What is CAARI?

CAARI stands for: Canadian American Active Retirees in Israel Program. For the past twenty six years over 1600 active retirees mainly from Canada and the USA, have participated in this unique and special Program in cooperation with the Jewish National Fund.

What are CAARI’s goals?

CAARI is designed for active people, aged 50 or over. The Program offers active seniors with an opportunity: to contribute to Israeli society though a community service program, to develop an appreciation and knowledge of the country, it’s people, history and the work of JNF.  Participants will work in the community and JNF forests, tour the country, visit historical sites, meet Israelis socially and learn about Israel’s issues and challenges. In addition, participants will witness JNF’s contributions to the development of Israeli and to improving the quality of life of the people.  

What is the CAARI Program?

The CAARI Program is a unique work, study and touring program in Israel. Participants can choose between 2,3,4,or 7 - week program options.

Key elements of the CAARI Program include community service, touring, speakers' forum, JNF forest work and special events. A brief discussion of these activities is presented below.

• Community Service: assignments are offered 14-16 mornings and include: tutoring English in elementary schools, working with patients at a rehabilitation hospital, volunteer work in a major hospital, and assisting at Israel’s leading organizations for the needy. The group also performs community service in food banks and soup kitchens.

• Touring Program: visits to archeological sites, museums, and historical sites with Israeli licensed tour guides and educators. CAARI participants travel throughout Israel from its northern border to the Red Sea, including the Galilee, Eilat, Negev, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Tours to JNF sites include meeting with local foresters, landscape architects, and people who benefit from the JNF.

• Speakers' Forum: is designed to discuss with local media, prominent business and political leaders the issues and concerns facing Israel today. The forum features prominent, lesser-known Israelis and 'behind the scenes' personalities that are influential in the daily lives of Israelis.

• Forest Work: one day each week CAARI works with KKL foresters throughout Israel, in the maintenance of KKL-JNF forests -pruning, and planting trees, as well as clearing brush and foliage. They learn about KKL’s forestry technology and history of the land.

• Special Events: CAARI participants are invited to share in Friday night Oneg Shabbat celebrations, Israeli folk dancing and singing, community service appreciation dinners, special ceremonies and a seder for Tu’Bshvat.

When do I select my community service assignment?

Participants will select their community service project upon arrival in Israel. At that time, the specifics of each assignment will be explained. These service opportunities do not require knowledge of Hebrew. CAARI works in cooperation with the Tel Aviv Municipality in selecting community service projects.

What is the daily routine for community service work?

The community service portion of the program is approximately 3 hours a day, 3-5 days a week for the first four weeks in Tel Aviv. We are able to provide community service assignments for those participants who attend CAARI for the first 3 weeks. For those who join the program in week four, there may not be assignments available as these are the last few days of service work.

What type of forest work is required?

Planting, trimming and pruning trees. There is no heavy lifting required.

What are my responsibilities as a CAARI participant?

To work each day and to partake in CAARI activities.

What types of accommodations are offered?

Participants will stay in 3 or 4 star hotels. Rooms are clean, comfortable, pleasantly furnished and centrally located.

At which hotels will we be staying?

Tel Aviv - Hotel Metropolitan
Telephone: 972-3-519-2727
Fax: 972-3-517-2626

Galilee - Ramot Resort Hotel
Telephone: 972 -4-673-2636
Fax: 972-4-679-3590

Eilat - Vista Hotel
Telephone: 972-8-630-3030
Fax: 972-8-630-3040

 Dead Sea - Hod Hotel Midbar
Tel: 972 (8) 6688222
Fax: 972 (8) 6584606

Jerusalem - Dan Boutique Hotel 
Tel: 02-5689999
Fax: 02-6734066

What about the meals?

CAARI participants receive all breakfasts, some lunches and most dinners - breakfast and lunch is included on Shabbat.  All meals are Kosher. The cuisine is international and includes western, Middle Eastern and local Israeli dishes served buffet style. Those with special needs must selectively choose from available menus, since the hotels do not cater to individual diets.

What type of climate does Israel have at this time of year?

Most days will be clear and sunny with temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees during the day and 40 to 50 degrees at night. The temperatures at the Dead Sea and Eilat will be slightly warmer. A few rainy days with cooler temperatures are likely this time of year.

How much money should a participant bring?

