If you miss the adventure, discovery, and camaraderie of the currently “suspended” AACI Israel Study Trips, I am pleased to announce a new series of virtual, in-country, mini-educational tours, led by professional Israeli tour guides, exclusively for us.
These virtual mini-tours are designed to be insightful, yet fun, educational experiences. They provide an opportunity to explore unique aspects of Israel up close and in-depth, from the comfort of your home, while providing financial support to local tour guides.
The virtual study tours will be presented on Zoom from 7- 8:15 PM on 6 consecutive Monday evenings, beginning January 8, 2024. The eclectic topics are:
- Monday, January 8, 2024 – TEL MARESHA – “HEROD’S HOMETOWN”?!? – Discover the subterranean complexes at Beit Guvrin National Park – Tel Maresha. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site includes nearly 500 cave systems created from soft chalky stone over 2,000 years. The caves have been used at various times as quarries, storerooms, water cisterns, olive presses, dovecotes, hideouts, and more. We will take a virtual walk through the caves, and the surrounding hillsides, and visit an ancient burial cave decorated with incredible drawings to get a sense of the city at its height during the Hellenistic era. Guide Amy Ben-Dov
- Monday, January 15, 2024 – THE BRITISH HAVE LANDED! – ENGLISH SITES AND INFLUENCES IN ISRAEL -The British Mandate impacted much more than Israeli politics and policies. On this tour, we will visit a variety of “British” sites in Israel and explore different aspects of the British Empire in the land of Israel. Guide Aliza Avshalom
- Monday, January 22, 2024 – UNDERGROUND JERUSALEM -THE CITY OF DAVID & NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS – Jerusalem’s Biblical Nucleus – Where it all began. The historic nucleus of Biblical Jerusalem from the time of Kings David and Solomon – the most intensively excavated site in Israel, it is both breathtaking and controversial. The site includes a 3800-year-old water conduit (dry) and Hezekiah’s tunnel, a 2700-year-old water conduit (wet), plus large sections of the main commercial thoroughfare of Jerusalem from 2000 years ago. Take a behind-the- scenes tour of the excavated sections and take a look at the Pilgrim’s Road and areas still closed to the general public. Guide Amy Ben-Dov
4.Monday, January 29, 2024 – HEY MAMBO – MAMBO ITALIANO! – ITALIAN SITES AND INFLUENCES IN ISRAEL -We all know about the Roman Empire and have visited Roman ruins. On this tour, we will visit modern sites, in different locations in Israel, where we can experience Italian symbols and culture. Guide Aliza Avshalom
5. Monday, February 5, 2024 – ISRAELI CULTURE THROUGH POETRY AND SONG – What are the major milestones of Israel’s culture and history and how have we commemorated them through poetry and song? From Yehuda Amichai and Naomi Shemer to Netta Barzilai; the contrast and comparison from eastern “Mizrahi” music to “western music” and the modern influences that have marked our most significant moments. Guide Gadi Ben-Dov
6. Monday, February 12, 2024 – COOK & SHUK – take a virtual tour of some of Israel’s best street markets and get the inside story behind some of our most beloved foods – where did they originate, how did they adapt to the Israeli Kitchen, and more. We will also discover the best spice shops, a juice maker specializing in etrogs, and everyone’s favorite rugelach. End with a great recipe to make Hummus at home! Guide Gadi Ben-Dov
The cost/household is 360 NIS for the 6-session series for AACI members; and 400 NIS for non-member households.
Please register ASAP, by emailing me to express your interest, and paying online, at the following link AACI Virtual Mini Study Tours – AACI.
If you have difficulty paying online, you may convey your credit card details to by email (conted@aaci.il.org) or phone (052 6615654).
The link for each Zoom presentation will be provided before the event. No refunds are available but each virtual tour will be recorded for subsequent viewing by any registrant unable to join the live presentation.
Until we can travel about our homeland together again, please consider joining us on these intriguing AACI virtual study tours.
