Sunday, September 15, 2013

Terms And Conditions


A new way to see Israel and beyond
VISAS / TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
TERMS & CONDITIONS

All travelers are responsible to check the Visa Requirements for the countries they are visiting or passing through prior to departure. Passports, Visas, and other travel documents must be valid for the dates of travel. US citizens do not require a visa to visit Israel. For all other destinations, it is the travelers’ responsibility to check the visa requirements. All travelers’ passports must be valid for at least SIX (6) months from the departure date.
DEPOSITS & PAYMENTS
All services are on a request basis and subject to both AIR and/or LAND availability.
 For Individuals
Air Travel: it is required to purchase AIR tickets in full within 24 hours or as instructed by the airline.
Land Travel: at time of booking LAND only, a deposit of $250 per person is required. Full & Final Payment is required no later than 60 days prior to departure.
 For Groups
A Registration Form must be completed with full names as they appear on the passport, and should be signed and mailed along with a deposit check to GO ISRAEL NA. Receipt of deposit and a signed registration form shall constitute as an agreement to our Terms and Conditions. If final payment is received less than 60 days prior to departure, a late fee in the amount of $50.00 will apply. Any payments made by credit card (we accept Visa & MasterCard only) to GO ISRAEL NA must include a completed Credit Card Authorization Form faxed or emailed to us. All payments made by check should be made payable to GO ISRAEL NA. Certain GROUPS or SPECIAL PROMOTIONS may have different deadlines for payment and/or different deposit amounts.
LATE RESERVATION
If a booking is made within 60 days of departure, full payment is due at time of booking. There will be a $50.00 late processing fee applicable PLUS cost of any express or overnight mail services. Personal checks will not be accepted with reservations made 30 days or less prior to departure. Money order, bank wire, certified bank check, or credit card (Visa / MasterCard) payments will be accepted.
LATE PAYMENT
Payments received AFTER the due date may incur a $50.00 late payment fee. If you are part of a group and your payment is not submitted by the due date, you may incur a possible increase in airfare cost. Travel documents will not be sent until payment is received in full. Surcharges for express or overnight mail services may apply.
REFUNDS, CHANGES, & CANCELLATIONS
Up to 60 days prior to departure: $125-$250 penalty (i.e. initial deposit)* 59 to 45 days prior to departure: $500 penalty *
44 to 30 days prior to departure: $1,000 penalty *
29 to 0 days to departure: 100% non-refundable.
Toll free: 1 (888) 478-4691 | Tel: (201) 336-0409 | Fax: (201) 475-0298 | Mobile: (201) 726-8959 E-mail: Book Now@goisraelNA.com | Website: www.goisraelNA.com

A new way to see Israel and beyond
FOR HOTEL BOOKING ONLY
14 days prior to arrival: $50 cancellation fee
7 nights prior to arrival: cancellation fee is equivalent to the cost of 2 nights Less than 7 nights prior to arrival: 100% non-refundable.
 No refunds will be made for any unused services including hotels, sightseeing, transfers, meals, domestic/International flights. Should the service be cancelled or missed by the supplier- the latter’s policy will apply.
 Any change to a booked reservation is subject to a $50 fee when accrued up to 60 days prior to departure. If accrued within 60 days prior to departure, a cancellation penalty may apply.
 Changes with AIR tickets - once issued - are subject to both company and airline policies.
*In addition to the above mentioned company policy suppliers may apply different terms during High Season.
RATES
All rates are quoted in US Dollars. When based on other currency (i.e. Euro/NIS) cost is subject to amendments in the event of changes in local currency or economic conditions. Rates for all guaranteed departure tours are valid for the period of March 1, 2013-February 28, 2014.
Israel: as per today, tourists do not pay VAT/taxes in Israel. Should that change, the applicable percentage will be added to all rates.
Italy: Since 2011, many cities in Italy have introduced an Overnight Accommodation Tax, such as Rome, Florence, Venice, Montecatini Terme, the Mestre area, and many others. The tax amount changes from city to city and depends on the number of stars of the hotel. The fee applies to everyone, even where agreements stipulate the exemption from payment of hotel bills (for example: group guides, tourist coach drivers, etc.). Please note that the tax cannot be included in the invoice and must be paid directly at the hotel reception.
For all other destinations: local policy applies.
TOUR ITINERARIES
Programs of the Guaranteed Departure Tours are operated “as is.” However, a day-by-day program may be amended due to local conditions. There is a strict NO REFUND policy for unused services.
PRIVATE TOURS
Programs are tailored to meet with travelers’ expectations and needs. Ad hock changes are possible, taking into consideration additional cost due to additional sites and services as well as travel time.
FLIGHTS / AIRLINES
Airfare price is not guaranteed until the ticket is issued. Tickets can only be issued once full payment is received. GO ISRAEL NA is not responsible for seat assignments on flights. If you would like to reserve an aisle/window seat or require wheelchair assistance at the airport, it is the traveler’s responsibility to contact the airline directly to process and confirm the request. It is the traveler’s responsibility to check flight schedules and connecting flights as they are subject to change without notice. When booking a connecting flight, traveler(s) must consider sufficient time for the connection. GO ISRAEL NA is not be liable for any change of schedule or missed flight connection, nor will GO ISRAEL NA be responsible for additional fees incurred.
Toll free: 1 (888) 478-4691 | Tel: (201) 336-0409 | Fax: (201) 475-0298 | Mobile: (201) 726-8959 E-mail: Book Now@goisraelNA.com | Website: www.goisraelNA.com

