Testimonials
Just wanted to let you know , we just returned from an 11 night tour. From start to finish everything went exactly as promised plus more. Everyone was exactly on time from airport pickup to departure. Hotels were a pleasant surprise. Both Dan Panoramas were beautiful and above expectations for a "C" package. Our tour for the first 3 days was private for whatever reason. We were then joined by 3 other couples which was almost private. To say our tour guide(thru Rent-A- Guide) was great is an understatement. The guy was incredible from his knowledge to his personality and made the trip unforgettable. His name is Meni and he should definitely be commended by the company. Last but not least, thank you to Donny, your ITC representative. His honesty and persona was the reason we booked with you and everything he said came true. So thanks again.
Barbara Lazarus
Gerald Zack
Gal,
You did I phenomenal job! Thank you. And yes, I did notice that you threw I little greek music in the last video.....cool. Before the memory of this trip fades to black I'd like to share my last journal entry. Then I won't bother you guys again.
My soul was weak
It needed nourishment
I lost my way
I needed direction
I needed balance and harmony
I needed God
I went to Israel.
My priorities were wrong
I was arrogant
I should be humble
I was prideful
But I was ignorant
I was looking for God
So I went to Israel
I don't know when it happened
Was it praying at the Western Wall?
Was it dancing with the soldiers on Shabbat?
Was it when I was alone in the desert?
Was it when I was floating in the Dead Sea?
I went looking for God
But God found me, in Israel.
I think we are all a little different after our trip....changed for the better.
John
Thanks for your greetings.
Again, the Interfaith trip that you set up for us was simply marvelous. I will remember it for the rest of my life. The accommodations were superb, the places we visited fascinating, and most of all, our guide Gila was outstanding. I can't say enough about her. She made the trip.
Best wishes for the holidays,
Doug h.
Donny,
I want to thank you very much for organizing our recent Jewish Heritage Tour in Israel. My wife Randi and I found it to be the most meaningful trip we've ever taken. We have come home with a much-deeper understanding and appreciation of Israel. Our guide, Meir, was sensational. Since we were lucky enough to have a small number of fellow travelers (never more than 11 of us, and some days as few as two or three), we never felt rushed -- and we, basically, had a private tour. Having time to ourselves most nights and the two Shabbats on our own was great. It was stunning to find myself offering up spontaneous prayers at the Western Wall. What a moving experience!
We were able to see the Palmach Museum. I would strongly recommend it. I'm glad we arrived an extra day early so we could see it.
I was thrilled to buy a Gabrieli tallit and an Azoulay microcalligraphy lithograph (The 23rd Psalm) in S'fat. The Manta Ray restaurant on
the promenade near the Tel Aviv Dan Panorama was excellent and we enjoyed the Magandi (the spelling may be a little off) Yemenese restaurant behind the Carmel Market, and Dr. Shakshouka's was a fun experience. We also went to a pleasant restaurant at the train station (the name escapes me now). In Jerusalem, we had very good meals at Olive and Fish, and two other restaurants, all a block away from the Jerusalem Dan Panorama. One was Paradiso. Can't remember the other. Cafe Care in the Mamila Mall was also good.
Looking forward to briefing our friends who will be going on the same tour in April.
Thanks again for your excellent contribution to a fabulous trip.
Shalom! Bill Levin
Larry, Harvey, Vicki, Barbara, Tami:
Thank you for helping plan such a wonderful experience for the Knesset Israel tour of Israel and Jordan. Throughout the week, travelers felt educated, enlightened, moved and inspired by their experiences. Many of them are itching to return. What more could a rabbi ask for?
Roni Netzer's guiding was particularly professional, engaging and entertaining. His insights and storytelling brought the land – ancient and modern – to life. Logistics in Israel and Jordan came together very well, and each day was worthwhile.
I look forward to working with you to plan the congregation's next trip to Israel.
Best wishes & Shabbat Shalom,
David
My husband and I just wanted you to know howpleased we were with the tour.
Everything ran so smoothly. We did extend our trip an extra day--and your contacts in Israel were very helpful.
We will recommend your agency in the future.
It all seems like a dream.
Shelley & Fred Rosenfeld
Hi Donny,
I would like to thank you for the wonderful tour you have arranged for us. We had a marvelous time in Israel.We had a good english speaking guide.
