SAMPLE PROJECT INTERCHANGE ITINERARY

An AJC Project Interchange delegation is a journey through both Jewish history and the contemporary Jewish state, accompanied by AJC staff who are experts in each respective field. Project Interchange is committed to open discussion and dialogue on issues facing Israel, including identity, geopolitics, religion, and Jewish life. Project Interchange participants will gain direct, in-depth insight into Israel’s diverse population, democratic system of government, complex strategic and social dilemmas, and vibrant culture through exposure to leading Israeli figures and experts, senior Arab-Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and visits to historic, strategic, and religious sites. Below is a sample Project Interchange itinerary, which gives an idea of topics discussed and the intensity of a typical Project Interchange delegation.

Day 1     Arrival to Israel  

Welcome and Orientation, we are so glad you are part of the delegation!

Opening Dinner in the heart of Tel Aviv

Day 2  

An Overview of Modern Israeli History and Society, discussion with a leading political science professor at Tel Aviv University (TAU)

Understanding Israel’s Security Concerns, discussion with the founder of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, Reichman University, Herzliya

The Middle East: An Overview of Israel’s Geo-Strategic Challenges: discussion over lunch with AJC Jerusalem’s director (Lt. Col. res.) 

Israel and International Law, discussion with Founder and Director of the Security and International Law Specialists, and former Senior Officer in the Israel Defense Forces Legal Division

Guided Tour of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, a center built to promote innovation and to create a pathway for shared-living between all of Israel's citizens and lasting peace between Israel and its neighbors

Tour of Old Jaffa, known for its winding alleys filled with craft shops and art galleries, and stalls selling antiques and jewelry, and Tel Aviv, the thriving, vibrant, modern, dynamic, and multicultural “city that never stops”

Group Dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Tel Aviv Harbor

Day 3  

The Impact on Daily Life near the Gaza Border, tour and discussion with Kibbutz Spokesperson. Hear firsthand about what it’s like to live on the border with Gaza before and after October 7. Visit other sites directly affected by the October 7 assault and meet with those impacted

Understanding the Process for Recovery and Rebuilding the Gaza Envelope, meet with government officials to discuss the next steps for Israelis and Palestinians

Humanitarian Aid in Gaza, receive an update on today’s security situation with the coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories for Israel’s Ministry of Defense

Group Dinner, Review and Reflection

Day 4  

Israel’s Place in the World, meet with senior representatives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Inside Israeli Politics, meeting with Members of Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, and discussions with representatives for the coalition and the opposition

Civil and Human Rights in Israel, visit the Supreme Court and meet with a Supreme Court Justice 

The Mood on the Palestinian Street, hear from an expert at the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research.

A New Roadmap for Palestinians, with a Palestinian political activist and chairman of the Jerusalem Development Fund

The Scoop on Israel and the Media, dinner and a wide-ranging discussion with the Times of Israel newspaper’s founding editor

Day 5  

Pluralism and Diversity in Israeli Society, with an expert speaker from the renowned Shalom Hartman Institute

Understanding the Impact of the Holocaust on the Global Jewish Community: Visit Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum, a pioneer of Holocaust museums worldwide. By preserving the authentic individual voice emanating from testimonies, diaries, artifacts and other documentation, Yad Vashem continues to pave the way for a brighter future

Explore the Holy City of Jerusalem and learn about its ancient history and religious diversity. The tour will include visiting the Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Armenian quarters. The Old City is filled with sites of rich historical and archeological significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims, including the Western Wall, Temple Mount, al-Aqsa Mosque, and Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Closing Session and Evaluations

Closing Dinner, at a restaurant in a historic location in Jerusalem 

Depart Israel – Thank you for spending your week with us, and welcome to the AJC Project Interchange Alumni Community!