A new way to see Israel and beyond
AIRLINE CLAUSE
The airline is not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board the aircraft. The passenger tickets in use by the airline, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the Airline and the Passenger.
IMPORTANT
For security reasons and due to measures taken by the authorities, all airlines require that the passenger’s name on the AIR ticket MUST match the passenger name as it appears on the passport. GO ISRAEL NA is not responsible for denied boarding or re-issue costs due to an incorrect name provided by the passenger or a third party acting on the passenger’s behalf.
FINAL DOCUMENTS
Travelers will receive their Travel Documents 14-20 days prior to departure and only once full payment has been received by GO ISRAEL NA. Documents include airline E-Tickets (if booked by GO ISRAEL NA), detailed itinerary of all booked services by GO ISRAEL NA, contact information at destination, and other useful information.
LIABILITY
To protect yourself against cancellation charges, we highly recommend that you purchase adequate Travel Insurance. If you have credit card coverage, it is important to confirm that it covers cancellation penalties. GO ISRAEL NA will not assume liability for any loss, damage, delay, or for an accident of any kind that may occur due to the negligence of any company, hotel proprietor or other person responsible for the provision of services. Participants with mobility concerns must be accompanied at their own expense by their own companion. Group leaders and tour guides cannot be responsible for assisting with walker/wheelchair.
RESPONSIBILITY
GO ISRAEL NA purchases AIR & LAND services (i.e. flights, transportation, hotel rooms, restaurants, etc.) from various suppliers who are not affiliated with GO ISRAEL NA. All prices are subject to all tariffs, terms & conditions under which all airlines, transportation (coach, limousine companies, etc.), hotels, cruises, tour operators, restaurants & other service are contracted. Clients agree not to hold GO ISRAEL NA responsible for any loss, injury or damage to any person, property or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or resulting from any Act of God, dangers, incident at sea, fire, breakdowns of machinery or equipment, act of governments or authorities, de jure or de facto, wars declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays, cancellations or any causes beyond the control of GO ISRAEL NA. GO ISRAEL NA will not be responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained for or incurred by the mission participant as a result of any of the forgoing clauses nor for any loss or damage resulting from improperly issued visas or other documents. GO ISRAEL NA is licensed to sell travel insurance; all travelers are informed of such as well as given the option and encouraged to purchase travel insurance.
ACCOMMODATIONS
All hotel and government taxes are included unless otherwise specified. Accommodation is based on two people sharing a room. Single room supplements apply when requesting a room for single occupancy. Room upgrade requests are subject to additional charges and availability. Where possible, handicapped or non-smoking rooms may be requested and are subject to availability. The right is reserved by the supplier to substitute a hotel from those listed in the brochure/website due to availability or for client comfort and/or for reasons beyond their control. Hoteliers are solely responsible for room allocation, in accommodation with the category as booked and reserved by travelers. International standards apply for
Toll free: 1 (888) 478-4691 | Tel: (201) 336-0409 | Fax: (201) 475-0298 | Mobile: (201) 726-8959 E-mail: Book Now@goisraelNA.com | Website: www.goisraelNA.com

A new way to see Israel and beyond
check-in (3:00pm) and check-out (noon). In Israel there are no official ratings for hotels, therefore Categories of Hotels are displayed as an indication only.
TRAVEL AGENTS
All prices are commissionable to Travel Agents unless otherwise specified. Payments are by agency check or electronic wire transfer. For all credit card payments please add 3% merchant fee.



Go Israel NA
Toll Free 888 478 4691   
Massachusetts 508 826 6181 
A new way to see Israel and beyond





Interfaith 2014 Schedule


Interfaith Journey to the Land of the Bible Co-led by:
Rabbi Stanley Davids and Father Thomasz Borkowski February 9-19, 2014

Day 1: Sunday, February 9
Depart Boston on your flight to Israel.