This depends on how much money each participant requires for him/herself. He/she may want to attend concerts, shows or purchase gifts. You can bring cash, traveler’s checks or use a major credit card.  Cash and traveler’s check can be exchanged for shekels (approximately 3.2 shekels to the $1.00 USA, at time of printing) with a small commission and credit cards can be used to obtain cash from Automatic Teller Machines (ATM). Don’t forget your secret code.

What are the physical requirements for the program?

The program is designed for healthy, active people and requires a certain level of physical fitness. Participants must be able to walk up to a half-mile or more and climb approximately 30 steps. They must be able to get on and off a bus unaided. Medical approval from a licensed physician is a requirement.

Is medical insurance offered?

Medical insurance is included in the price of the program. It does not cover pre-existing conditions.

Is trip cancellation insurance offered?

Insurance for trip cancellation and interruption is not included in the price of the program, but may be purchased separately at an additional cost through JNF Travel & Tours.

What is included in the cost of the program?

The Program cost includes  hotels, (double occupancy) meals, tips, medical insurance, guides, touring, coach transportation and entrance fees to sites.  We will be happy to help arrange transfers at additional cost.

Is there a cancellation fee is the participant cancels?
Yes. All cancellations must be received in writing and sent to:
JNF Travel and Tours
ATTN: Shirley Shchory
1511 Walnut Street, 2^nd floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102 USA

Up to 90 days prior to your departure you are entitled to a full refund of paid fees less a $100.00 per person processing fee + any other cancellation fees levied by our land suppliers/airlines.

From 89-61 days you are entitled to a full refund less $250.00 per person processing fee + any other cancellation fees levied by our land suppliers/airlines.

From 60-31 days, $500.00 per person will be assessed  plus any other cancellation fees levied by our land suppliers/airlines*. Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to departure are non-refundable.

There will be no refunds for unused services.

Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended and available for an additional cost. 

Will there be a refund if the participant must leave the tour before the tour’s completion?

A refund may be considered in the case of extenuating circumstances. Trip interruption insurance is highly recommended and available for an additional cost through JNF Travel & Tours.

Who manages the program in Israel?

Susan Horwitz is the Program Coordinator in Israel. She has been coordinating the CAARI Program for the past ten years. The head guide is Neil (Nahum Eisenstadt) who has been guiding in Israel for the past 20 years and one of Israel’s leading guides. Susan will travel with the group and be available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Nahum (Neil) Eisenstadt came in to Israel in 1981 after completing a BS degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Miami, Florida. After completing the World Union of Jewish Students (WUJS) Program he served his obligatory military service in Israel during Operation Peace in Galilee. Neil worked for Israel Aircraft Industries as a structural engineer. In 1986 he began a career in tourism with an Israeli company as guide in Sinai and a representative for the company in Cairo, Egypt. Neil completed Israel’s tour guide certification in 1988 and has worked as tour guide and tour operator since 1995. In addition to tour guiding, Neil also is licensed scuba instructor.

Susan Horwitz made Aliya 11 years ago and lives in Tel Aviv. For the past ten years she has been responsible for coordinating and managing the CAARI Program, in addition to her responsiblities to JNF-USA as the Israel Representative. Susan provides planning and scheduling of all Program activities, as well as managing the daily operations of the program while participants are in Israel. Prior to coming to Israel, Susan was a communications executive for Eastern Enterprises, a Fortune 500 company. As Vice President of Public Relations and Advertising for Eastern Enterprises largest subsidiary, Boston Gas Company, she was responsible for all public communications, government and community relations, advertising and marketing support. Born in Pittsburgh, PA.  Susan graduated from Kent State University, OH with a BS degree and a masters degrees in education from Suffolk University, MA and executive MBA degree from Northeastern University, MA.

What do people say about CAARI?

• “The program was excellent, I thought the focus on the land and its people was terrific. It was more than expected.”

• “The speakers forum gives us an excellent perspective of what is going on in Israel. We are always impressed with the caliber of speakers, some of which we see in the news. It is a wonderful addition to CAARI.”

•  Neil is described as: “very knowledgeable, well prepared, informative, supportive and concerned about the well being of the group. It is great to have him as a guide, adds lot to the program.”

• “Susan did an excellent job programming; she put together a program that has a wide variety of activities, lectures and sites. It is a pleasure to have Susan as our coordinator. She is very helpful, patient, and understanding.”