Kenes Tours

06/11/2024

We at Kenes are proud of our sister company, איסתא ספורט - Issta Sport, Israel’s connection to marathons worldwide. This past Sunday, Issta Sport accompanied our friends from Shalva National Center (for the 3rd time!) to the TCS New York City Marathon. They were graciously hosted by our valued client, UJA-Federation of New York, for a special event too. Especially during these trying times, making things happen and teamwork are what it’s all about!

"The stories of those running for Team Shalva and the diversity they represent are breathtaking…A patient who was shot in a terrorist attack, alongside his doctor. An autistic Special Olympic gold medalist paired with a former high-tech professional who now coaches at-risk women. Brigadier generals. An Ethiopian immigrant. A Haredi rabbi. Soldiers who have served in Gaza. Survivors of 10/7. Bereaved family members." - Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.

Wearing yellow and carrying Israeli flags, the 250-person team Shalva made us and Israel proud. Kol Ha'Kavod!!!!

Great job team! Eric Goldstein, Mark Medin, Yoav Bruck

04/11/2024

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Belgium? Waffles and chocolate? We're guessing that it's not that you can find the world's oldest Sephardic synagogue there! While we’re all about sweets, there's something we love even more about this country — its commitment to supporting its Jewish community. Curious to learn more?

📚 Education: Through partnerships with the Jewish Museum of Belgium and the Institute for Jewish Studies, Belgium is dedicated to preserving Jewish culture and history. Want the full story? Drop a comment below!

🛡️ Security: With initiatives like the Belgian Jewish Community Security Service, Belgium actively protects its Jewish communities.

⚖️ Legal Action: Belgium’s zero-tolerance policy means antisemitism is addressed swiftly and decisively, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.

Join us on a journey to Belgium and witness its dedication to Jewish heritage and community resilience firsthand.

Travel Together. Unite Globally.

01/11/2024

Wishing our colleagues, friends, and family in Israel and abroad a peaceful and calm Shabbat.

This week, we're coming to you from Austria's old Jewish quarter known as the Judengasse. There you'll find The Vienna Synagogue (also known as the Stadttempel) serving as a symbol of the community’s resilience, The Museum Museum Vienna, and the Jewish Quarter Memorial, commemorating the region's rich Jewish history and the tragedies faced during the Holocaust.

31/10/2024

How do we choose the perfect venues for our clients? ✨ Earlier this week, our team had the pleasure of visiting the Orient Hotel by - ישרוטל in Jerusalem! A big thank you to Public Relations Manager and Resident Relations Manager, Sheley Schlaifer for the warm welcome and insightful tour.

We look forward to working together to create memorable experiences for our clients!

29/10/2024

Austria’s commitment to the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism makes it one of Kenes' top destinations. With a complex history, Austria actively addresses and counters antisemitism today through impactful policies and initiatives.

📚 Education and Awareness
Austria collaborates with institutions like the Austrian Holocaust Memorial Service (Gedenkdienst), the National Fund for Victims of National Socialism, and the Jewish Welcome Service Vienna to promote Jewish history education and Holocaust awareness.

🛡️ Security and Support for Jewish Communities
With initiatives like the Austrian Jewish Community Security Fund and the Federal Chancellery’s Protection of Jewish Sites program, Austria works to strengthen security for Jewish cultural centers, synagogues, and organizations.

⚖️ Legal Action and Monitoring
Austria’s zero-tolerance stance address antisemitic incidents through programs like the Austrian Forum Against Antisemitism and the Federal Agency for State Protection and Counter Terrorism.

Bring your group on a mission to Austria to connect with its Jewish community and to learn about its impactful initiatives combatting antisemitism, beautiful heritage sites, and stories of resilience. Also, stay tuned for our next top pick.

Travel Together. Unite Globally.

23/10/2024

Argentina, with the largest Jewish community in Latin America, is a country that stands strong in the fight against antisemitism and is therefore one of our top destination picks!

From the tragic terror attack on AMIA (Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina) (Jewish community center) in 1994 to recent global tensions, Argentina has shown resilience, taking active steps to protect its Jewish citizens.

In 2005 the country adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, a critical step in recognizing and addressing all forms of antisemitism at the state level. Recently Argentina signed the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism. These efforts include collaborating with local organizations to monitor and combat hate crimes, enforcing stricter laws, and integrating Holocaust education into schools. The recent public protests in support of Israel highlight Argentina's ongoing commitment to standing against hate.

At Kenes Tours, we are proud to showcase Argentina as a major player in this global effort. Join us as we explore Jewish life in Buenos Aires and stand in solidarity with a community fighting for tolerance and inclusion.

