Israel @ 60 Mission Co-chairs (L-R) Dale Filhaber and April Leavy in Ein Hod, an artist’s village on the western slopes of Mt. Carmel, during a pre-mission planning trip

It’s not quite time to pack, but more than 150 local residents from all over the community are excitedly preparing for the community-wide “Israel @ 60” Mission on November 15-23, which is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. There are now less than 10 rooms left - a unique opportunity for a few more participants who have not yet signed up to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“We are absolutely thrilled with our community’s overwhelming response - a powerful statement of local Jewish unity in solidarity and joy at Israel’s milestone anniversary of statehood,” said Mission Co-chair Dale Filhaber. “Our group includes congregants and clergy from the local Orthodox, Reform and Conservative synagogues, members of the Federation Board and JCC as well as other local Jewish agencies

"We are delighted that our five carefully planned itineraries tailored to different interests have encouraged so many people to join us - from first-time Israel travelers to those who have been there dozens of times,” added Co-chair April Leavy.

Mission participants can choose from First-Timer, Arts & Culture, Business & Technology, and Adventure Seekers itineraries. Some will attend the UJC General Assembly. Travelers will be able to pursue their own interests while also sharing many activities as a group with their companions, and regrouping at the end of each day.

The Co-chairs explained that the overwhelming response to the Mission has allowed them to add more exciting activities.

“It just keeps getting better,” said Filhaber. “We are hosting our opening dinner at the top of the Azrieli Tower in Tel Aviv, with panoramic views of the city, and our wrap up dinner will be at the View in Jerusalem overlooking the New City for a festive end to a great week.”

Tzippi Livni, Israel’s Foreign Minister, has been invited to join the group at a special breakfast briefing. “We’ll also be meeting with former Ambassador Daniel Ayalon and spending some time with former Boca Raton residents who now live in Israel,” added Leavy.

“We’re putting together a mitzvah component of the trip,” Leavy continued. Everyone is being asked to bring school supplies that we’ll package in Israel and deliver to the mayor of our Sister City, Kiryat Bialik. Monetary donations will also be welcome.” 

“This is an unusual opportunity to see Israel in a very personalized way,” said Stuart Silver, a local attorney who has chaired large missions in the past. “You’ll be a different person when you get back, with deep new friendships forged from your experiences together.” Silver’s firm Kluger Peretz Kaplan & Berlin (KPKB) is co-sponsoring the Mission with Goldstein Lewin & Co. Certified Public Accountants and Consultants.

For more information, or to reserve one of the few remaining places, visit www.jewishboca.org/israel60 or call the “Israel @ 60” Hotline at (561) 852-3112

The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County serves the Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach areas, raising and allocating more than $20 million each year to meet vital needs locally, in Israel and in 60 countries worldwide.