OVERVIEW
This exclusive, small-group journey through Israel and the West Bank offers a rare, on-the-ground perspective on the region’s culture, politics, and environment. Led by regional experts in environmental diplomacy and regional cooperation, including Ambassador Daniel Shek and Arava Institute Executive Director Dr. Tareq Abu Hamed, this immersive experience goes beyond the typical tourist path, bringing you face-to-face with the complex realities shaping the Middle East today. Throughout the Study Tour, you’ll engage with civil society and public sector environmental leaders, entrepreneurs, and other changemakers, as well as Arava Institute Israeli and Palestinian alumni and staff working at the intersection of sustainability and coexistence. The itinerary is subject to change and will be updated based on current events.
2025 DATES: SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2025
To speak with someone about the Cultivating Hope Study Tour, please call (617) 266-7103 or email beyond@friendsofarava.org, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Wednesday, September 10 | Arrival in Jerusalem
Welcome to Israel! After settling into our hotel in Jerusalem, we’ll kick off the trip with a welcome dinner and introductions with Friends of the Arava and Arava Institute staff. We’ll get to know one another, and prepare for the week ahead.
Thursday, September 11 | Jerusalem and the West Bank
After a morning conversation with a local social leader, we’ll travel to Ramallah and to Area C of the West Bank to see Arava Institute projects in the Jordan Valley and meet Palestinian civil society partners. We’ll return to Jerusalem for the night.
Friday, September 12 | East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv
Learn about the environmental challenges facing East and West Jerusalem with journalist and filmmaker Eliezer Yaari and Arava Institute Executive Director Tareq Abu Hamed. From there, we’ll head to Tel Aviv, where we’ll meet Arava Institute alumni for dinner and conversation. An optional Shabbat service will be available.
Saturday, September 13 | Tel Aviv
This will be a day of optional activities. In the morning, we will offer a dual narratives tour of Jaffa. There will be free time in the afternoon. In the evening, we’ll come back together for conversation with guest speakers.
Sunday, September 14 | Al-Furaa and Arava Institute
We’ll head south to visit the local school in the unrecognized Bedouin village of Al Fura’a near Arad, where the Arava Institute is implementing off-grid solutions, including Israel’s first off-grid classrooms. We’ll continue on to the Arava Institute, which is located on Kibbutz Ketura, where we’ll settle in for the night.
Monday, September 15 | Arava Institute
Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the work of the Arava Institute. We’ll tour the campus, hear from staff about their research and projects, and meet with students to learn about their experiences living and studying together. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to explore the Institute and see the renowned Methuselah, the first date palm germinated from a 2,000-year-old Judean seed.
Tuesday, September 16 | Departure from Israel
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Eilat to visit the Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences to learn about some of the transboundary marine challenges and opportunities. We’ll then gather for a closing lunch to reflect on our time together before heading to Ramon Airport for flights to Ben Gurion Airport and the next stop of your journey.
Price: $3,900 USD per person (double occupancy)
Single room supplements are available for an additional $850 USD.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to participate?
No, you do not. Please contact beyond@friendsofarava.org for more questions.
Do I need a visa to travel to Israel?
Beginning January 1, 2025, U.S. citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) before traveling to Israel. For more information, please refer to the Israeli Embassy.
Do I need to have traveled to Israel or the Middle East beforehand?
No, this tour is open to all.
Is travel to and from the Middle East included in the tour price?
No.
Will we need to travel on group flights to and from the Middle East?
At this point, we do not anticipate that you will need to travel on a group flight.
Will someone pick me up from the airport?
Yes, we will pick you up from Ben-Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, or we can work with you on coordinating your arrival if you have different plans. Upon conclusion of the trip, transportation will be provided to Ben-Gurion airport from Ramon airport near Eilat.
Are there kosher options at every meal?
Meals will be either kosher or vegetarian in Israel and there will be vegetarian options in the West Bank.
I keep Shabbat; how are the activities structured during Shabbat?
Our schedule will accommodate those who keep Shabbat.
What should I bring?
Friends of the Arava Institute staff will be in touch with suggested packing lists closer to the trip date.