He took us to the most unusual places. He told us, "thow away your guide books and I show you the real history of the place." He quoted the bible, the gomora,the history.This was just enjoyable every minute.
Once again thank you for the bottom of my heart, I am not a yongster, We were not sure that we could walk this much, but we did it!!!
Best wishes,
Anna G.
Hi Vicki,
I never had a chance to speak with you after our trip to Israel.
We did have a wonderful time. It was a trip that I wanted to go on for years …
We are all beyond thrilled that we went. I still can't believe that we were there and while we were there it was truly awesome to be there .. .
The itinerary was basically perfect for the 4 of us, for our first trip (I went when I was in 3rd grade...).
I felt like it started us with history from thousands of years ago and finished with 2011 Israel and Tel Aviv. I have my 3 favorite pictures of us framed on our wall. in one we are at the Wall, the 2nd we are in the Dead Sea and the third we are planting trees. I just smile every time I look at the pictures. The trip kept us going and seeing so many terrific things in Israel.
C.S.
We returned from our amazing trip to Israel and would like to thank you for all of the arrangements made for the tour. Martin, our guide, was excellent and we met some really nice people in the group. Since the group was fairly small (27), we all got to know each other and enjoyed our time together.
Thanks again,
Harriet & Sandy
Dear Marlene,
We want to thank you for the trip of a lifetime! All of your hard work paid off in providing us with 13 miraculous days in Israel. Even the weather was perfect! Your hotel choices were wonderful and the itinerary was great. Although we were, of course, exhausted at the end of each day, the activities were interesting,varied,and extremely informative. Our guide, Nimrod Wiesenberg, was the best. Not only was he an expert in Israel's history, his demeanor and good nature made him a dear friend by the end of the week. His interest in maximizing our time in Israel and pointing out things he knew would be personally important to each of us made our time together so very memorable. He was particularly instrumental in helping me locate a beloved relative. His kindness will not soon be forgotten. Thank you again for our trip of a lifetime!
The Berger and Brown families
Dear Sara, 
As I told Larry this afternoon, our trip worked out beautifully. Prague in the company of Rabbi Ron Hoffberg was a special treat – we learned far more about the Czech Republic and its connection with the Jewish people than we had ever anticipated. My husband and I are pleased to recommend our Israel and Prague experiences to any future travelers.
Many thanks,
Beverly B.
Dear Mickey, the ITC team,
I am back from our trip to Israel , and although still very jet-lagged, I wanted to tell you folks what a great time I had, and how much I enjoyed the entire trip. I saw and visited so much that I am still sorting it out.
I would like to mention that our tour guide Gali was superb. She was organized, knowledgeable, and fun to be with. Everyone of the trip remarked how skilled she is, and how much she did for us. You had better hang on to her - she is a winner!
Well done, and thanks again for a wonderful trip.
Sincerely,
Doug H.
Hi, Larry,
just have to tell you what a fabulous guide Gila is. Everyone on the trip has been remarking about how good she is. She is SO knowledgeable about history, dates, etc. Give her a period of time and she rattles off the exact year and what happened when and where. She is definitely a "keeper"!! Unanimous opinion of all of us!
We had one rainy day in Tiberius area - first day - where Jackie Haynes led us on a brief tour of her dig and then other sites that Gila took us to. Aside from that the weather has been magnificent! We are so enjoying this trip. When I first looked at the itinerary I said "been there, done that". But that's not true. Maybe "been there" is but her guiding and interpretations and other sites have all been different. Plus, in the twenty years since I've been here there have been lots of changes, i.e. the excavated tunnel at the Western Wall, that I have not seen. Wonderful trip. Last few days now in Tel Aviv and then home. I'll miss Israel. Maybe I'll have to come back soon!! LOL!!
Love to all....... Margie
Hi Donny,
It's Robin. You booked us this summer for an 11 night heritage tour. I just wanted to give you feedback on our trip (since you told me you don't usually hear from people after they travel). We LOVED our trip. We thought the itinerary was perfect. Of course we wanted a little more time in some places, but felt like we covered quite a bit of ground. We were with 29 people and although that sounded like a big number to us, we were a very cohesive group that got along very well. Our tour guide, Mali even commented on how nice our group was. Mali was very knowledgeable and kind.
So here's a big thank you for getting us on the right trip with the right people and for booking us at all the right places. We really appreciate all you did and enjoyed working with you.
