Since 1997, the B'nai B'rith International (BBI) Mission and Travel Office has led uniquely focused missions to Cuba, Israel, Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The Cuba missions offer an opportunity to learn about the small but vibrant Cuban Jewish community and its B'nai B'rith lodge, as well as help the community. Members of the mission bring medical supplies, Judaica, and other essentials to the Cuban Jews. All the missions offer the opportunity to understand the Jewish roots and Jewish life in different locales. Visitors absorb the culture and glimpse today's Jewish presence in some unlikely enclaves.
For the 2008 season, there are trips for adults, families, and singles (listed below). Special trips will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Israel.
Highlights of Upcoming Trips
Mission to Cuba Dates: September 10-18, 2008; December 10-18, 2008 Features: Havana, Cienfuegos, Santa Clara Highlights:
Visit three synagogues in Havana
Visit cultural and historical sites
Opportunity to help in a Jewish community project (January only)
Visit a typical Jewish family in their home
Meet Jewish leaders and learn the history of the Jewish community in Cuba Includes:
Round-trip air Miami-Havana-Miami
Seven nights at a luxurious 5-star hotel in Havana and one night in Miami
All breakfasts and dinners in Cuba
Modern air-conditioned motor coach
Experienced English-speaking guide
Health insurance while in Cuba
License to travel to Cuba
Visa for U.S. citizens Costs:
Double Occupancy: $3,220 per person
Single Occupancy: $3,375 per person Contact: Nina Kaplan, Director at 877-222-9590 or travel@bnaibrith.org. Israel 60th Anniversary Mission Dates:September 7-21, 2008 Features: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Masada, Eilat, Haifa, Tiberias, Galilee, Old Jaffa and more. Highlights: Fully escorted deluxe 14-day tour of Israel through the eyes of its journalists, government officials, and B'nai B'rith leaders. You will gain a full perspective on the past, present and future of the Jewish state. More: Highlights and Registration (PDF document) Group size limited. Costs:
Double occupancy: $4,569 per person from Miami
Single supplement: $820
Land only: $3,379
Call for prices from other cities. Contact: Zvi Kruglliak, mission leader at 305-898-1827 or 305-385-3575 or Krugliak@aol.com or Nina Kaplan, director, International Mission and Travel Office at 877-222-9590 or nkaplan@bnaibrith.org. Westbound Trans-Atlantic Cruise -- 14 nights on the ConstellationDates:
Departure Date: September 9, 2008, Barcelona, Spain
Return Date: September 23, 2008, Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey Highlights:
Visit Barcelona, Spain and destinations in the western Mediterranean including Malaga and Seville (Cadiz) Spain; Casablanca, Morocco; Lisbon, Portugal and Ponta Delgada, Azores.
Enjoy a relaxing five days at sea before arriving at our destination, Cape Liberty, Bayonne, NJ. Costs:
$1,432-$2,032 per person double occupancy (subject to change)
One-way airfare from Newark to Barcelona: $675 per person + $40 per person insurance
Two-night pre-cruise hotel in Barcelona: $359 per person Contact: To book a cabin call Seymour Behm at 609-409-9156 or Best Cruises at 800-576-2378. BBI Baby Boomers Mission Israel @ 60! Dates: October 28 - November 9, 2008 Features: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Masada, Eilat, Safed, Tiberias, Galilee, Old Jaffa and more. Highlights: Fully escorted deluxe 13-day tour of Israel through the eyes of its journalists, government officials, and B'nai B'rith leaders. You will gain a full perspective on the past, present and future of the Jewish state. More: Highlights and Registration (PDF document-ADD!) Group size limited. Costs:
Double occupancy: $4,769 per person from Detroit
Single supplement: $890
Land only: $3,042
Call for prices from other cities other than Detroit. Contact: Michelle Soltz, mission leader, at 248-624-7100 or msoltz@payrollequations.com Mark Soltz, Mission Leader, at 248-613-3618 or profin1@msn.com or Nina Kaplan, director, International Mission and Travel Office at 877-222-9590 or nkaplan@bnaibrith.org. Holland America Southern Caribbean Cruise -- 7 nights on the Westerdam Dates:
Departure Date: Sunday, December 14, 2008, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Return Date: Sunday December 21, 2008, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Ports of Call:
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Oranjestad, Aruba
Willemstad, Curacao Costs:
Cat K: Double $683.28, Single $983.28
Cat GG: Double $833.28, Single $1,208.28
Cat D: Double $893.28, Single $1,298.28
Cat VD: Double $1,033.28, Single $1,887.28
Third and Fourth passenger rate - $399.52 per passenger
Quotes for other categories are available upon request.
Prices include cruise fare, port charges, taxes and round trip ground transportation from a designated area in south Florida to Ft. Lauderdale pier. Prices include one bottle of wine per cabin.
Prices are per passenger based on double occupancy and subject to availability. A deposit of $350 is required in order to secure cabin space and is fully refundable up until September 20, 2008 when final dayment is due, after which cancellation penalties apply.
Travel insurance with preexisting coverage is additional and highly recommended. Premium is payable with deposit and is fully refundable up until cancellation penalties apply. Contact: To book please call Bernie at (866) 205-0938 – Pin 8337 OR (201) 457-1931. Questions - contact Nina Kaplan, director at 877-222-9590 or travel@bnaibrith.org. View more information about Holland America Signature of Excellence Cruises.