A JOURNEY OF MEMORY AND HOPE
Poland: April 19 - 24, 2026 | Israel: April 24 - 30, 2026
Tour Chair: Marci Robinson
Join fellow adults on a powerful and meaningful journey to Poland and Israel, tracing the rich heritage of European Jewry, bearing witness to the tragedy of the Holocaust, and celebrating the strength and survival of the Jewish people through the modern State of Israel.
Tour Highlights:
Explore Krakow and Warsaw – Stroll through the historic and vibrant streets of Poland’s iconic cities. Visit centuries-old synagogues, Jewish quarters, and cultural landmarks that echo with the legacy of Jewish Life.
Witness Stories of Courage and Survival – Visit heroic sites and memorials including the Warsaw Ghetto, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concertation Camp, and other preserved locations that tell powerful stories of resistance, tragedy, and resilience.
Celebrate a Soulful Shabbat in Jerusalem – Experience a deeply moving Shabbat in the heart of the Old City, surrounded by the spiritual energy and timeless beauty of Jerusalem.
Hear Firsthand Accounts from Gaza Border – Meet with brave pioneers and families living near Gaza whose communities were directly impacted on October 7. Listen to their powerful stories of strength, unity, and healing.
Savor the Flavors of Northern Israel – Enjoy tastings in Israel’s renowned wine region, visiting one of its acclaimed wineries nestled in the scenic Galilee hills.
Hands-On Culinary Experience – Roll up your sleeves for an unforgettable cooking workshop at the state-of-the-art Jewish National Fund-USA's Galilee Culinary Institute, blending local flavors with world-class techniques.
Wander the Mystical Streets of Safed – Discover the charm of Safed (Tzfat), the world center of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism. Explore its enchanting alleys, vibrant art galleries, and spiritual atmosphere.
There will be two educational Zoom sessions prior to departure with our Scholar in Residence, Elhanan Brown, to help prepare us for this once in a life time trip.
What's Included:
Accommodations • Group transportation to and from the airport (if arriving and departing on the start date and end date of the trip) • Armed Security • JNF-USA professional staff • Daily transportation to sites • All meals (Certified Kosher) • One way economy ticket from Krakow to TLV
Not Included:
Departing flight to Poland & return flight from Israel • pre- and post-tour extensions • Travel insurance
Payment for this trip is not tax deductible
Pricing
Double occupancy:
$9,400 per person
Single occupancy:
$10,825 per person
TOUR ITINERARY
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Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 1
Sunday, April 19 - Welcome to Poland
See details➤ WELCOME TO KRAKOW!➤ INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL➤ GROUP INTRODUCTIONS: GETTING TO KNOW WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE ARE GOING!➤ KRAKOW’S OLD TOWNBegin our journey to explore our “roots”. We will walk the streets of Krakow, capturing its rich history, visiting the Main Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica, Cloth Hall, and the Wawel Royal Castle.➤ CHECK INTO THE HOTEL➤ GROUP DINNER AT THE KRAKOW JCCMeet the Executive Director of the JCC, Jonathan Orenstein and learn about the exciting programs that unite the young and older Jewish community.➤ OVERNIGHT: Stradom House, Krakow -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 2
Monday, April 20 - The Destruction of European Jewry
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL➤ AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU CONCENTRATION CAMPSToday, as we walk these sacred grounds of the largest concentration camp and extermination center, we will remember the lives of the 1 million souls who perished here.➤ LUNCH➤ OSWIECIM SYNAGOGUEThis synagogue stands as a silent witness to the Holocaust. Before the Holocaust, Oswiecim (in German, Auschwitz) was a simple Polish town with a Jewish majority, many synagogues, and a thriving Jewish communal life. Today, our presence serves as a symbol of reclaiming our history.➤ OSWIECIM JEWISH CENTER & MUSEUMRelive the memories of a Jewish community, now gone, via artifacts and video footage.➤ GROUP DINNER AT THE HOTEL➤ OVERNIGHT: Stradom House, Krakow -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 3
Tuesday, April 21 - A Day to Revitalize (Yom HaZikaron)
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL➤ KAZIMIERZ JEWISH QUARTERExperience the heart of Jewish life in Krakow for over 500 years. It is now one of the city’s most attractive and bohemian areas known for its art galleries, hip bars and cafes, and unique artistic atmosphere.
• THE ALTSHUL (OLD SYNAGOGUE)Built in the 15th century, this is the oldest synagogue still standing in Poland and an important example of Jewish architecture in Europe. It was designed as a fortress synagogue to assist in the defense of the city. Visit its museum which celebrates Krakow’s Jewish heritage through exhibits based on life-cycle events.