Thanks,
Robin
Dear Donny,
Your tour turned out to be the very best time of my life. The group was small, about 14 to 17 people at the most. The two drivers, Maysha and Uri were fantastic.... but Israel was a collection of pure delight. Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Jewish and Christian sites were ... I have no words to convey the pure joy of seeing, walking among these places....imagining the folks who built them.
The most surprising fact was the urban, cosmopolitan and welcoming Arabs. I hadn't expected to be treated with anything but cold tolerance; very wrong impression. I loved the city of Akko and Arabs make the best coffee in the world.
I hated to leave Petra and must plan a trip (with you, of course) that includes at least a week there. I'd also like to stay in the port & city of Acaba. It was simply wonderful and the places and guides could not have been better.
Also, for economic reasons (retirement, etc) I chose your #3 for hotels. Boy, none of the Dan Panorama hotels felt like anything like a down grade. I enjoyed the breakfasts too. Delicious and I lost 10 lb. Now, everyone I know wants to know what I was eating there.
You did yourself proud putting my package together. Many thanks. The only way it could have been better is for me to have been smart enough to stay longer.
Warm regards,
Sunnie
Dear Larry,
I want to thank you for being part of a wonderful journey to Israel for Lisa and I. From departing at JFK to arriving at JFK 12 days later the entire journey was perfect. Lots to see and not enough time to see it yet we managed to go on little sleep but always smiled. Amir Or-Ly our guide was beyond fantastic and our driver was great. The hotels was good and the Imbal in Jerusalem was first class.
Thanks,
Lisa and Ivan Menschel
Dear Marlene, 
Sincere and heart-felt thanks for an amazing and memorable family trip to Israel! My parents, both in their mid-eighties, wanted one more family trip to Israel to see family and experience the country. You met with my family several times, with our wish lists, to design a trip for us that would be stimulating, educational and flexible enough for all of us to enjoy. You recommended that we have our own car and private guide/driver. Fortunately, we took your advice. You selected a guide for us who immediately became a member of our family! When my Mom fell, the second day of our trip, our guide Doron Matiash stayed by my side, as our driver, our translator etc. to make sure that she got the best care possible. With his help and suggestions, we were able to continue our trip without missing a beat. Having Doron with us every day was a blessing. He always focused on ways to make the trip easy and comfortable for my parents, even if it gave him extra work. For all of us, he shared with us his passion and knowledge about Israel. The itinerary you planned was wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed the first class hotels we stayed in. I realize that this was a once in a life time experience, and I will always be thankful to you Marlene, for planning and making this trip possible.
All the best,
Terry
We've been home for a few days and have finally caught up with our sleep.
I can't say enough about the trip. You and ITC handled everything perfectly. All went as well, or better than planned. A good deal of credit goes to our guide, Eilon Beja. Not only did he know his job (and practically every Israeli), he read and handled us superbly. By the end of the week I felt that I had made a new friend.
Please feel free to offer me as a recommendation.
Shabbat Shalom.
Marc Needelman
Hi, Sara.
Now that I have a bit of time, I wanted to let you know how much Sonni and I loved our Jewish Heritage Tour, that you arranged. Everything was wonderful, and we thank you for making it so.
The guides in each city had their own special personality and talent. Starting with Peer-Christian Scharer (our Vienna guide) and Erich Kammerleithner
(our guide to Salzberg), and then Artur Izsak in Budapest, Rabbi Ron Hoffberg in Prague and the incredible Thorsten Wagner in Berlin, we were shown the best of each City, had the culture explained to us beautifully, and established a wonderful chemistry with all of them. They were all dedicated and highly educated and knowledgeable professionals, which is so necessary with this type of travel experience.
It is very hard to manage a group of 30, which we were, starting in Budapest. You can't please everyone all of the time , but I can tell you without any hesitation, that the majority of our Group loved the trip and thank you for making it happen!
Your colleague Yaffa Roger did a fantastic job in coordinating our Berlin experience, and in making sure our dinners went off without a hitch. I know there was an issue with the liquor brought to one restaurant and she took care of it personally, which was a lovely gesture on her part, and greatly appreciated. She also arranged with Pavel the driver for changes in our departure times, showing a great deal of flexibility and cooperation.
