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THE ABC’S OF YOUR TRIP TO ISRAEL… Or everything you need to know! (Juniors, Youth and Open)

20th

World Maccabiah Games, 2017

Please read all information very carefully regarding your upcoming trip.

ABROAD It is suggested that you register your trip to Israel with the U.S. Embassy at: https://step.state.gov/step/pages/common/citizenship.aspx

ACCOMMODATIONS Team USA is so large that we are unable to stay at the same hotel during ISRAEL CONNECT! Juniors/Youth/Open Team members will be staying at either Kfar Maccabiah, Kibbutz Shefayim, Millenium Ra’anana or Prima Link, Petah Tikva during the ISRAEL CONNECT period (July 28-July 4). All Team members who are arriving for training camps on June 26 will be staying at Kfar Maccabiah. Please view the enclosed chart to see where your team will be staying (all assignments are subject to change). After July 4, teams will be moving to various accommodation centers of the Maccabiah Organizers near their competition locations where they will train and compete throughout the competition. All USA Juniors & Youth Team members will be at the Leonardo Haifa during the Competition period, July 4-18 with the exception of Juniors Ice Hockey who will relocate to Jerusalem on July 9.

APPAREL You will be receiving your official Team USA apparel package in Mid May! Instructions are included with this apparel package, which MUST be followed strictly. All official USA apparel must be brought WITH YOU to Israel and worn at the designated official events (noted on the apparel sheet in this packet). DO NOT wear any official USA apparel prior to the designated event. You are urged NOT to display your USA apparel prior to the Opening Ceremony. Competitive uniforms will be provided to you by your sports chair or coach.

BAKLAVA A favorite Middle Eastern dessert made with honey and nuts. Make sure you try other native foods like shwarma, falafel, hummus, pita, tahini, and shakshuka while you are in Israel.

B’NAI MITZVAH The Phyllis Magerman Memorial B’nai Mitzvah Program is open to all USA Open, Youth and Juniors Team members who wish to reaffirm their commitment to Judaism and those who wish to become a B’nai Mitzvah for the first time. The ceremony will take place on July 3 as part of the ISRAEL CONNECT program. Sign up via CareMonkey to participate.

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CELL PHONES

As a safety precaution, we HIGHLY SUGGEST that each of you rent a cell phone SIM Card through “019” while in Israel as a way of staying the most informed with last minute schedule changes or information as well as keeping in touch with your family, friends, and staff. You can find information in this packet about cell phone SIM Card rentals.

CEREMONIES Opening Ceremony will be held in Teddy (Kollek) Stadium in Jerusalem July 6. More than 32,000 people are expected to attend, including the President and Prime Minister of Israel, in front of a nationally-televised audience in Israel! Closing Celebration is scheduled for Monday, July 17, at Latrun. Opening Ceremony will be your FIRST opportunity to wear your official Team USA warm-up. Wear it well (and don’t forget to bring your pins to trade)

COMPETITIONS For an updated competition list, see the Maccabiah website at www.maccabiah.com. Please note that specific times for competitions may not be posted just yet, and in some sports not until the Technical Meetings in Israel, just before the competition.

COUNTRIES There will be over 80 countries competing in the 20th World Maccabiah Games!

CREDENTIAL Each Team USA members will receive an ID badge credential. You must keep this on you AT ALL TIMES. If you misplace your credential, inform your coach or manager immediately.

CURRENCY Israel’s currency is the shekel, (shekalim for plural). Currently, 1 U.S. dollar is equal to about 3.64 shekels (rates fluctuate). You can exchange U.S. dollars for shekels at ATMs for the best exchange rate. Most credit cards are accepted as well. There are coins for .10IL (agorot), .50IL (chetzie), 1, 2, 5, and 10 shekels, and bills for 20, 50, 100, and 200 shekels.

DRESS Dress in Israel is generally informal, and casual clothing is the norm. It is recommended to take comfortable shoes, a hat, bathing suit, shorts, pants, shirts, and one or two nice, but casual outfits for special Shabbat evenings—ties are unnecessary. For more information about dress, please refer to our suggested packing list. It will be summer in Israel, so temperatures will be around 90˚ during the day (often humid), and about 75˚ at night. Tel Aviv’s weather is typically more humid, whereas Jerusalem cools down at night.

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ELECTRICITY (230V, 50 cycles)

If you plan to take any plug-in appliances, please note that a European-style adapter plug with two rounded prongs and a converter are required. Depending on how much you plan to travel in the future, it may be worthwhile to get a combination voltage converter and plug adapter.

