LGBTQ - The "Rainbow" trip from GLBT - Sample Itinerary

One of Israel's most precious resources is its diversity – in geography, in land, in population and in cultures: It has something for everyone!

If you're looking for your way to see Israel, along with others from the gay and lesbian community, we're happy to show you your way around Israel – exploring the classic sites and attractions of Israel alongside a close acquaintance with the gay community in Israel and the challenges and triumphs it has known in the previous years. Meet the gay community of Jerusalem and hear of their struggle for acceptance in their city, as individuals and as a community as a whole; plant trees in a northern forest, joining the community of the north in their pursuit for recognition and explore moments in Jewish and Israeli history in which important lessons of peoplehood, acceptance of the other and the price of unfounded hate were inevitably learned.

Day 1

Arrive at Ben-Gurion Airport
Travel to Jerusalem

Jerusalem's history stretches back about 5,000 years. About 2500 BC, the Canaanites inhabited the city. Later, Jerusalem became a Jebusite citadel. When DAVID captured the city (c.1000 BC), the Jebusites were absorbed into the Jewish people. David made Jerusalem the capital of his kingdom, and SOLOMON built the first Temple
If I forget you Jerusalem ...

Meet Israelis
Haas Promenade
Dinner
Icebreakers / Orientation

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 2

City of David

Inside the City of David is the area which the archaeologists denoted with the letter ''G.'' It was probably the nerve center of the ancient city for many years: the administrative, municipal, and governmental center, with the royal residence possibly nearby.

Tour of Jewish Quarter

Walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, through the alleyways of the old city, finished at arriving to the western wall. A tour of the Western Wall Tunnels is a fascinating, unforgettable journey through time. The archaeology of the site brings to life everything from Jerusalem's glory during the time of Herod to the Jewish people's longing for Jerusalem throughout the generations.

Kotel-Western Wall
Machaneh Yehudah market
Jerusalem Open House: Introduction to Judaism and gay life in Israel
Evening out on Ben-Yehudah Street

Overnight: Jerusalem

Day 3

Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial: discussion of persecuted minority groups

Yad Vashem, Jerusalem, is the Jewish people's memorial to the murdered Six Million and symbolizes the ongoing confrontation with the rupture engendered by the Holocaust. Containing the world's largest repository of information on the Holocaust, Yad Vashem is a leader in Shoah education, commemoration, research and documentation.

Har Herzl military cemetary

Israel's national cemetery is also Jerusalem's military cemetery, where soldiers of the past and present are buried. Mt. Hertzl is the burial place of many dignitaries and prominent figures of the Jewish people such as Theodore Hertzl, Yitzchak Rabin, Channa Sennesh and Yoni Netanyahu.

Lunch
Har Arbel: Introduction to the Galilee
Evening activity led by Israeli peers

Overnight: Kinneret

Day 6

Drive south
Beit Guvrin archaeological dig

Bet Guvrin is south of Beth Shemesh and is just one of these amazing places in Israel. Recently a 1700-year-old menorah was found in the vicinity.

Visit to Ben-Gurion University's gay center
Swimming in the university pool
Bedouin hospitality and camel rides

Overnight: Bedouin tent

Day 7

Early morning ascent to Masada

Just a ten-minute drive from Ein Gedi is the hill known as Massada, where Jews made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom some two millennia ago. In 66 CE, a small band of Jews fled to Massada to escape the Roman Army, which had occupied Jerusalem. For the next few years, the Romans attempted to capture Massada, in order to enslave the Jews on top of the hill. Finally, in 73 CE, it became clear that the Romans would reach the top and the Jews would be captured and enslaved. Deciding that it was better to die free than to live as slaves, 960 of the 967 Jews on Massada committed suicide. For most of the last two millennia, Massada's exact location has remained a mystery. Finally, in the mid-1960's, archaeologist Yigael Yadin unearthed the ruins of the ancient fortress

Sunrise and tour of the site
Descend via cable car
Nachal David
Ein Gedi & Swim in the Dead Sea

Down to about 130 feet (40 meters), the seawater comprises about 300 grams of salt per kilogram of seawater. That's about ten times the salinity of the oceans.

Panel discussion: GLBT life in Israel
Evening activity in the desert

Overnight: Massada

Day 8

Drive north to Tel Aviv
Walking tour of Jaffa

Jaffa has always been the entry port to the ancient land of Israel and is even today, full of the traditional sights and sounds which have always characterized it: beautiful stone buildings, narrow winding alleys, the fishermen's port, the artists' quarter, cafes, restaurants and shops.

Lunch in Tel Aviv
Neve Tzedek: first neighborhood of Tel Aviv

Neve tsedek the first quarter build in tel-Aviv
The settlement in the area of modern Southern Tel Aviv (neighborhoods of Neve-Shalom and Neve-Tsedek) was started in the 1880s as a substitute for the rather expensive Arab neighborhoods of Jaffa. However the city of Tel Aviv itself was established only in 1909. It quickly grew to become the center of Israeli urban life, and it remains one up until today. In 1950 Tel Aviv and Jaffa were united in a single municipality - Tel Aviv-Yafo.

Nachalat Binyamin artist market
Tel Aviv Pride Center
Night out in Tel Aviv

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 9

Independence Hall

On Friday, May 15, 1948 David Ben Gurion proclaimed Israel's independence in the Declaration Hall. Because of the historical importance of the event the hall was restored as it was at the time with the help of witnesses and pictures. Around the declaration hall there is a permanent exhibition showing the historical background of the establishment of the State.

Yitzchak Rabin Square
David Ben-Gurion's house
Free time on Sheinkin Street
Relaxing on the beach
Meet GLBT-friendly rabbi

Overnight: Tel Aviv

Day 10

Final group discussion/evaluation
Discussion with well-known gay personalities
Depart for airport!

*The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift includes the roundtrip airfare from Newark or JFK to Tel Aviv. Participants are responsible for the cost of transportation to and from Newark or JFK. The Taglit-Birthright Israel gift also covers hotel, transportation, most meals and other associated land costs in Israel. Gratuities, personal purchases and travel medical insurance are not included.