Sara, I want you to show this email to your Boss, and please tell him that the Littky's and Cass's, who were our fellow travelers in Vienna, join Sonni and me in thanking you and ITC for an unforgettable travel experience!
We shall be back!
Warm regards,
Lawrence
Dear Vicki and the ITC Team,
The journey was amazing. And I think that the guide deserves most of the credit for making it such a positive experience. He was/is incredibly knowledgeable, easy to understand, flexible, easy going, considerate, warm and attentive. I could go on for quite a while! His only downfall: he couldn't control the weather! It was so hot!!!
It was an excellent trip. And please give Graeme a raise if he asks for one-he is a treasure!
Sincerely,
Jackie
Dear Marlene, Vicki, and the entire ITC crew,
We just returned yesterday from our fabulous visit to Israel! Thank you for a wonderful, fact and fun filled trip that will remain with us forever! Our family had never travelled with a tour group before, and we definitely had our hesitations. However, upon first meeting the other families, and being warmly greeted by Richard Eisenberg, our tour guide, we began to settle into our new- found 'family.'
Richard has the gift of storytelling in such a way that he filled our minds with knowledge and our spirits with soul, telling us stories that we will not forget anytime soon! He was our fearless leader, who managed to get all children (and adults) where we needed to go, on time, and in such a pleasant manner. He managed to make everyone, regardless of age, feel like this trip was designed for him or her. On one of our last days, I casually asked my ten-year-old son if he would want his bar Mitzvah in Israel. He answered that he was not sure because a lot of family and friends could not come but then added..." but, I really like Richard." A compliment from a child is the truest compliment of all.
This is our first Shabbat back home and we are all missing Israel tremendously. Yet, we have our wonderful pictures and memories that will remain with us, along with Richard's smiling face as we entered the departures gate and his voice echoing in our ears, telling us an interesting historical fact and saying "...it all goes back to the movies."
Thank you for putting together such a wonderful experience,
Regina, Shaun, Sara, Danielle, Benjamin, and Jonathan
Dear Vicki,
I just wanted to say thank you to the ITC group for the wonderful trip we had to Israel with The Temple group from Atlanta. Your personnel on the ground were all terrific, professional, warm, helpful and efficient. And interesting. Our guides were knowledgeable, funny and articulate and the staff assigned to the hotel were excellent as well.
The only hitch we had was that our flight from Boston to JFK, from which we were due to catch the El Al fight to Tel Aviv, was cancelled because of weather/traffic problems at JFK. A call to TAMI was handled very professionally. Due to the hour, she turned our plight over to Doni who was great. He rearranged the flight not once, but twice and finally had us insist that AA put us on a flight through Paris with a connection to Tel Aviv that got us there only a few hour later than originally planned. He followed through with re arranging the transportation from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and it all went off without a hitch. He even called me to be sure we were actually on the plane prior to making the new arrangement for transportation to meet us at Tel Aviv.
I need not say how much anxiety is raised when the flight is cancelled and out of your control altogether. We were worried because we know El Al has abbreviated travel hours on weekends, and hoped to get to the Bar Mitzvah services in Jerusalem. It all happened worked because of the skill and persistence of Tami and Doni. We are grateful. Please pass on our praise to each of them, with our thanks.
Once again, many thanks to all of you, and of course to you for your many responses to my queries.
Miriam
Miriam Vayle
Good morning all,
My son and daughter-in-law, Brad Miller and Esther Bisker just returned from Israel on your Jewish Heritage Tour. The word that they used to describe the trip was "amazing". Everything was about the tour was terrific and their guide Aryeh was most knowlegable and "guided" them very well.
I want to thank you all for all of your time, help and expertise. I look forward to doing future business with ITC. In fact I have clients traveling to Israel with you in October. I know they will have a wonderful and memorable time as my past clients have had.
Best regards,
Marilyn Miller
Hi Vicki,
We are back! I wanted to thank you for all of your help setting up our trip to Israel! We had the most amazing trip and it was flawless. Every single detail was perfect and went smoothly. The entire family loved it!
Loved the David Citadel, fabulous fabulous tour guide and driver, itinerary was great, we loved the food, flight on el al could not have been smoother, bar Mitzvah was beautiful ... You get the idea!
If i have one suggestion, i personally should have known better, but ... Becuse we were in Jerusalem for shavuot and shabbat i should have had some more modest clothes. It was not a problem but it was the only thing i forgot!