• THE REMA SYNAGOGUENamed after Rabbi Moses Isserles (the “Rema”), a great Talmudic scholar and codifier of Jewish law. Reconstructed many times, the synagogue still includes some of its original features from the 16th century. It is one of the few synagogues in Krakow still active today.
• THE REMA CEMETERYEstablished in 1535. Many renowned rabbis, including the Rema himself, are buried here. But this is also the burial place of a man who may not have existed. A tombstone marks the grave of “Yossele the Holy Miser,” a legendary figure of Polish Jewish folklore.
• THE TEMPEL SYNAGOGUEBuilt in the 19th century and repeatedly extended, this Reform synagogue with its 36 stained glass windows is evidence of the growing power of non-Orthodox religious movements in Poland before the war. No longer used as a synagogue, it now hosts artistic events and is a key venue in the revival of Jewish culture in the city.
➤ LUNCH ON OWN➤ PODGORZE GHETTOWe will cross the bridge from Kazimiers to the site of the Podgorze Ghetto, and walk the tragic path taken in 1941 by thousands of Krakow Jews. After being forced into the ghetto, many were then deported to death camps.➤ THE KRAKOW UMSCHLAGPLATZ MEMORIALLocated in what is now called Ghetto Heroes Square, the center of the Podgroe Ghetto features its “lonely chairs” memorial, a tribute to a community lost. perished.➤ UNDER THE EAGLE PHARMACYThis Pharmacy inside the ghetto was run by Tadeusz Pankiewitz. Hear how this Polish-Catholic pharmacist saved many Jews and was subsequently recognized by Yad Vashem as one of the Righteous among the nations.➤ RETURN TO THE HOTEL TO PACK UP AND CHECK OUT➤ TAKE HIGH-SPEED TRAIN TO WARSAW (ABOUT 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES)➤ DINNER EN ROUTE➤ TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL AND CHECK IN➤ OVERNIGHT: Hotel Bristol, Warsaw -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 4
Wednesday, April 22 - A Day to Rejoice (Yom Ha'Atzmaut)
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL➤ MEET OUR SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE IN THE LOBBY AND DEPART THE HOTEL➤ WARSAW GHETTOHere, you’ll see the remnants of the Ghetto Wall and the Nathan Rapoport Warsaw Ghetto Memorial. Retrace, at the Path of Remembrance, the steps taken in 1943 by heroic fighters during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.➤ MILA 18Commemorate the doomed uprising and at Umschlagplatz, the holding area before transportation to the Treblinka death camp.➤ NOZYK SYNAGOGUEThe only stand-alone synagogue that remains today. Badly damaged during the war, it was eventually returned to the Jewish community, restored, and is now an active synagogue.➤ POLIN MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF POLISH JEWSLocated in the center of what once was the Warsaw Ghetto. Opened in 2014, this massive (over 43,000 square feet) museum explores the history of Poland’s Jews from their arrival one thousand years ago until today. Your visit will begin with a discussion on the richness and variety of Jewish life in Poland and an introduction to key features and highlights of the museum.➤ LUNCH AT THE POLIN MUSEUM➤ MEZUZAH WORKSHOPDiscover the story behind one of Judaism’s most meaningful symbols in this creative, hands-on workshop led by the artists of MI POLIN — founders of the world’s only Mezuzah Museum. Learn about the ancient tradition of the mezuzah, explore “mezuzah traces” left on doorposts across Poland, and design your own mezuzah case as a personal keepsake. An inspiring blend of art, history, and Jewish heritage brought to life in contemporary Poland.➤ YOM HA’ATZMAUT CELEBRATION AT THE LAUDER MORASHA SCHOOL OF WARSAWThe Ronald S. Lauder Foundation philanthropy, created by JNF-USA President Emeritus Ronald S. Lauder has reestablished and reinvigorated Jewish life in Eastern Europe. It has renewed Jewish life through education and day schools, preparing our next generation. There’s no better way to celebrate Israel’s 78th birthday than with students of this incredible institution.➤ RETURN TO THE HOTEL TO FRESHEN UP FOR DINNER➤ DINNER AT THE WARSAW JCCWe’ll dine and talk with the JCC professionals who creatively engage the community, as well as participants to share how the JCC has changed their Jewish lives.➤ OVERNIGHT: Hotel Bristol, Warsaw -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 5
Thursday, April 23 - Departure for Israel
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL AND CHECKOUT➤ WARSAW’S OLD TOWNEstablished in the 13th century but destroyed by the German Army during World War II, the Old Town has been meticulously rebuilt. Walk through the marketplace, once a center of European cultural life and now again a vibrant area of fashionable restaurants and shops. See the medieval walls and the Warsaw Barbican, the fortifications that encircled the city and St. John’s Arch Cathedral, reconstructed according to its original 14th century Gothic style.➤ TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT FOR THE FLIGHT TO ISRAEL➤ LOT AIRLINES FLIGHT 155 AT 3:00 PM FROM WARSAW TO TEL AVIV➤ ARRIVE IN ISRAEL AT 7:45 PM➤ TRANSFER TO JERUSALEM➤ OVERNIGHT: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 6
