Frequently Asked Questions
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What is CAARI? CAARI stands for Canadian American Active Retirees in
Israel. For the past 29 yrs, over 3000 active retirees, from Canada
and the USA, have participated in this unique 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 and to develop an appreciation and knowledge of the country, its
people, history and the work of JNF. Participants 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
Israel and to improving the quality of life of its people. What is the CAARI Program? The CAARI Program is a unique work, study and touring program
in Israel. Participants can choose between 2 – 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.
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. The volunteer 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, 3-4 days a week for the four weeks in Tel Aviv. After breakfast,
taxis take you to your community service assignment in the school or rehab
center. The tutoring in schools consists of working with 2-4 children,
assisting them with their homework and work assignments. You are under
the supervision of the English teacher. In the rehab centers, you are
under the supervision of the unit’s head nurse. After the morning session the
taxi will bring you back to the hotel. At which hotels will we be staying?
CAARI participants receive breakfast daily and at least one
other meal a day, i.e. either lunch or dinner. In Tel Aviv, many of the days
include 3 meals a day. Shabbat dinner and Shabbat lunch are served every
week. 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
in the Negev will be slightly warmer during the day, but cooler at night. A
few rainy days with cooler temperatures are likely this time of year. How much money should a participant bring? This depends. You may want to attend concerts, shows or
purchase gifts. You can bring cash or major credit cards. Traveler’s
checks are not advised as most merchants do not accept them and there is a
$25 fee for cashing each check. Cash can be exchanged for shekels
(approximately 3.4 shekels to the $1.00 USA, at time of printing) with a
small commission. Credit cards can be used to obtain cash from Automatic
Teller Machines (ATM). Don’t forget your PIN 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, and climb approximately 50 steps and must be able
to get on and off a bus unaided. Is medical insurance offered? Medical insurance is included in the price of the program. It does
not cover pre-existing conditions. Please complete the Medical
Application - medical approval from a licensed physician is the insurance
company’s requirement. The insurance agent is Harel, Israel’s largest
insurance company 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 the travel agent. What is included in the cost of the program? The Program cost includes: hotels, (double occupancy)
meals, gratuities, medical insurance, guiding, touring, coach transportation
and entrance fees to sites. On the Eilat portion of the program the flight
and the hotel transfer are also included. We will be happy to arrange
other transfer requests at additional cost. Is there a cancellation fee if the participant cancels? Yes. 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. 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. From 60-31 days, $500.00 per person will be assessed plus any
other cancellation fees levied by our land suppliers. Cancellations received
less than 30 days prior to departure are non-refundable. There will be no
refunds for unused services. *All airline tickets purchased by the participant are subject
to the individual airline company’s cancellation policy and not the
responsibility of the Israel Tour Operator. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended and
available for an additional cost. All cancellations must be received
in writing and sent to:
Who manages the program in Israel? What do people say about CAARI?
For additional information on CAARI please call the CAARI
office in each country.
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