Kudos to you and all your team at ITC , thanks for the great experience ... We will remember forver!
Karen Newfield
Hi Vicki and ITC,
I wanted to let you know that we had an absolutely wonderful time on the
tour. It was very kid-oriented, and both of my kids (and my husband and I)
had a blast.
I wanted to ask if you could send me the address and email of the Rabbi, Jim
Lebeau We wanted to write him a thank-you for the beautiful Bar Mitzvah
service.
Thanks! Sara
Sara S. Dallas TX
Hi Vicki,
I just wanted to let you know how wonderful the trip was.My husband and I have traveled quite extensively and in the process, taken many tours. This tour, by far, was one of the best we've been on. The itinerary was great; the tour guide(Hillel) was extremely knowledgeable, and, more importantly,wonderful with the kids.The hotels were lovely. Everyone connected with ITC was a pleasure to deal with. If we were supposed to be picked up, the people involved were always prompt and helpful. So, just wnated to say THANKS!
Ellen Tave
It is with pleasure I revisit my recent trip to Israel. My family and I traveled from Dec. 23 on the 11 day B'nai Mitzvah Tour which if summed up in one word would be amazing! I don't know if you spoke to Vicki but she did an awesome job with all our plans. In answer to your questions the hotels were lovely. In Jerusalem we stayed at the David Citidel which was a beautiful contemporary hotel with in walking distance of the Old City, great shopping, restaurants, etc. a great location. In Tiberias we stayed at the Leonardo Hotel another lovely hotel over looking The Sea of Galilee with in walking distance to the boat and a evening cruise on the sea. In Tel Aviv we stayed at the Carlton Hotel right on the Mediterranean Sea and the board walk. All the accommodations were superior and the food was fabulous, especially the breakfast buffets at each hotel. All these hotels were in our original itinerary. Our guide could not have been better if we had chosen him ourselves. He was so jovial, charismatic, knowledgeable and fun! He even lead our group in Jewish songs while on the bus! He was full of energy and enthusiasm, you could tell he truly loved being a guide and we loved him! We did not stay in a tent or go kayaking on our tour. We took a Jeep ride through the Golan Heights, went on an archeological dig, visited the Kotel Tunnels, the foundation for the Western Wall. My son and the other B'nai Mitzvah children on our tour celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs on Masada which was an amazing day followed by a dip in the Dead Sea. On a more somber note we spent time at Yad Vashem. We visited the mystical city of Tzefat (one of my favorites for beautiful artistry in Judaica). I hope this gives you an idea of how wonderful and memorable this trip was. I would strongly recommend ITC and have already raved to friends about the first class trip we experienced.
Pack your bags!
Best of luck
Debby
Dear Vicki
Thanks for all your help in Nov. & Dec. The trip was awesome. I would highly recommend ITC to anyone! We could not have been happier with the tour guides, the hotels, the food, not to mention all the places we packed in 10 days. You run an amazing trip!
Weinstein Family, Long Island, NY
Richard,
Cindy and I can't stop thinking about how transformational our trip was and how you significantly you contributed to it.
Our knowledge of the Israeli culture, history and the people has really advanced.
You always have a place to stay when you are in NYC. Let us know when you might be in town.
Thanks again for a great two weeks.
Best, Shelly
Vicki, 
Hello and happy new year.
I did want to thank you for all your help above and beyond for making this trip to Israel a reality for my Father.
This was a dream come true for him.
Everything ended up being a success. He has been home now for a few days and can not stop talking about the trip. All the planning paid off and everything was in place.
The scooter was perfect and the gentleman was there to deliver this, pick this up and also repair it when needed!
The bathroom equipment was there and this helped him be as independent as he likes to be. I am so glad you were able to find him home hospitality. That was a highlight being able to spend time with the families.
You did a lot of extra work and we thank you. I really could not have done any of this without your help.
Again, I appreciate your help and always being so responsive.
Thanks and best wishes for the new year.
Susan
Hi Vicki, Donny and Marlene,
Although we have been home for a few weeks, I have been busy with the holiday. Now that I'm done with that, I want to take the time to thank you for a great and wonderful Bat Mitzvah tour.