Friday, April 24 - A Day to Recharge
See details➤ CHECK INTO ORIENT HOTEL➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL➤ SHEHECHYANU BLESSING AT THE MONTEFIORE WINDMILLLet’s take a moment to recite the blessing of Schecheyanu together, a prayer said to celebrate special occasions in thanks for new experiences as we take in the breathtaking views of Jerusalem and prepare for a beautiful Shabbat together.➤ MACHANE YEHUDA MARKET FOOD TOUR WITH CHEF TALI FRIEDMANAn exciting morning to experience the sights and smells of one of the most famous markets in the world! There is no better person to guide us than Chef Tali Friedman, often called the “Mama of Machane”. Tali is the heart of the Machane Yehuda Market Association, and she will introduce us to the best of the market. We will have time to shop and sample the many flavors of this vibrant place.We will embark on a comprehensive walking tour including the historic Jewish & Christian Quarters, the Kotel, and other fascinating sites.➤ FREE TIME BEFORE SHABBAT➤ SHABBAT DINNER AT ORIENT HOTEL WITH IDF SOLDIERSMeet lone soldiers who became Israeli Citizens and now serve in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). These soldiers made Aliyah through Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organization that promotes, supports and facilitates Aliyah to Israel.➤ OVERNIGHT: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 7
Saturday, April 25 - A Day of Rest and Relaxation
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL➤ OPTIONAL WALKING TOUR OF THE GERMAN COLONY➤ LUNCH AT THE HOTEL➤ OPTIONAL VISIT TO THE ISRAEL MUSEUM ON OWN➤ DAY AT LEISURE IN HONOR OF SHABBAT➤ DINNER AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT➤ OVERNIGHT: Orient Hotel, Jerusalem -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 8
Sunday, April 26 - A Day of Resilience
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTELThis is the center of JNF-USA’s revitalization efforts. Now the fastest growing city, Be’er Sheva River Park is the site of the future World Zionist Village, the world’s first global campus for Zionist education and conversation. It will welcome visitors of all ages from around the globe to come together with common values and a common destiny.➤ LUNCH AT THE LAUDER EMPLOYMENT CENTERWith tremendous growth of Be’er Sheva comes immeasurable employment needs and opportunities. The Lauder Employment Center provides training assistance as well as helps to match employers with those wishing to call Be’er Sheva home.Visit the stunning and innovative learning center that provides a welcoming space where kids living in the Eshkol Region (which borders Gaza) can thrive during the day and after school hours. The center’s two stories house virtual reality rooms, a planetarium, science and robotics spaces, art workshops, and general social and gathering spots. It is quickly becoming the go-to place in the Eshkol Region.➤ SHA’AR HANEGEV REGIONAL COUNCIL COMMUNITYHear how this community was deeply and forever affected by the attacks on October 7th. The strength and resilience of the people is impowering as they remain dedicated to rebuilding their lives in Sha’ar HaNegev. Visit the site of the future Sha’ar HaNegev Regional Athletic Complex which will greatly improve the quality of life in the region by allowing children to grow up with access to physical education, sports leagues, recreational activities, resilience programs and more.A one-of-a-kind rehabilitative village in Southern Israel that provides high-level medical services and unparalleled care to individuals with severe cognitive and physical disabilities.➤ HOME HOSPITALITY DINNER AT OSI LANKRI’S HOUSEEnjoy a delicious and special dinner with Osi Lankri, who for the past 2 years has been working with JNF-USA Volunteer Missions to create thousands of meals for IDF Soldiers. Osi’s heart and soul go into every meal and we are honored to be welcomed into her home to share a special dinner together.➤ OVERNIGHT: The Orient Hotel, Jerusalem -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 9
Monday, April 27 - A Day of Revival