21/10/2024

As part of our commitment to supporting countries that are actively fighting antisemitism, we’ve now chosen our top destinations from the 35 nations that have signed the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism. ✡️
(Don't worry, you can come with Kenes to all 35 and beyond.)

These countries include: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and Spain.

Starting this week, we will spotlight one country each week, diving into its Jewish heritage and modern-day efforts to combat hate.
Which country do you think we will feature first?
Stay tuned to discover how you can be part of this journey!

16/10/2024

As we celebrate Sukkot this year, let’s embrace its lessons of gratitude, unity, and resilience. This joyful festival reminds us to cherish our connections and support one another, especially in these challenging times. Especially when we have family fighting for Israel's existence and in captivity fighting to survive.
Wishing everyone a meaningful Sukkot!

15/10/2024

New year - new mitzvah!

Yesterday, the Kenes team rolled up their sleeves and spent the day at Moshav Ein Vered helping local farmers during this challenging time. With the agricultural sector hit hard by the current crisis, we wanted to lend a hand—and it was a rewarding experience! 🙌

In just three hours, we picked 400 kilos of fresh lemons 🍋, giving the community a much-needed boost. Without our help, they would not have been able to save as much of their harvest.

It’s amazing what teamwork can do!

11/10/2024

As we enter Yom Kippur, a sacred day of atonement and reflection, we acknowledge the struggles faced by our friends and family in Israel, and we stand in solidarity with all those affected by rising antisemitism. May this Yom Kippur be a time for introspection, healing, and hope.

As you gather with loved ones to observe this important day, and as you welcome in shabbat, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the power of unity and the strength of our shared heritage. Together, let us aspire to create a world filled with understanding and peace.

May you find meaning, comfort, and inspiration this Yom Kippur.

07/10/2024

It's been ONE YEAR.

07/10/2024

Today, we stand with Israel and Jews around the world — from the U.S. to Poland to Australia— remembering the fateful day of October 7 and the year after.

💪🇮🇱💙

W tym trudnym i bolesnym dniu szczególnie mocno łączymy się myślami z członkami społeczności żydowskiej na całym świecie i solidaryzujemy z rodzinami i bliskimi ofiar.

Wraz z członkami warszawskiej społeczności żydowskiej wspólnie uczestniczymy dziś w uroczystościach upamiętniających. Czekamy na bezpieczny powrót do domu wszystkich zakładników. Czekamy na pokój. Niezmiennie wierzymy, że będąc razem i wspierając siebie nawzajem, jesteśmy silniejsi.

***
On this difficult day our hearts and thoughts go to all those affected by the tragedy of October 7th, 2023, and to all the members of the global Jewish Community.

Together with the members of the Jewish Community in Warsaw we take part in commemorating ceremonies, and await the safe return of all the hostages. We continue to believe that being together and supporting each other makes us stronger.

04/10/2024

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach to our friends and family around the world. To a more peaceful and calm year ahead.

01/10/2024

L'shanah Tovah from all of us at Kenes. May this next year bring renewed hope.

30/09/2024

Kenes has decided to take a new and powerful approach to the future of Jewish travel post Oct. 7. Check out the announcement below from our CEO, Cheri Scheff Levitan on our new global initiative.

If you're as bold as we are, join us! [email protected]

Stay tuned to talk destinations...

From My Aisle Seat …

27/09/2024

Wishing our colleagues, friends, and family in Israel and abroad a peaceful and calm Shabbat.

This week, we're coming to you from the beautiful tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard in the heart of Tel Aviv. It's always been on of our clients' favorite places to relax and soak in the city vibes.

26/09/2024

Organized by the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, a unique trip brought together a group comprised of Jewish and non-Jewish community leaders, many of whom were visiting Israel for the first time.

Over several days, the delegation witnessed Israel’s rich history and the challenges faced by its people. From heartfelt moments at Yad Vashem to engaging discussions with evacuees impacted by the war, the group gained a deep understanding of Israel’s resilience. A visit to a kibbutz that was attacked on October 7 was especially powerful, leaving a lasting impression on all who participated.

During the closing session, the leaders committed to using their platforms to stand with Israel, share the stories they heard, and engage their communities back home.

We look forward to seeing other communities connect with Kenes to show their commitment to strengthening ties with Israel and to help spread the word of what happened, and continues to occur, through first-hand knowledge.

23/09/2024

Last week, we had the privilege of hosting the 7th Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Men’s Mission. This special journey deepened the connection between the Philadelphia community and Israel 🇮🇱

The mission featured inspiring conversations with local experts, engaging with influential leaders, hands-on volunteering, having intimate cultural moments, and a reflective visit to the Western Wall, grounding the trip in history and hope for a better future.

Have a men's group you'd like to bring? Let us know, we're ready!
We’re looking forward to many more meaningful missions ahead!