We had the best time. Our guide Hillel was outstanding. He was in all the wars, so we heard about that, the history, the background to many places. We LOVED him! The Bat Mitzvah was very beautiful, very hot, but the Rabbi was nice. He gave each child his or her turn, and the families too. After the day on Masada the kids all connected, and for the remainder of the trip they were always together. They swam and ate together, and sat together on the bus!
Although Dr. Golub and I have been to Israel many times, we did go and see sights we hadn't seen before. Jeep tours, kayaking on the Jordan was fun for all of us. A few days before Netanayu was on the Jordan River too! The Hotels were good, our driver Osher was great, but I would say the buses need a bathroom. A little more time for Tel Aviv would have been good, maybe one more day. All in all It was a memorable time, and I will do my best to recommend it, maybe not summer, it was the hottest I have ever been!!! Even the water in Tel Aviv was like a bathtub, but we loved it ! All of you were great to work with, and your tour was top notch.
Best wishes for a sweet and healthy New Year
Bonny Golub
Hi Donny
My husband and I wanted to convey to you our profound gratitude for the trip that ITC provided for us. It was the first time in Israel for both of us and our experience was magical. The logistics were perfectly handled- we were picked up and transported in a timely, comfortable and professional way from the time we arrived at the airport and met you there and landed in Israel and were met by your representative who ushered us to our guide. Every transition within Israel all the way to our guide in Eilat (Yoni) seeing us to the airport for our trip home was seamless. The sites and cities you selected for us to see and visit were absolutely magnificent and at every point we felt we were getting an inside look at a representative sample of this stunningly beautiful and fascinating country.
Alex, our bus driver was wonderful- professional, friendly, welcoming. Our bus driver and guide in Jordan as well were extremely friendly, well-versed in the history of Petra and extremely knowledgeable. A special word must be said about our Israeli guide Shari.She is the consummate professional- her knowledge of the history, archeology, art and people of each area that we visited made our experience at each site feel like a history lesson from someone who was actually there. Her knowledge is encyclopedic and she handled every aspect of our trip so that we got the most out of every area. She also showed enormous flexibility in meeting the needs and interests of all members of the group and her genuine love of and fascination with Israel was contagious. She repeatedly went above and beyond and made this trip into the magical experience it turned out to be. Having the combination of Shari as our guide, and Robin Joseph as our cantor accompanying us could not have been better. As I said, - this was our first trip to Israel - but it certainly won't be our last.
Thank you again. Sharon Diamond and Roger Nathaniel
Vickie
I will write more later and send pix, but for now I want to tell you how great the trip was, exceeding all my expectations. We were very lucky to have 2 other very comparable families, and the most outstanding tour guide I have ever had. Mickey, our tour guide, had a state of the art 14 passenger van, and was just unbelievable as a guide. He was one of the family for 10 days. I can not say enough about his great character, knowledge and skills as a driver. His knowledge of history and his spirit of Israel were fantastic.
All said, I would stand up loud and clear to tell ITC and any body who wants to book a tour, how great the whole experience was, from the initial booking, to the pre trip communication, and to the support we had when we needed it in Israel for 2 small issues.
Please make sure you report this positive feed back you your bosses and especially about Mickey our guide. He works hard and would appreciate referrals. He is worth his weight in gold. I cant wait to go back! If you ever need somebody to visit Israel for you to be sure the facilities are excellent, I could volunteer to do it, I wont even charge you.
Neil
Hi Vicki,
I am finally sitting down just to tell you we did have a really great trip.
The hotels were all good and with good food. The bus driver Avner did an excellent job. The guide Reuven who I believe is through Diesenhaus tours, just like the driver, was phenomenal. He knew so much about the religion and the history of Israel and with a really fantastic demeanor and sense of humor as well as sense of seriousness when needed. He also was very diplomatic on certain answers where others might have made negative comments about other factions, religions or cultures.
We saw the majority of what was planned though a few things got left off due to time or in one case rioting the day before where we would have come out of Hezekiah's Tunnels. They made the right call. A few times lunch was extremely late; that might be the only suggestion for the future. That is probably due to scheduling and I don't know how much that was up to the tour guide. Eating at 2:30 or 3:30 though when you have eaten breakfast at 7:30am is not so good, especially with kids. Fortunately that only happened twice.
So thanks again for all you did for us regarding the trip. Howard, myself and Adam had a great time. Michael found it very interesting even though he didn't want to be gone so long. Zach did fine and paid attention to everything despite being the least interested. He did absorb a lot though so hopefully that will stay with him!
