Can I extend my trip to tour Israel either before or after the JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest?
Yes, however this must be approved in writing via your delegation head at your local JCC that you are participating with prior to making any arrangements. If approved, a $1,300 credit will be issued to you by your JCC which can be applied towards the purchase of your teen’s international flight to Israel. Please note that you will be responsible to make your own flight arrangements with either Gil Travel or your own travel agent. If your desire is to go to Israel on the same flight as your delegation or return on the same flight with your delegation then these arrangements should be coordinated together with your delegation head prior to booking any flights.
Will JCCs have the opportunity to send participants to multiple JCC Maccabi Games locations?
Yes, similar to other summers, delegations may chose to split between more than one hosts for the Games. At this time, Israel is the only site that will be hosting an ArtsFest program.
How can visiting spectators watch the Games and ArtsFest and experience the entire program?
A comprehensive package, including spectator passes, will be offered for families/adults who would like to attend the JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest in Israel. JCC Association’s Israel office will be offering several customized packages for individuals/families, semi-customized JCC missions, and a continental mission group (pre-programmed). For specific information, please call 1-888-784-7445 or e-mail israel@jcca.org.
What are the accommodations for teen participants, delegation heads and coach/chaperones?
The accommodations will be dormitory-style housing (with in-room bathrooms) of up to four (4) teen participants per room during the week of the Games/ArtsFest and the week of touring. Delegation heads and coach/chaperones will be housed at two (2) per room. During the teen participants’ Shabbat stay in their P2K/sister city, the delegation head and/or coach(es) will be required to stay at the P2K community with the athletes and artists to maintain appropriate supervision. Other coach/chaperone will be accommodated in the Tel Aviv area hotel (included in the fee).
Will there be home hospitality?
There will be two nights of home hospitality with an Israeli family for the teen participants in their P2K/sister city. (if the JCC does not have a relationship with a city in Israel, we will make the necessary arrangements to accommodate the home hospitality.) There will be at least two teen participants in each home. Athletes and artists must participate in this Shabbat partnership program and may not spend this weekend elsewhere.
What security measures will be in place?
Maccabi World Union is working directly with the Israeli Government on this project and using the security standards set for the World Maccabiah Games, the largest Diaspora event held in Israel. Participants will not travel to any place deemed unsafe, and throughout each day, itineraries will be cleared through the official Government authorities and changed immediately if any heightened risk or security concerns arise. An Israeli security escort will accompany each bus during the trip, and there will be a security presence at every venue.
What Is Maccabi World Union?
The Maccabi Movement is a global Jewish organization spanning five continents, more than 50 countries and boasting some 400,000 members. Many Maccabi clubs serve as community centers, providing a diversity of educational, cultural, social and sports activities under one roof. Maccabi World Union’s administrative offices are located in Kfar Maccabiah, near Tel Aviv. Seventy executive members elected by the Confederations run the global organization; the Maccabi worldwide family encompasses thousands of volunteers and friends, making it one of the largest global Jewish organizations with a message of unity and Jewish continuity. In 2009, Maccabi World Union organized and hosted the 18th Maccabiah Games in Israel, which welcomed 51 countries and more than 7,500 participants. The Maccabiah is the third largest international sports competition in the world.
Who do I contact if I have additional questions?
Many of the details for this program are currently being developed, but please contact Michele Korntreger (michelekc@jcca.org) or 212-786-5116 at JCC Association with any questions.