Day 2: Monday, February 10
Departure
Overnight: Flight
Arrival at Israel
Arrive at Ben Gurion Airport. After airport formalities, drive through Tel Aviv - the city that never sleeps. View historic landmarks of both modern and Biblical times. First stop visit the Independence Hall, site of the 1948 signing of Israel’s Declaration of Independence. Pause for a moment of reflection at Rabin Square. Proceed to Old Jaffa to see the old port of Jaffa. St. Peter’s Church and the House of Simon the Tanner. Check in at your hotel and relax.
Enjoy a welcome dinner with your tour guide. Discuss your expectations from the tour.
Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 3: Tuesday, February 11 Along the Coastline
After Breakfast, drive along the coastline to visit Caesarea, where we view the amazing Roman ruin including the Roman Theater and Aqueduct. Continue to Haifa and see the beautiful view of the Bahai Gardens from atop Mt. Carmel. Visit “Af Al Pi Chen”, the naval museum of the illegal immigration to Israel at the time of the British mandate. Proceed to Nazareth, the Virgin Mary’s home village, the Church of Annunciation and Mary’s well. Pass Cana where Jesus performed the miracle of changing water into wine and Mt. Tabor, the site of the transfiguration. Check in at our kibbutz in the Galilee. Enjoy dinner and learn about the Kibbutz; its philosophy, history and changes in the modern Kibbutz. Overnight: Galilee

Day 4: Wednesday, February 12 Around the Sea of Galilee
After breakfast, visit the Ancient Boat Museum. Take a boat ride to the ancient site of Capernaum. Archaeological excavations have revealed two ancient synagogues built one over the other. A church near Capernaum is said to be the home, where Jesus lived as a boy and started to preach. Continue to the Mt. of Beatitudes where the miracle of the loaves and fishes took place. Celebrate Mass on the hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee. In Tabgha, visit the Church of Multiplication and view the intricate ancient mosaics. Visit the Baptismal site at the Jordan River. Return to our kibbutz for dinner.
Discussion group- discuss today’s tour- from the ancient Synagogue of Capernaum- to Christianity Overnight: Galilee
Toll free: 1 (888) 478-4691 | Tel: (201) 336-0409 | Fax: (201) 475-0298 | Mobile: (201) 726-8959 E-mail: Book Now@goisraelNA.com | Website: www.goisraelNA.com

Day 5: Thursday, February 13 Safed & the Golan Heights
This morning drive to the Golan. Visit Safed, the center of Kabbalah study and practice, where we visit the Ha’ari & Caro Synagogues and have time to shop among the many artist studios and galleries. Continue to see the Banias Springs, the source of the Jordan River. Proceed up to the Golan Heights, passing old Syrian bunkers along the way. View Syria from atop Har Bental and discuss Israel security today and the strategy of the Golan. Overnight: Galilee

Day 6: Friday, February 14 Arrive at the Holy City of Jerusalem
Depart the north and stop to see the intricate mosaics of Beit Alpha. Drive along the Jordan Valley; stop to see the border fence and learn about the political issues that it creates. Upon arrival to Jerusalem, stand on the Mount of Olives where Jesus stood as he wept over Jerusalem. Pray the traditional “Shechyanu” blessing overlooking the city of Jerusalem. Arrive at your hotel for check- in. Tonight we welcome the Jewish Sabbath, with the people of Jerusalem at the Western Wall before enjoying Shabbat dinner at our hotel. Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 7: Saturday, February 15 Celebrate Shabbat in Jerusalem
This morning we attend Shabbat service at Hebrew Union College. Enjoy Shabbat Lunch at Beit Shmuel. Next, take a tour of Jerusalem's Old City, where you will walk through the Jewish Quarter and continue down to the Western Wall and Temple Mount area. On the Via Dolorosa we note the Stations of the Cross as we walk through the colorful bazaars, ending at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Leave the Old City and continue to Mount Zion to see King David's Tomb the Upper Room: the site of the Last Supper, and Dormition Abbey, the site commemorating the death of the Virgin Mary. Celebrate Havdala at Yemin Moshe. Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 8: Sunday, February 16 Celebrate Mass in Bethehem & the New City of Jerusalem
Drive to Bethlehem where you will pass by Rachel’s Tomb and stop at the Church of Nativity and celebrate Sunday Mass. See Sheppard’s Fields as you return to Jerusalem. Visit the Yad Lakashish workshop where you will meet the elderly working on different projects. Next, visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. Continue to Ein Kerem, a pastoral village on the outskirts of Jerusalem, and the birthplace of John the Baptist. End the day at the Garden of Gesthemane and the Church of the Agony, said to enshrine a part of the bedrock where Jesus prayed before his arrest. Overnight: Jerusalem
Day 9: Monday, February 17 Masada & the Dead Sea