Pam
Hi Vicki and ITC -
Now that we're back in San Diego, I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful time we had in Israel. It was one of the best trips our family has taken, and I wanted to thank you for your help in arranging everything. I would recommend your company to anyone traveling to Israel.
Lori Good
"Shaya -- Our group from Anderson, SC, returned home safely about noon on Monday, March 10. We had a very enjoyable journey to Israel. Everything you promised materialized, and more. Our driver/guide Arieh, who works for Rent-a-Guide was superb. If you have any questions or want more feedback, please let me know. Thank you for all you did to get us ready to go."
Brena Walker
Herskowitz Family Strengthens Generational Ties.
"When our sons, Adam and Lowell, entered the Beth Ya'akov synagogue in Zichron Ya'akov near Haifa, they became the fifth generation of our family to visit the shul where their great great grandfather was the hazan. He was one of the original settlers in the town, which was one of the towns financed by Baron Rothschild. We enjoyed seeing the rebirth of the town we visited 18 years ago. There are many young families and two hotels now. Our first night in Jerusalem was a great experience, too. We walked along Ben Yehuda Street and bought a shofar at one of the stores. Of course, we were so excited that first night that none of us could sleep. At 5:30 in the morning, just as the sun was coming up, we had a beautiful view of the Old City from our terrace. The boys blew the shofar to celebrate our delight, and that's something we'll always remember."
Harold & Geraldine Herskowitz, Livingston, NJ
Just wanted you to know that our trip to Israel was WONDERFUL. ITC did an excellent job with the itinerary and included many nice surprises for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah kids. We're so glad to have discovered this company through your website. I would definitely use
them again and would recommend them to anyone planning a trip to
Israel.
Kim and Larry Goldberg
Wall At Shabbat Enthralls Jacobs Family
"Kabalat Shabbat at the Western Wall was the exclamation point of our family's Israel experience. It seemed like the whole world was gathering there, and it was such a festive event when the Yeshiva students came dancing in arm-in-arm and singing. Then, it was inspiring beyond words for our Temple group to have our own service and pray while facing the wall. We were especially moved by the solemnity of Yad Vashem and the Hertzl National Cemetery, and then, we experienced great joy when singing and dancing with Jerusalem school children before Shabbat and dancing with our daughters, Phyllis and Mariel, on Masada after the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service. We also enjoyed exploring modern Israel and discussing key issues with politicians and everyday citizens. Harold Herskowitz's cousin is the surgeon for Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Omert, and he arranged a breakfast meeting with us. We also got to discuss the peace issue with secular Israelis on the Golan and at a kibbutz near Haifa. We got to feel part of the Jewish People -- part of something bigger. And on Shabbat, you're in sync with people united by their Jewishness."
Mel and Linda Jacobs, Livingston, NJ
"Words can't describe the trip you planned for us. The attention to detail that you put in was outstanding. We had the time of our lives. I also appreciate your patience on the last minute changes. Our guide was outstanding. He was there for us. His concern to every detail was incredible. He is bright and has such a love for what he does. Your organization is one that I would highly recommend to anyone. I will definitely use you organization again. Thank you again ITC."
Frank Weissman, Stamford, Ct
"You helped us put together a private tour for our whole family. Your patience and expertise helped make this tour the best vacation our family has ever experienced. Thank you for everything."
Margott Benstock, Seminole, Fl.
"As a family we have taken many vacations. Israel has been by far the most memorable. Seeing my son Bar Mitzvahed atop Masada is an experience I will never forget. It was an experience I know he too will hold onto forever."
Bill & Cheryl Levine, Miami Fla.
"Thank you ITC! My family truly touched the land where our heritage began. A vacation full of fun and excitement, I am proud to be Jewish and extremely thankful we gave this gift to our children."
Rob & Stacey Baumgold, Madison Wisconsin
"My most memorable moment was floating in the Dead Sea looking up at Masada. My daughter was just Bat Mitzvahed there. Three generations took part in what is truly a miracle to our people, our heritage and our family. Thank you ITC for helping our family realize a dream!"
Richard and Carol Epstein, Waterbury, Conn.
