INSIDE ETHIOPIA JDC Entwine s Insider Service Trip for Young Professionals December 18-26, 2016 Trip Information About Ethiopia: Ethiopia is situated in the Horn of Africa, bordering Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan. It is the only country that maintained its independence during the Scramble for Africa, save for a five-year occupation by the Italians in the late 1930s. Ethiopia is considered a low-income country less than half of the country can read and write and almost a quarter of the population lives on less than $1/day. In 1984, Operation Moses, and in 1991, Operation Solomon, transported Ethiopia s Jews to Israel in the form of two massive airlifts. Following Operation Solomon, JDC created the infrastructure to take care of approximately 2,800 Felas Mora who remained in Addis Ababa. Some years later, JDC developed an emergency assistance program using medical clinics in Addis Ababa and Gondar, implementing a nutrition program for malnourished children as well as other health-related initiatives. JDC is currently digging potable water wells, building primary schools, and providing vocational training and university scholarships for women. JDC s medical program, directed by Dr. Rick Hodes, continues to provide life-altering treatment to young people, particularly patients suffering from spinal deformities and those who need heart surgery or treatment for Hodgkin s disease. Itinerary Highlights: Gain insight into humanitarian challenges and interventions while exploring issues of clean water, public health, and education Serve with the American Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world s largest humanitarian aid organization in medical and nutritional programs Learn about JDC s historic role in rescuing Ethiopia's Jewish community Explore the historic sites of Gondar Experience Shabbat with Dr. Rick Hodes, JDC Medical Director & CNN Hero Engage in a cultural exchange with leading professionals and peers while traveling with young professionals from all around the world Trip Dates: December 18-26, 2016 Trip Chairs: Melissa Karas (San Diego) & Josh Prywes (Dallas) Cost for US Based Participants: $3,700, inclusive of roundtrip airfare from Washington, DC to Ethiopia (see flight information below) Cost for International Participants: $2,100 not inclusive of flights* The trip cost includes: Roundtrip airfare from Washington, DC* Local transportation within Ethiopia Meals Hotel accommodations (note: the participation fee covers accommodations in double rooms; participants may elect to stay in a single room for an additional fee) Briefings, tours, and leisure activities
Medical and emergency evacuation insurance Note that participants will be expected to submit a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 upon notification of selection. Final payment will be due approximately two months before the trip. Group Flight Information: The group flight will depart from Washington, DC Dulles International Airport on Sunday, December 18 and will return on Tuesday, December 27. Participants originating from cities in the United States other than DC are expected to meet the group at Dulles Airport in time for the group flight. Exact flight details and logistics will be shared upon notification of selection. *International participants not traveling on the group flight will be responsible for booking their flights in coordination with JDC staff. Visas: All accepted participants will be responsible for obtaining a visa to Ethiopia. Upon acceptance, JDC will provide detailed instructions for applying for a visa. JDC Global Leadership Grants: JDC does not want the cost of the trip to prevent your participation. If you are unable to contribute the full participation fee, we encourage you to apply for a JDC Global Leadership Grant (see JDC Global Leadership Grant section of the online application). JDC will award Global Leadership Grants to a select number of participants on an as-needed basis. Your decision to apply for a JDC Global Leadership Grant will not impact selection decisions. Please note that JDC does not award any full subsidies. Beyond applying for a JDC Global Leadership Grant, we also encourage you to fundraise to help cover the cost of your participation. We are happy to provide guidance as you reach out to friends and family to seek additional funds for this worthwhile experience. Entwine is a one-of-a-kind movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates who seek to make a meaningful impact on global Jewish needs and international humanitarian issues. We do this by offering service experiences in Jewish communities around the world, educational events and programs, and leadership development opportunities. Entwine is an initiative of JDC, the largest Jewish humanitarian organization in the world. JDC works in 70 countries, specializing in humanitarian aid, Jewish community renewal and disaster relief. Learn more: www.jdcentwine.org About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC): For over 95 years, JDC has provided rescue, relief, and renewal for Jewish communities outside of North America, helped Israel meet the needs of its most vulnerable citizens, and offered a Jewish response to natural and man-made disasters and non-sectarian development needs around the world. JDC s work in over 70 countries is inspired by Jewish values of mutual responsibility, that kol yisrael areivim zeh l zeh (all of Israel is responsible for one another), and tikkun olam, that Jews have an obligation to repair the world. Learn more: www.jdc.org