Early morning departure to Masada; ascend King Herod’s fortress and castle atop Masada by cable car. Visit the remains of the walls, palaces, synagogue and the bathhouses, learning about the Jewish Zealot’s last stand against the Roman forces. Next, hike to the waterfall at the desert Oasis of Ein Gedi. End the day floating in the healing salty waters of the Dead Sea. Drive to Tel Aviv, check in at the hotel and enjoy dinner. Overnight: Tel Aviv
Toll free: 1 (888) 478-4691 | Tel: (201) 336-0409 | Fax: (201) 475-0298 | Mobile: (201) 726-8959 E-mail: Book Now@goisraelNA.com | Website: www.goisraelNA.com

Day 10: Tuesday, February 18 Modern Israel
After breakfast, visit Wolfson Hospital in Holon where you will learn about the “Save a Child’s Heart” foundation. Visit Mini Israel and the Tank Museum. End the day at Neot Kedumim, where you will plant a tree to symbolize your connection to the Land of the Bible. Farewell dinner will take place at a local restaurant. Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 11: Wednesday, February 19
Transfer to the airport for your flight back home arriving the same day. Hotels (as detailed below or similar level)
Back Home


Hotels 

1. Grand Beach
Tel Aviv

2. LAVI
Galilee
 Kibbutz Guest House


3. King Solomon
Jerusalem



Air: Round trip with UNITED AIRLINES - depart BOSTON on Sunday February 9th Return from Tel Aviv on February 19st
UA1065Q UA 84Q UA 85Q UA 994Q
Package Includes
09FEB BOS – EWR 09FEB EWR - TLV 9FEB TLV - EWR 19FEB EWR - BOS
1029A 1213P
355P 920A 10FEB 1120A 440P
800P 922P
 Round trip flights Boston, including current airport taxes (subject to change by the airline)
 Meeting and assistance on arrival by our local representatives
 Escorted group transfers on arrival and departure
 Portage at airport & hotels of 1 piece of luggage per person
 Touring & sightseeing as per program
 Government licensed English speaking tour guide
 Air-conditioned coach
 Entrance fees to sites per itinerary
 9 nights’ accommodations at the above-mentioned hotels or similar
 Daily breakfast & dinner at hotels. Farewell dinner on last night in a local restaurant in
Tel Aviv
Toll free: 1 (888) 478-4691 | Tel: (201) 336-0409 | Fax: (201) 475-0298 | Mobile: (201) 726-8959 E-mail: Book Now@goisraelNA.com | Website: www.goisraelNA.com

Not Included
 Expenses of a personal nature
 Increase in airport taxes and fuel surcharge (Currently: $622 per person)
 Change of airfare for people arriving from different gate cities
 Tips to drivers, guides, hotel staff to any of the tour participants (paying or free)
 Any airline charges for checked baggage are to be paid directly to the airline at check in
 Any item/service that is not mentioned as “Included”
 Travel Insurance is recommended (available for purchase through our office)
Regards,
Dina Aharon



“THE EYES OF OUR HEARTS OPENED UP— AN INTERFAITH JOURNEY TO ISRAEL AND THE HOLY LAND” By Rabbi Seth L. Bernstein and Father Tomasz Borkowski


“THE EYES OF OUR HEARTS OPENED UP—
AN INTERFAITH JOURNEY TO ISRAEL AND THE HOLY LAND” By Rabbi Seth L. Bernstein and Father Tomasz Borkowski

