Discover Israel – Visual Arts

About the trip: Explore Israel through the lens of the visual arts. Participants will sketch throughout the journey, meet with local artists, and visit studios and museums — alongside iconic Birthright Israel experiences like climbing Masada, visiting the Old City of Jerusalem, and exploring the streets of Tel Aviv.

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More details:
The deadline to sign up is March 18th!
The trip is: June 1st – 12th
Age range: 18 – 26

Itinerary:

Day 1. Mon, June 1
Location: Arrival & Coastal Art
Art & Activity Focus: Arrive at TLV. Drive North to Ein Hod Artist Village for an introduction to Israeli communal art, museum visit, and open studios. Sketching opportunity: Capturing the Mount Carmel landscape.
Accommodation: Tiberias / Sea of Galilee

Day 2. Tue, June 2
Location: Deep Nature & Safed
Art & Activity Focus: Morning: Explore Safed’s Artists’ Quarter and the historical synagogues. Afternoon: Extended Deep Nature Sketching Session in a Northern reserve (e.g., Nahal Amud) to capture the unique light and foliage of the Galilee.
Accommodation: Deep Nature Overnight (North) (e.g., Guesthouse or Cabins near a nature reserve)

Day 3. Wed, June 3
Location: Galilee to Jerusalem
Art & Activity Focus: Morning: Visit the Museum of Ein Harod (optional, based on travel time) or the Hula Valley for bird-watching and landscape sketching. Afternoon: Drive South to Jerusalem if time allows: visit Razzouk – oldest Tattoo shop in the world.
Accommodation: North → Jerusalem

Day 4. Day 4. Thu, June 4
Location: Jerusalem: Architecture & Academia
Art & Activity Focus: Morning: Visit the National Library of Israel (NLI) to explore the architecture by Herzog & de Meuron. Sketching opportunity: Architectural study of the carved stone facade and the ‘Book Well’ interior. Afternoon: Student meetings at Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design (critique session, portfolio sharing, or open studio visit).
Accommodation: Jerusalem

Day Day 5. Fri, June 5
Location: Jerusalem: History & Dialogue
Art & Activity Focus: Morning: Visit Yad Vashem (The World Holocaust Remembrance Center) for a deeply moving historical and architectural experience. Afternoon: Local Dialogue Session with a Jerusalem-based young adult organization, referencing the Mashpiot link provided, to discuss societal trends and mentorship in Israel. Prepare for Shabbat.
Accommodation: Jerusalem

Day 6. Sat, June 6
Location: Jerusalem: Shabbat & Old City
Art & Activity Focus: Shabbat. Walking tour of the Old City (Jewish and Christian Quarters). Sketching opportunity: Light and shadow studies in the narrow alleyways and at the Western Wall plaza (observing the Sabbath atmosphere).
Accommodation: Jerusalem

Day 7. Sun, June 7
Location: South: Dead Sea & Desert
Art & Activity Focus: Morning: Visit the Nova site (Re’im Music Festival Memorial) for a moment of quiet reflection and remembrance.
Drive to the South. Experience the unique environment of the Dead Sea (floating/mud). Afternoon: Desert Landscape Sketching in the Judean Desert, focusing on the color and texture of the terrain. Drive to Tel Aviv. Evening: Check-in and initial exploration of the city.
Accommodation: Dead Sea Area / Arad / Nova

Day 8. Mon, June 8
Location: South to Tel Aviv: Dance Comp
Art & Activity Focus: Morning: Experience or discuss the work of the Bat Sheva Dance Company (e.g., watching a rehearsal/performance clip, or a Gaga movement workshop).
Accommodation: Tel Aviv

Day 9. Mon, June 9
Location: Tel Aviv: Markets & Studios
Art & Activity Focus: Morning: Immerse in the Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Fair (open Tuesdays and Fridays). Interact with local artisans. Afternoon: Explore the Artist Studios in Kiryat El-Melacha. Meet with working artists for dialogue and inspiration. Sketching opportunity: Portraits or capturing the vibrant market energy.
Accommodation: Tel Aviv

Day 10. Mon, June 10
Location: Tel Aviv: Old Jaffa & Design
Art & Activity Focus: Morning: Explore Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv’s first neighborhood, famous for its architecture and boutiques. Afternoon: Visit the Ilana Gur Museum in old Jaffa, followed by exploring the surrounding Jaffa Artist Studios and the historical port area.
Accommodation: Tel Aviv

Day 11/12. Mon, June 11/12
Location: Departure
Art & Activity Focus: Final group debrief and final Sketching Session: Capturing a final Tel Aviv scene. Transfer to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) for departure.
Accommodation: N/A