2018

In Hebron at an IDF
respite spot, Kronenberg
family members and
friends — bearing snacks
— visit with IDF soldiers.

Trip Of A

Lifetime

Surprises await in the Jewish State.

STACY GITTLEMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I

ncluding a trip to Israel as part of a b’nai mitzvah
celebration for many families is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to create priceless family memories
while connecting to one’s Jewish heritage.
In addition to the usual stops such as the Old City in
Jerusalem or a beachside visit in Tel Aviv, today’s fami-
lies may find many surprises in Israel, such as digging
up pottery from the Herodian era at an archeological
dig or landing an Airbnb rental in a trendy Tel Aviv

neighborhood right next door to Wonder Woman Gal
Gadot.
According to the Jerusalem Post, tourism in 2017
was up 25 percent from the previous year and was one
of the most popular years on record for travel to the
country. Because of this boom, travel professionals
who specialize in Israeli travel advise to begin plan-
ning trips six to eight months in advance.
Travel agent Michael Hochheiser of Southfield has

30 years’ experience connecting clients to Israel. With
a record demand for plane tickets and hotel rooms,
he said it is best to go with a local travel agent rather
than an online website to secure and assure reserva-
tions and availability.
“I work directly with hotel brokers, and unless it’s
around a major holiday like Passover or Sukkot, I find
my clients hotel rooms and available guides that work
best for the individual needs, travel and touring styles

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celebrate! • 2018

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