Food Food will mostly be buffet-style, unless you are traveling or competing, in which case you will be served boxed lunches. Israeli breakfast is delicious, but very different than a typical-American breakfast. For example, Israelis eat lots of fresh veggies for breakfast alongside eggs, tahini, and some hummus. Depending on what’s in season, fruit may also be served. Soft cheeses are also popular during breakfast. Typical boxed lunches are sandwiches with fruit and possibly a yogurt. Dinner is usually a meat with a grain and potatoes although vegetarian options will be available. Typical Israeli dinner buffets have a large salad spread with different types of chopped salads. Feel free to bring your own energy bars or snack food if you have diet issues or are picky with your diet. You will be provided 3 meals/day plus snacks as a USA Juniors, Youth or Open Team member.

FUN FACTS Full name of country: State of Israel/ Medinat Yisrael; Founded in 1948 Capital city: Jerusalem Languages: The two official languages are Hebrew and Arabic, with most of its population speaking English, as it is taught in school. Government type: Parliamentary Democracy Population: 8,585,500 (75.4% Jewish, 20.6% Arabs). Figures as of March 31, 2015.

GIL TRAVEL Maccabi USA has booked the Missions program for friends and family through Gil Travel. If you have travel questions feel free to contact them at (215) 568-6655 or call (800) 223-3855. For Missions questions, contact Samantha Sultzer at: samanthas@giltravel.com or (215) 568-6655 x 380.

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HATIKVAH Israel’s national anthem, meaning “The Hope,” was written as a poem in 1878 by Naphtali Herz Imber, a poet from Złoczów, which is now part of Ukraine. It was not sanctioned as the national anthem by the Knesset (Israeli Parliament) until November of 2004. Below are the words (along with the translation and transliteration version).

Hebrew Transliteration English translation

נימה בב פ ל ל עוד ב ,Kol ‘od balleivav penimah As long as in the heart, within כ

,Nefesh yehudi homiyah, A Jewish soul still yearns נפש יהודי הומיה

י מזרח את פ ,Ul(e)fa’atei mizrach kadimah, And onward, towards the ends of the east ,קדימה, ול

ציון צופיה ין ל ;Ayin letziyon tzofiyah; An eye still gazes toward Zion‘ ,ע

נו ות דה תק ,Od lo avdah tikvateinu, Our hope is not yet lost‘ ,עוד לא אב

ים פ נות אל וה בת ש תק ,Hatikvah bat shnot alpayim, The hope of two thousand years ה

נו צ אר שי ב ם חפ יות ע ,Lihyot ‘am chofshi be’artzeinu, To be a free people in our land ,לה

יםארץ ציון וירו .Eretz-tziyon (v)'Y(e)rushalayim. The land of Zion and Jerusalem .של

HEBREW Hebrew is one of the official languages in Israel. Here are some important phrases to know: Yes: Ken No: Lo Excuse me, sorry: Slicha Please/You’re Welcome: Bevakasha Thank you: Toda Good Morning: Boker Tov Good Evening: Erev Tov Good Night: Lailah Tov United States: Artzot Habrit See you later: Lehitraot How are you? (to a male): Mah Shlomcha? How are you? (to a female): Mah Shlomech? Nice to meet you: Naim Meod Okay (literally “in order”): Beseder Where is the bathroom?: Eyfo HaSherutim? How much does it cost?: Cama ze oleh? Good Luck: Behatzlecha Let’s go!: Yallah! Really?!: B’emet? Way to go!: Kol hakavod! Awesome!: Sababa!

HIGH-TECH Technologically, the Israeli high-tech industry is well-positioned among the top five world leaders in the field. Here are some cool facts:

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* With more than 3,000 high-tech companies and start-ups, Israel has the second highest concentration of hi-tech companies in the world, after Silicon Valley *Israel leads the world in the number of scientists and technicians in the workforce, with 145 per 10,000, as opposed to 85 in the U.S., over 70 in Japan, and less than 60 in Germany. With over 25% of its work force employed in technical professions, Israel places first in this category as well. *Voicemail technology was developed in Israel *Israel developed the first ingestible video camera, so small it fits inside a pill. Used to view the small intestine from the inside, the camera helps doctors diagnose cancer and digestive disorders.

HYDRATION Staying hydrated is a great way to be prepared for the long flight to Israel. It is recommended to drink

electrolytes both before and during the flight. In addition to staying hydrated in the air, once in Israel hydration is very important! It takes a while to get adjusted to Israeli summer so please keep a water bottle with you at all times and drink even when you’re not thirsty! It is important to keep yourself healthy hydration is the key!