JDC Entwine Insider Trip Frequently Asked Questions What is JDC Entwine? JDC Entwine is a one-of-a-kind movement for young Jewish leaders, influencers, and advocates who seek to make a meaningful impact on global Jewish needs and international humanitarian issues. Entwine offers service experiences in Jewish communities and nonsectarian settings around the world, educational events and programs, and leadership development opportunities. Entwine is an initiative of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the largest Jewish humanitarian organization in the world. JDC works in 70 countries, specializing in humanitarian aid, Jewish community renewal, and disaster relief. Learn more: www.jdcentwine.org Who is the appropriate candidate for JDC Entwine Insider Trips for Young Professionals? What is the age range of the group? JDC Entwine looks to put together a diverse group of young professionals from across the United States, United Kingdom, and around the world ranging in age, background, profession, and interests. There is no one profile that is appropriate. We look for applicants who are interested in learning about and taking action on global Jewish issues and are excited to participate in a group travel experience. JDC Entwine Insider Trips for Young Professionals are open to post-college age individuals. Participants generally range in age from early 20s through late 30s. What are the goals of JDC Entwine Insider Trips for Young Professionals? JDC Entwine s Insider Trips for Young Professionals are opportunities for young Jewish leaders from around the world to engage with global Jewish and humanitarian issues while traveling with a group of likeminded peers. The goals of Entwine s Insider Trips are that Jewish young adults will connect and build friendships with their fellow participants and peers overseas; have the opportunity to learn about the challenges facing Jews in another part of the world and the role of JDC in responding to overseas needs; and, upon returning home, will engage in advocacy for overseas Jewish needs. What is expected of participants? Participants who engage fully before, during, and after JDC Entwine s Insider Trips gain the most from the experience. Before the trip, participants are expected to participate in virtual pre-trip briefings, read the provided briefing materials to gain a better understanding of the community, and acquaint themselves with the other participants. Pre-trip activities may also include collecting donations to bring to the community. On the ground, participants are expected to participate in all scheduled activities and will get the most out of the experience by making an effort to get to know all fellow participants and actively engage with community members. Following the trip, it is up to participants to bring the experience home in whatever way speaks to them; follow up activities can range from planning educational events to blogging about the experience to organizing a fundraiser based on the needs of the community. JDC Entwine staff are available to assist with post-trip follow up activities. What is involved in the application process & what information should I have handy? The application asks for information about your education and activities/volunteer experience, current employment, as well as a few short essay questions. You will also need to upload a copy of your resume. A select number of applicants will be invited for an interview
within one month following the application deadline. Trip interviews are conducted via Skype with JDC Entwine staff and last between 15-25 minutes. When will I find out if I am accepted & how long do I have to confirm my participation? All participants will be notified of acceptance about three to four months before the trip departure date. If selected, you will have approximately one week to confirm your participation and pay the non-refundable trip deposit. What is included in the participation fee? Unless otherwise noted, included in the participation fee is roundtrip airfare from a point of departure in the United States, local transportation, meals, hotel accommodations (note: the participation fee covers accommodations in double rooms; participants may elect to stay in a single room for an additional fee), briefings, tours, leisure activities, and medical and emergency evacuation insurance. Not included in the participation fee are items of a personal nature such as souvenirs and extra snacks and drinks. I cannot afford the full cost of the trip. What kinds of subsidies are available? Can I fundraise from other sources to help cover the cost of my participation fee? JDC Entwine Global Leadership Grants are provided on an as-need basis and you can apply for a grant when you complete the trip application. Note that no full subsidies are available. Applying for a grant has no bearing on acceptance to the program. If the grant awarded does not fully meet your needs, we encourage participants to fundraise to cover the cost of the trip. Past participants have been extremely successful in raising additional funds to help cover the cost of participation. JDC Entwine Insider Trips are leadership experiences, and many local organizations, synagogues, alumni associations, and employers agree on their value. Is my payment refundable should I have to withdraw after confirming my participation? A non-refundable deposit of $1,000, due within one week of notification of acceptance, is required to confirm your participation and reserve your spot on the trip. Typically, the remainder of the participation fee is due two months before the trip departure date. Cancellation after the submission of final payment may result in a loss of the entire payment. No refunds will be made within seven days of departure. Is my payment tax deductible? No. Participation fees are payments, not donations, and therefore do not qualify as tax deductible. Is kosher food available? What accommodations are made for Shabbat? In general, meals are kosher-style. Should participants require strictly kosher food, they should indicate this on their application and participation form. When available, JDC staff will try to accommodate as best as possible. In some locations, certified kosher food may not be available, in which case, alternate arrangements can be made. JDC Entwine Insider Trips are pluralistic and designed for all levels of Jewish observance; travel is not required on Shabbat. When possible, Shabbat is spent with the local Jewish community and local traditions/practices are observed. A variety of options are given throughout the day on Shabbat (for example, attending synagogue, free time, walking tour, etc.).