"ITC you have helped us pass along our heritage to our children. I was Bar Mitzvahed in Israel and my oldest son now shares in this distinction. As a family, we feel more apart of our Judaism then ever before. Holding my wife's hand throughout the ceremony, I know what our son was feeling and it brought tears to my eyes."
Morty and Denna Roulf, Utica, NY
"Thank you ITC! We had a wonderful time traveling with you. Our whole family was touched by the experience. I had been to Israel before, but to share that feeling with the ones closest to me was truly inspirational. Going to services last Friday, my daughter cried. I asked what was wrong and she tuned to me and said that she carries the pride and tradition of our heritage. I cried too."
Howard & Sharon Diamond, Glenburny, Pa.
"I really believe everyone needs to visit Israel. Yes it was great vacation, in fact the best. More then just an opportunity to relax, I feel rejuvenated, or as your brochure suggests reJEWvenated! I have been recommending the experience to everyone."
Audra & Gary Berger, Boca Raton, Florida
"Touch the land where Judaism began is just the beginning of the experience. I cannot express the wonderful feeling of being back home after such a powerful family experience. Thank you ITC. We live in an area with a small Jewish population. My children now understand why I have insisted that they attend Hebrew school. My youngest even thanked me."
Neil & Mindy Spindel, Holly Springs, Miss
" ITC you run a very special tour. I have been to Israel on a number of different tours. This is the first letter I am writing in appreciation. I joined an ITC tour because my niece was being Bat Mitzvahed at Masada, an experience I would not have missed it. This tour was a very personal, intimate experience. I truly shared the experience with everyone on the tour; laughing, crying, singing, and celebrating. I plan on taking my family with ITC in two years when my oldest son is of Bar Mitzvah age. Thank you again for making this a memorable experience."
Rob & Laura Halpurn, Orlando, Fla.
"Your attention to details made the difference in our experience. Not just the itinerary, but the friendly service we received in planning the tour. Your suggestions on our extension were excellent. You are definitely Israel Tour Specialists. Thanks again."
Burt & Patti Seagel, New York City, NY
"ITC was recommended by friends who traveled with you. I now agree that this was the best money my family has ever spent on a vacation. Much more then a vacation, we feel our eyes have been opened to the pride of being Jewish. ITC, you made that happen. We really did touch the land where Judaism began and so much more. We made great friends on that tour including the family we met on Kibbutz."
Marshal & Linda West, Phoenix, Az.
"I travel a lot and have never written a thank you note before. From the beginning, your friendly service and advice made my wife and I feel extremely comfortable with choosing ITC. Now that we have returned we have not stopped talking about your organization. This tour has shown my family the value of continuing our Jewish tradition. It has really made us feel apart of something very special."
Adam & Wendy Jaffee, Potomac, Md.
"We struggled with the decision to throw a party for my son's Bar Mitzvah or to take this vacation. This tour was the best decision we could have made. Our tour guide was inspirational and made every day exciting. Our whole family had fun. More significant then the 4 hour party, this experience will truly last a lifetime for all of us."
Alan & Susan Stein, Randolph, NJ
".I saw it in his eyes, standing on top of Masada. I knew it then, he understood the pride of our Jewish tradition. Yet the most profound moment was what he said last week on the bima, the morning of his Bar Mitzvah ceremony here. We went to Israel last summer (8 months ago.) The things he spoke of, I saw it in the eyes of the Rabbi and everyone else sitting there listening, he was proud and thankful for his heritage. My friends commented to me afterwards, they too felt what he was talking about and they were so impressed that he understood this at such a young age. I know that this is what a Bar Mitzvah is about, but ITC you made it happen. Thank you!"
Eric & Michelle Fitzburger, Pittsburgh, Pa.
"Israel is like no other place in the world. I have travel a lot and nothing has compared. ITC, you showed me a country, a heritage, a people. I have always taken pride in my Judaism, but now I feel more connected with it then ever. It was amazing to see the Biblical history and yet equally as profound to behold the miracles of our modern Jewish State. Thank you for making this possible."
Steven & Miriam Goldner, Los Angeles, Ca.
"It was a great vacation. The whole family had fun. Yet we all came home a little changed. I guess that is by design. The pride my family feels about being Jewish is something very strong. My husband and I have insisted on passing on a Jewish education to our kids. This vacation has allowed them to touch, taste, hear and understand what that all means. Thank you ITC."
Phil & Susanne Weissman, New City, NY