INTERNET Israel has many ways to access the internet, so you can email or Skype your friends and family about all the fun you are having during the Maccabiah. We DO NOT recommend that you bring a laptop, but you can use WIFI or Data when using your Israel SIM that you can rent. Israel is very high-tech, and you will be surprised how often you find wifi—it is even on many tour buses! www.maccabiah.com will be updated during the Games with results, photos, and updates as they become available - don’t forget to tell your friends and family!

ISRAEL CONNECT (IC) All USA Juniors, Youth and Open Athletes and Staff will be taking part in the mandatory 7-day ISRAEL CONNECT program prior to the 20th World Maccabiah Games competition. ISRAEL CONNECT, an educational and cultural program, was developed in 1985 and has become an integral program for Team USA. The ISRAEL CONNECT generates pride in being Jewish and develops an increased awareness, knowledge, and affinity for the Land of Israel and its People. This is often a highlight of the Israel experience that will leave you feeling enriched spiritually and culturally.

JERUSALEM Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. It is the biggest city in Israel both in population and size. According to the Bible, Jerusalem is the holiest city, and it is home to the Western Wall. Additionally, this city is home to many museums and fun shopping areas. Opening and Closing Ceremonies and many competitions will take place in Jerusalem.

JOURNAL Following the Games, Maccabi USA will publish a 20th Maccabiah Commemorative Journal recapping the experience. This complimentary journal will be sent to you by the year’s end. If you or someone you

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know would like to purchase an advertisement in the journal, please contact Sara Feinstein, Maccabi USA’s Marketing Director, at sfeinstein@maccabiusa.com.

KOSHER During your stay in Israel all food served as part of the Maccabiah will be kosher! If you are glatt kosher or have other food restrictions, please make sure the Maccabi USA office is advised.

LAUNDRY Laundry facilities will be available during your stay in Israel. We advise you to bring Woolite, so you may wash your competitive uniforms and training attire in your shower or bathtub. If you wish to give your competitive uniform to a laundry service, be prepared that it could get lost! Competitive uniforms can not be replaced in Israel.

LEV L’LEV (Heart to Heart) It is with great excitement that we continue Maccabi USA’s Lev L’Lev program! Lev L’ Lev (which means Heart to Heart in Hebrew) is the tzedakah program of Maccabi USA at the World Maccabiah Games. We have always emphasized that the World Maccabiah Games is much more than just an athletic event. As part of the Maccabiah experience, U.S. athletes are given the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Israelis.

Maccabi USA has teamed up with local social service agencies working to improve the lives of citizens throughout Israel. The majority of Team USA, as well as the USA Mission program will be able to visit some of these extraordinary sites and see firsthand the work they are doing. We have asked each non-profit for their wish lists and it is our hope that we can supply every gift and item requested. From art supplies for children with cancer, to tennis balls for disabled athletes, and everything in-between, this unique opportunity is sure to be one of the highlights of the Team USA experience. Please refer to the enclosed Lev L’Lev materials about what you can do to help prepare for this program.

LUGGAGE Clearly mark all luggage and include the color coded luggage tag that Maccabi USA has provided you in your apparel package. Make sure that you are able to carry your own luggage. Pack your passport and any prescription medicine in the original labeled bottle in your carry-on bag. Also, put photocopies of your passport in your checked luggage, and an extra one in your carry-on. It is a good idea to bring as much competition apparel (uniform and sneakers) in your carry-on just in case there is any issue with missing bags upon your arrival in Israel. Please see below:

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FOR EL AL FLIGHTS: Your baggage restrictions are: 2 Bags Up to 50 pounds each and total dimension not to exceed 62 inches (length + height + width). Carry on requirements: You are entitled to one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 8 kg (17pounds). 22 (length) x 18 (width) x10 (depth) inches. Don’t forget to keep your actual passport with you; this will be the ONLY way you can depart for Israel. Any article which may be considered a weapon such as knives, scissors, etc., is not allowed to be carried in hand luggage and must be packed in the checked luggage. If these items are found by security personnel during the security check, they will be confiscated and not returned. You are responsible for your domestic travel (your travel TO and FROM your home city in the USA). Please arrive for your international flight at least 4 hours prior to departure. If you are checking in large equipment, please arrive earlier and be aware of their baggage regulations. Your ticket is an e-ticket, you will only need your passport in order to check-in. We will send you day of contact information for Maccabi USA and Gil Travel staff should you need to contact them if you have any delays or issues. That information will be sent shortly before your departure via email. IF YOU ARE UNSURE WHAT INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT YOU ARE BOOKED ON, PLEASE CONTACT THE MACCABI USA OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

MEDICAL TEAM There will be physicians, trainers, and nurses assigned to Team USA throughout the Games. We will have access to a limited number of trainers. Each athlete must have current medical insurance and show a valid card for hospital treatment, if needed. Dr. Merrick Wetzler and Dr. Joel Carter are our USA Medical Chairmen. Please refer to the enclosed letter from them to the team.