What does the group flight entail? Can I book my own flights? Typically, US-based participants must travel to the trip location on the group flight. Depending on airline rules, participants may receive frequent flyer miles for these flights and, if desired, may be able to upgrade their tickets for an additional cost. International participants coming from locations other than the United States are expected to book their own travel to the trip location in coordination with JDC Entwine staff. Can I extend my stay after the group trip? Can JDC staff assist with post-trip accommodations? Participants can usually extend their trip after the group experience. Extensions are subject to availability and any difference in fare/change fees charged. Participants interested in extending will be given contact information for JDC s travel agent only once the deposit for the trip is submitted. If participants are interested in extending they must be in touch with Rebecka Handler at Rebecka.handler@jdc.org by their participation confirmation deadline. JDC Entwine staff are not available to assist with any post-trip travel plans, recommendations, or accommodations. We are happy to connect you with our preferred travel agent who may be able to assist with your requests. What accommodations are made for the security and safety of participants? JDC is the largest Jewish humanitarian aid organization, operating in over 70 countries, with more than 100 years of experience and longstanding relationships around the world. The organization does as much as possible to ascertain and ensure the safety of staff and participants traveling with JDC. Locations for travel are selected based on an assessment that they meet high levels of safety and security. Security conditions are subject to constant and rapid changes. JDC s Global Security team monitors conditions on an ongoing basis and adjusts instructions and activities as necessary. Security guidelines are shared with the group before departure and participants will receive a comprehensive security briefing by local staff upon arrival to the field. All participants are required to share emergency contact information with JDC Entwine staff. Additionally, JDC Entwine staff always travel with an international cell phone, should participants need to reach loved ones or vice versa. When will I find out who else is in the group? Will there be an opportunity to connect prior to the trip itself? Shortly after confirming your participation for the trip, you will receive a formal Welcome E- mail with logistics, briefing materials, and dates to mark on your calendar. You will also be introduced to the rest of the group and will receive everyone s bios and contact information. There will be two group briefings via webinar and/or by phone within the two months before takeoff. Additionally, if there are a few participants in a given city, these participants may organize an informal get together, which JDC Entwine staff and trip co-chairs are happy to help facilitate. What is a Trip Chair? A Trip Chair is a trip participant who takes on certain leadership roles and responsibilities before, during, and after the trip. Trip Chairs work very closely with JDC Entwine staff throughout the program development process, and are essential members of the team who help lead the trip. Typically, there are two Chairs on every Entwine trip, in addition to one or two JDC Entwine staff members (the JDC Entwine Group Leader ).
Does participation in one trip preclude my participation in future trips? Not at all! Many alumni participate in multiple trips. Alumni are encouraged to get involved in their local Entwine Learning Networks and pursue other leadership opportunities through Entwine. For more information about Entwine s Learning Networks, visit our website: http://jdcentwine.org/events.