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL AND CHECKOUT➤ AKKO & WESTERN GALILEE NOWSteeped in medieval history, the former Crusader city of Akko is now home to a brilliantly coexisting population of Jews, Christians, & Muslims. Walk through the bustling and vibrant “shuk” (market) which was built on the remains of a street from the Crusader period and offers an authentic experience of the city’s culture and history. Meet with Michal Shiloah Galnoor, CEO of Western Galilee Now (WGN), a consortium of artisanal businesses, local entrepreneurs, and tourism operators who will discuss how the JNF Tourist Information Center serves as one of many JNF-USA initiatives that aim to attract and retain 300,000 new residents in the thriving region.➤ LUNCH AT NOOR RESTAURANTMeet Basma Hino, an Israeli Druze chef and owner, who has worked with hundreds of volunteers to create meals for the soldiers. She has been recognized for her humanitarian efforts, with the honor of lighting the candle at the Yom HaZikaron Ceremony in Jerusalem. Hear her incredible story at her delicious Druze restaurant.➤ BUZA ICE CREAMLet’s grab a scoop at this delicious ice cream shop and hear the story of the co-owners, Adam Ziv, a Jewish Israeli and Alaa Sweetat, an Arab Israeli. Together they joined forces to create Buza (Arabic for ice cream).➤ KFAR MASARYK: THE MAGIC OF THE KIBBUTZKibbutz Kfar Masaryk strives to connect Kibbutz member with tourists by providing enjoyable and hands on experiences that demonstrate the values of innovation, community life, creativity, and Kibbutz culture. Let’s embrace Kibbutz life from dress to hobbies to celebration. Get ready to jump back in time!➤ DINNER & WINE TASTING AT LOTEM WINERY WITH WESTERN GALILEE NOW MEMBERSWine Tasting kicks off this special evening, followed by a fun and festive dinner overlooking the picturesque Western Galilee. Enjoy a unique opportunity to meet local entrepreneurs and artisans that comprise the Western Galilee Now consortium. Explore what LOTEM has to offer like accessible nature trails, brail path, accessible olive oil press, and more.➤ OVERNIGHT: Canaan Hotel, Tzfat -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 10
Tuesday, April 28 - A Day of Rebuilding
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL➤ AGRICULTURE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY IN THE EASTERN GALILEEVolunteers have played an integral role in assisting farmers in Israel. This morning we will travel east and get our hands dirty as we work among local farmers.A research incubator, small business hub, and open workspace serves the food and agricultural technology industries. Food Tech will be home to researchers developing food security, Agri-Tech, and new healthier products to help feed the world. Get ready to experience some of the most creative and innovative solutions developed at the Food Tech Center.➤ LUNCH➤ SECURITY BRIEFING WITH NISAN ZEEVIMeet Nisan Zeevi, who lives in Kibbutz Kfar Giladi on the border with Lebanon and one of Israel’s oldest Kibbutzim. Nisan established Lobby 1701, representing tens of thousands of evacuees from the northern region that are calling for Washington to back a military operation to distance Hezbollah from the border so they can live peacefully in their homes.➤ GALILEE CULINARY INSTITUTE COOKING WORKSHOP AND DINNERRoll up your sleeves and let’s cook!! Experience an immersive and exciting cooking workshop and dinner at this one-of-a kind culinary institution. The Galilee Culinary Institute is the latest and one of the most exciting developments of JNF-USA. The school combines culinary and restaurant expertise, tourism and entrepreneurship. Based in the heart of Israel’s Galilee, a mountainous region and microclimate where fertile lands, mountains, and rivers create an unparalleled location for a thriving agricultural region, GCI is a total immersion culinary institution.➤ OVERNIGHT: Canaan Hotel, Tzfat -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 11
Wednesday, April 29 - A Day of Reawakening
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL➤ SPIRITUAL WALKING TOUR OF TZFATStroll through this ancient city, the birthplace of Kabbalah, and embrace the spirituality, mystical history, synagogues, and the vibrant atmosphere of its Artists’ quarters. Together we will experience the unique spiritual aura of Tzfat through its history, people and the powerful presence of its spiritual sites.➤ FREE TIME TO SHOP IN TZFAT➤ KINNERET BOAT RIDEEmbark on a tranquil tour across the shimmering waters of the Sea of Galilee and immerse yourself in the tales of the past and present.➤ LUNCH➤ AFTERNOON ACTIVITY➤ DINNER➤ OVERNIGHT: Canaan Hotel, Tzfat -
Roots & Resilience Experience - Day 12
Thursday, April 30 - A Day of Reflection
See details➤ BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL AND CHECKOUT➤ LOTEMA one-of-a-kind organization that enables special needs youth and at-risk women to maximize their enjoyment of nature by offering special outdoor activities and field trips. Explore what LOTEM has to offer like accessible nature trails, brail path, accessible olive oil press, and more.➤ LUNCHGet ready to learn! This non-denominational, accredited high school program offers North American teens a chance to not only learn about our history, but to live it! Through classroom and weekly travels, these students return home with a new sense of self and purpose. We will also get a chance to learn and participate in a class alongside the students.➤ A TIME TO REFLECT➤ FAREWELL DINNER➤ BUS TRANSFER TO BEN GURION AIRPORT FOR RETURN FLIGHTS
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