, and show your support for the brave fighters putting their lives on the line for our people’s future.

 

Options to extend the trip before and/or after 

 

Sunday March  31st 

Marcus MDA National Blood Bank:
Join us as we tour the Marcus MDA National Blood Bank, Ramle.
See the modern Israeli fortress that safeguards a lifesaving blood supply against biological, chemical, or missile attacks—a poignant reminder of our nation’s strength and preparedness.

Tel Shiloh- site of the Tabernacle: 
Discover the fascinating site where the Tabernacle (Mishkan) once stood. Explore what was once the epicenter of ancient Jewish life before the construction of Jerusalem’s permanent Temple.

Samuel’s Resting Place & visit the Western wall: 
Soak in the stunning view from Nebi Samuel—the burial place of the prophet Samuel. Gain an appreciation for these mountains from their ancient history to their modern context and see where I would spend my shabbat afternoons :) Followed by a spiritual experience at the Western Wall and a lovely dinner in one of the restaurants on the mamila midrechov. 

 

Tuesday April 2nd 

We will have a trip starting early morning till the late afternoon.

Shura base: 
Visit the Shura Base, where final rites are performed for fallen soldiers and terror victims. Experience a solemn moment of reflection and pay tribute to those who paid the ultimate price

Wounded IDF Soldiers: 
Visit soilders recovering from battle. Hear stories of bravery both in battle and in rehabilitation and meet the dedicated medical teams working around the clock to heal our heroes

Volunteer at Leket Israel: 
Roll up your sleeves and get a chance to contribute to Israel’s home front at Leket Israel. Help those whose work is all but impossible in wartime.

Kikar Hachatufim: 
We end our trip as we meet former hostages and hostage families at Tel Aviv’s Kikar Hahatufim. Hear their stories of resilience, connect with their harrowing experience, and share the pain they continue to feel.