Yad Vashem Hanukkah Mission

Together, let us light the way forward while honoring the past

Join Yad Vashem USA Foundation in an exclusive solidarity mission in Israel.
The tragic events of October 7th and the alarming rise in antisemitism worldwide have made Yad Vashem’s mission more important than ever.
This Hannukah, take part in something extraordinary!
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of Yad Vashem’s work and discover how lessons of the Holocaust continue to guide us - even in these dark times.

Mission Highlights

Behind-the-Scenes at Yad Vashem:

Unlock exclusive access to our underground, state-of-the-art conservation labs, where you'll have the opportunity to examine unique items from our remarkable collections up close. Be among the first to experience an immersive multisensory enactment that brings to life various objects that silently witnessed the struggles of their owners. Explore the Yad Vashem Educational Center in the Negev, where we collaborate with the IDF to instill core values in soldiers and security forces. And more.

Engage in Intimate Conversations:

Gain unique insights from Yad Vashem's experts, including curators, educators, conservationists, archivists and Yad Vashem Chairman Dani Dayan. Connect with Israeli officials, opinion shapers, and decision-makers in meaningful, one-on-one discussions.

Witness Israel in the Aftermath:

Visit areas devastated by the October 7th attacks. Hear personal stories from Yad Vashem employees and modern-day heroes, whose lives have been directly impacted by the conflict.

Experience Jerusalem’s Splendor:

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Jerusalem during the holiday season. Join us for an unforgettable Hanukkah lighting ceremony, which blends tradition with the commemoration of past and present heroes.

Preliminary Hanukkah Mission Itinerary ▼

Sunday, December 22, 2024 - ARRIVAL AND WELCOME DINNER

Welcome to Israel!!!
* Recommendation for VIP services available upon request.
Welcome Dinner - 1868: Haute cuisine in an authentic Jerusalem atmosphere crafted by Chef Yankale Turjeman. Hosted by Yad Vashem Chairman, Dani Dayan.

Monday, December 23, 2024 - Explore

Behind the Scenes at Yad Vashem

Exclusive access to Yad Vashem's hidden treasures and experiences that have yet to open to the public. Highlights include:

The largest Holocaust-related collections in the world - A unique behind the scenes tour of the recently opened Moshal Shoah Legacy Campus.
A backstage peek of the creation of the 'Living Memories' exhibition, which focuses on some of the unique treasures in the Yad Vashem collections.
Walk in the footsteps of glory. Partake in a special Memorial Ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, a site visited by thousands of politicians, opinion shapers and dignitaries from all around the world.
Uncover your roots as you examine the Book of Names.
Participate in a short workshop designed to equip educators with practical tools to effectively combat antisemitism on campus in our interactive learning environments.
Engage in an open discussion with Yad Vashem’s Chairman and leadership on the challenges of Holocaust remembrance amidst rising antisemitism alongside the dwindling number of survivors.

Unlock the secrets of the Western Wall Tunnels
Explore Shuk Machaneh Yehuda

And work with a chef to create a gourmet feast with fresh produce from this famous market.

Tuesday, December 24, 2024 – Bear Witness

Up close and personal with the tragic events of October 7th

Start the morning with a high-level security briefing and conversation with high-ranking IDF official to gain a better understanding of the events.
Tour Sderot, a city that had endured missile fire for decades before having its police department demolished and many police officers murdered by terrorists on Oct. 7^th.
Lunch at the local's favorite Hummus Shel Techina, a bastion of delicious homestyle cooking and warm service that'll make you feel right at home.
Take part in a Hanukkah celebration with the children of Kfar Maimon who were evacuated to Jerusalem after the massacre. In an unprecedented move, Yad Vashem opened its doors (and its heart) to nearly 300 students, grades 1-12, from the area.
Meet with Millet Ben Chaim, a survivor of the Nova Music Festival and Rami Davidian, the hero who saved hundreds.
Relax and process the day over a dinner and wine tasting at The Wine Temple.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024 – resilience and Rebirth

Joy and sadness always co-exist in Jewish tradition, and we will experience both in these encounters:

Start the morning at Yad Vashem by meeting a survivor who can shed light on how life was rebuilt after the Holocaust. Discover how modern Israelis continue to rebuild in the shadow of tragedy and the importance of passing the torch to future generations.
Travel to Ir HaBahadim – Yad Vashem's cutting-edge educational center in the Negev, serving soldiers and security forces in the South. A model for future Yad Vashem centers worldwide, it has proven to reaffirm the impact of Holocaust education, especially in the wake of the events of October 7th.
Mark Hanukkah by lighting the first candle with lone soldiers on the base. Enjoy a BBQ dinner and light conversation.

Thursday, December 26, 2024 – Experience Jerusalem in All its Splendor

Visit the recently constructed National Library of Israel, which hosts the world's largest repository of rare and unique manuscripts, books and artifacts. Meet with the curator in charge of books looted from private collections by Nazis.
Gain an insider's view of the startup nation ecosystem over lunch at OurCrowd , Israel's most active Venture Capital investor and a global investment platform.
Join an intimate conversation with high level decision-makers in Israel.
Discover the light in the darkness, with a unique Candle Lighting Tour in Jerusalem's Old City.
Gala Dinner – TBD.