See Israel Like Never Before

JNF Offers Unique Trips to Israe

Contact: Jodi Bodner • JNF Director of Communications • 212-879-9305 ext. 221 • jbodner@jnf.org

April 3, 2009 -- New York, NY -- We know you want to visit Israel. Well, there’s no better time to go than the present. Whatever your timetable, budget, or passion, you need look no further than Jewish National Fund (JNF). Rates have come down, spring is in the air and beautiful Israel beckons. And with over 100 years of experience as caretaker of the land of Israel, no one can show you Israel the way JNF can.

Choose from following upcoming JNF missions and trips:

May 11-20, 2009 -- Queen of Sheba Women’s Mission -- A unique and unforgettable mission for women only. Meet with Israeli women and through them delve into the different angles and aspects of Israeli life. Contact Elisa Schindler at 212-879-9305 ext. 297 or email eschindler@jnf.org.

May 20-28, 2009 -- B’Yachad Mission -- For people who want to see the progress of JNF’s Blueprint Negev campaign. Tour Nahal Be’er Sheva, the key to the renaissance of Be’er Sheva. Visit the new community of Merchav Am and learn about pioneer life in the Negev. Hear about JNF’s commitment to water management and sustainable development. Contact Uri Smajovits at 727-536-5263 or email usmajovits@jnf.org.

July 5-12, 2009 -- Summer Service in Israel -- Stayed at the King David already? Climbed Masada? Feel like you’ve been there, done that? Well, gear up for the experience of a lifetime. Work on community service projects in the Negev Desert and meet the people who make it their home. Your hands will get dirty, you will get splattered with paint, but most of all you will feel an incredible sense of fulfillment. Contact Jodi Bodner at 212-879-9305 ext. 221 or email jbodner@jnf.org.

October 12-20 -- King Solomon’s Men’s Mission -- Not to be outdone by the Queen of Sheba, for the first time JNF is offering a men-only mission, complete with rappelling, snorkeling, hiking, cigars and brandy, all while seeing JNF’s work. Contact Michael Feinman at 212-879-9305 ext. 503 or email mfeinman@jnf.org.

October 13-23 -- To Israel with Love Mission -- Feel the spirit of Jerusalem, unearth the secrets of old Tel Aviv, explore the history of Caesarea, and behold the magnificence of Hula. Contact Ted Kort at 602-277-4800 or email tkort@jnf.org

More than 3 million people visited Israel in 2008—32% more than in 2007 and 13% more than the previous record year of 2000. To accommodate this upswing, JNF offers an expansive selection of missions and trips to suit any type of traveler — from singles visiting Israel for the first time to families celebrating a bar mitzvah to those interested in volunteering.

 “When you go to Israel with JNF there is an added element to your experience,” said Larry Cohen, JNF missions chair. “You get to meet the people of Israel and hear about their accomplishments and the challenges they face--as visionaries, pioneers, environmentalists. And this slice of life is something you simply cannot get when you go on your own.”

For information about JNF missions, trips and bar/bat mitzvah packages to Israel, please visit www.jnf.org/travel or call 877-JNF-TOUR.

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JEWISH NATIONAL FUND (JNF) began in 1901 as a dream and vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere. Jews the world over collected coins in iconic JNF Blue Boxes, purchasing land and planting trees until ultimately, their dream of a Jewish homeland was a reality. JNF gives all generations of Jews a unique voice in building a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people.

JNF embodies both heart and action; our work is varied in scope but singular in benefit. We strive to bring an enhanced quality of life to all of Israel’s residents, and translate these advancements to the world beyond. JNF is greening the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel’s water supply, helping develop innovative arid-agriculture techniques, and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel and Zionism.

JNF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and United Nations NGO, which continuously earns top ratings from charity overseers.

For more information on JNF, call 888-JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org.