We are thrilled to announce an upcoming series of three FREE live virtual Israel tours hosted by the Atlanta Israel Coalition (AIC) and the Jewish Interest-Free Loan Association of Georgia (JIFLA), featuring tour guide David Sussman.
The first virtual tour kicks off on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 9:30 am. You can register for these FREE Virtual Tours at https://bit.ly/TourIsrael-AIC2024.
Because of the 7-hour time difference between Israel and Atlanta, these live virtual tours are being held on Sundays at 9:30 am. If you cannot attend on Sunday mornings, register anyway and the recording link will be emailed several days after each live tour.
We are grateful to have the continued support and sponsorship of the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast, Congregation B’nai Torah, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, who has partnered with us through their Gather Grant to present this series titled “Let’s GATHER Together to Rediscover the Land of Israel after October 7th”.
Previously, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Innovation Initiative sponsored “Re-Discovering the Land of Israel”, encompassing two series of five virtual tours between March 2021 and January 2022. These tours, led by David Sussman, have been a resounding success, collectively viewed over 16,000 times, including more than 2,100 live views on Zoom and Facebook. You can view all twelve virtual tours on the AIC YouTube channel.
Sunday, August 4 at 9:30 am – Visit the Nova Music Festival Memorial Site: Embark on a profound journey through the Gaza Envelope with a private, guided tour that immerses you in the region’s rich history, complex geography, and intricate politics. Begin your exploration at a scenic lookout, where you’ll gain a panoramic understanding of the area’s strategic significance. Next, visit the poignant site of the Nova Festival, a place that now stands as a testament to resilience in the face of the tragic Hamas attack.
As we drive through the region, witness the physical scars left by ongoing conflicts—roadside bomb shelters, damaged buildings, charred landscapes, and remnants of past confrontations. The journey will be accompanied by the occasional, distant sound of shelling, a stark reminder of the area’s fragile security situation. We will also stop at the Shuva Junction, a soldier rest stop, to share refreshments and conversations with IDF soldiers.
Sunday, August 18 at 9:30 am – Tour one of the Kibbutzim devastated by the October 7 Hamas Massacre: Experience the haunting aftermath of Hamas’s October 7 attack on one of the kibbutzim in the Gaza envelop. A walk through the ruins and the stories of local heroes who defended their homes and saved lives that day unveils the devastation from a unique vantage point. The tour culminates with inspiring stories that highlight the resilience and hope of the local communities. These narratives offer a glimpse into the lives of those who continue to build and thrive amidst adversity, providing a powerful and uplifting end to your visit.
Sunday, September 1 at 9:30 am – Visit Hostage Square in Tel Aviv: Hostage Square (כיכר החטופים) is a public plaza located in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel, the families of the hostages taken during the attack have encamped in the square. We will visit the outdoor exhibits (The Empty Shabbat Table, The Replica Hamas Tunnel, and various Bring Them Home art installations) and talk with family members of those held captive.
About David Sussman
David Sussman is well known for his mastery of storytelling, charisma, and colorful personality. David is originally from Boston, MA. After traveling the States following his favorite band Phish, David came to Israel on a visit in 2001 and never left. Since then, he has immersed himself in the land and culture. After David’s service in the Israeli army in a combat unit as a lone soldier and his near-death experience in the Second Lebanon War, David realized the importance of educating people about Israel. David has appeared on television telling his amazing survival story and has spoken to a multitude of groups including many high schools, colleges, and independent groups. He graduated from the Archeological Seminar’s two-year course in 2009 and became a licensed tour guide from the Israel Ministry of Tourism. David has guided engaging, adventurous, inspirational, and fun trips to Israel for hundreds of families, synagogues, schools, and Jewish Federations around the world. David now lives in Efrat near Jerusalem with his wife and two children.
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