2012




As a result of a local Jewish woman, Barbara Kupfer, meeting a Catholic travel agent, Dick Duffy, twenty-three Jews and Catholics from California, Maryland, and mostly Central Massachusetts traveled to Israel and viewed Jewish and Christian sites throughout the Holy Land from March 7-16. One of the co-leaders of the trip was Father Tomasz Borkowski, Chaplain at Worcester Polytechnic Institute and temporary resident at St. Rosa of Lima in Northborough where he is a full-time doctoral student at Boston College. The other co-leader of the group was Rabbi Seth L. Bernstein of Temple Sinai in Worcester who is also the Jewish Chaplain at UMASS-Memorial Hospital.
With Carol Ann Bernheim as the local guide, the group visited forty religious sites and 12 cities throughout Israel, including the town of Bethlehem in the Palestinian Authority. The trip covered the land of Israel from the Golan heights and the Galilee in the North, to Masada in the South, from the Dead Sea in the East to the Mediterranean Sea in the West. They traveled the 14 stations along the Via Delarosa in Jerusalem including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Gethsemane, and the Mt. of Olives. The group attended Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming the Sabbath festivities) on Friday evening with prayers and dancing at the Western Wall. They celebrated Mass in Capernum on Sunday morning at the Church of St. Peter above the site of the house of Peter’s mother- in-law where Jesus visited and spent the night. Next door to the church is a fourth century C.E. Byzantine era synagogue built upon the remains of a synagogue from the time of Jesus.
The group visited a number of museums: the Museum of the Diaspora, Yad Vashem—the memorial to the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust,--and the sites at the ancient port of Caesarea that flourished before, during, and after the time of Jesus In the fourth century Caesarea was the capital of the Holy Land. The group visited the Qumran cave area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and Masada, the first century fortress where the last group of Jews chose martyrdom rather than to surrender to the Romans who captured Masada soon after the destruction of the second Temple in 70 C.E. The group visited the archaeological site at Jericho, the oldest city in the Western World. Five couples renewed their wedding vows in a church in Cana, at the site of where Jesus and Mary attended a wedding and Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine.
Edith Morgan of Worcester said, “This interfaith experience as we delved more and more deeply into the layers of our faith has given us a deeper understanding and dedication to each other.” Ed and Sharon Bouvier of Northboro shared, “We could not have imagined renewing our vows at the site of Jesus’s first miracle with a priest and then receiving a special blessing from a rabbi.” Bob and Betty Verrengia said the renewal of vows was one of the most spiritual feelings of the trip. Rita Lawrence of Northboro said it was a great experience walking in the footsteps of Jesus and sharing the rich history of Israel and the Jewish religion.” For Deacon Patrick Stewart of Whitinsville, “This trip to the Holy Land was one trip I felt called to do.” Finally, Lee Zawacki, of Northboro said, “The eyes of my heart opened up.” All of our eyes opened up throughout the ten days we traveled a. most memorable spiritual journey.

A Trip to Israel 2013 by Pat O'Hearn


A trip to Israel...a reflection.
There it was...an ad in the St Rose Sunday bulletin... an Interfaith Trip to Israel.
It beckoned to me again just as it had the year before. What harm would there be to attend a gathering to find out more about this unique trip? I listened attentively as last year’s participants described their experiences. Christians and Jews alike shared in the wonder of being together...something that many of them had never done before. Praise for the itinerary, the guides and the organizers was unanimous. Walking in the Holy Land held a special meaning for all and somewhat different for everyone. Their references to the Torah and the Bible or the ancient and new history of Israel brought to life for me the legacy handed down to me by my grandparents, my parents and my church. Perhaps this was an opportunity for me to connect who I am today as a Christian to the roots of my faith.
I viewed this opportunity as a knock on the door that had to be answered. How often would such an occasion arise to do an interfaith trip? The decision was made. I wanted to learn more about the land and times when Jesus lived and taught. In a way I wanted to walk in His footsteps.
National Geographic in 2012 had published a book that I bought to prepare for the Jewish, Christian and historical sites we would see. It was a good choice. With so much to see and take in I wanted to have a deeper sense of meaning by preparing in this way. A couple of months later as we walked the holy places in Jerusalem, touched the waters of the Jordan River, dipped into the Dead Sea, experienced life in a village in Nazareth, rode in a fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee, I knew I had prepared well.
Inspiration was in the rocks and in the walls that centuries of history had built and carved into a country that millions revere as their own spiritual home. It became that for me, too. I am connected in a new way with the messages and readings of Scripture. I feel a deeper sense of past as present, of thoughts and teachings spoken hundreds of years ago important and relevant as they are to me now.
The Jewish-Christian-historical focus of this Interfaith trip allowed all of us to find a perspective and a focus that brought meaning to our experience. We have shared those perspectives and our thoughts and memories at two dinners since then. The dialog that we have fostered at these gatherings has enriched my life and broadened my appreciation for the Jewish-Christian connection.
Another trip is in the planning right now led again by a Catholic priest and a Jewish rabbi. Their Scriptural knowledge and spiritual insights enhance the visitor’s experience. The local tour guide completes them by exploring the ever changing history of Israel and its influence on the people .
Imagine yourself there with them. Consider this an opportunity not to be missed. Contact ...


2013 Blog


Please visit the

2013 Blog

www.neisrael.blogspot.com

Pictures of Recent Interfaith trips