MEDICATION We suggest that you bring medication and a copy of the prescription that you will need while in Israel in your CARRY-ON BAG. Prescription medication may be difficult to obtain once in Israel.

MWU

Maccabi World Union (MWU) is the largest and longest running Jewish sports organization spanning over five continents, more than 60 countries, 450 clubs, and 400,000 members. MWU is a Zionist organization that utilizes sports as a means to bring Jewish people of all ages closer to Judaism and Israel in addition to various informal educational activities in a manner that surpasses politics and sectarianism. Many Maccabi clubs serve as community centers, homes for youth movements providing a diversity of educational, cultural, social and sports activities under one roof. In addition, Maccabi has its unique international signature activity in Jewish sports - the Maccabiah Games in Israel which take place every 4 years.

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Maccabi World Union´s administrative offices are located at Kfar Maccabiah in Ramat Gan, Israel. The Maccabi worldwide family encompasses thousands of volunteers and friends, making it one of the largest global Jewish organizations with the message of unity and continuity.

NETANYAHU Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel. He was born in 1949 in Tel Aviv, making him the first and only Prime Minister born after the establishment of the State of Israel. Bibi spent his teenage years in the Philadelphia suburb of Cheltenham. He returned to Israel in 1967 to serve in an elite unit of the Israeli Defense Force. Bibi is a member of the Likud party. Maybe you will see him at Opening Ceremony!

PHILADELPHIA City of Brotherly Love and home to the Maccabi USA office! Call us at (215) 561-6900 or email maccabi@maccabiusa.com if you have any questions about the Games. If your parents have questions during the course of the Games that cannot be answered by going to www.maccabiusa.com or www.maccabiah.com, a staff member will be able to communicate with the management in Israel.

PRESS Our office sends out press releases about Team appointments. Please send copies of anything that appears in your newspapers to Dakota Marine, Marketing Coordinator dmarine@maccabiusa.com Thanks!

QUESTIONS Most of your questions can be answered in this document in the appointment package, or on the login information on our website (see below). If for some reason, you cannot find the answers to your questions at these locations, please feel free to contact the Maccabi USA office at (215) 561-6900.

RABBI Our Team USA Rabbi is Daniel Greyber from Durham, North Carolina, where he is the Rabbi of Beth El Synagogue. He was a gold medalist and captain of USA’s Swimming team at the World Maccabiah Games in 1993. Rabbi Greyber will be assisted by Rabbi Tina Sobo who is originally from Manchester, Connecticut. Rabbi Sobo also competed in Swimming at the 17th and 18th Maccabiah Games and the 11th Pan American Maccabi Games. She now works as the assistant Rabbi at Temple Israel of Dayton, Ohio.

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SECURITY Please rest assured that keeping you safe while in Israel is the top priority of Maccabi USA and all of the Maccabiah organizers. Maccabi USA will be bringing a security team in addition to working with Israel’s security team directly. We are in constant contact with the Israeli Organizers and they are dealing with the highest levels of the security officials there. Some important numbers to have with you: Magen David Adom is Israel's national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance and blood bank service. Their number is 101. Police general emergency number is 100. Moked (local general information) number is 077-8981919

SHABBAT Friday evening marks the beginning of Shabbat, which lasts until Saturday evening. Thus, the work week in Israel is typically Sunday through Thursday. Shabbat is a time to reflect on the upcoming week, as many families celebrate by sitting down to dinner together on Friday evening. In most areas of Israel, you will see most stores and restaurants closed on Saturdays, with less traffic and less people in the street. There will be no competition during the Shabbats of the Maccabiah—July 8 and 15.

SPENDING MONEY A commonly-asked question is how much money athletes should bring. This is a very personal issue. You will need money for personal expenses like gifts, snacks, and things outside of the Games. Meals, lodging, and transportation from the U.S. to Israel, and Israel to the U.S. (on our group flights) are provided. ATMs and credit cards are common in Israel and you will probably receive the best exchange rate with them. You will also have opportunities to exchange U.S. Dollars for Shekels; we DO NOT recommend traveler’s checks. You should call your ATM and Credit Card companies in advance to let them know your international travel dates so there are no issues with your bank.

SPORTS The USA Team will compete in Badminton, Basketball, Baseball, Chess, Cycling, Equestrian, Fencing, Field Hockey, Futsal, Golf, Gymnastics, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Half Marathon, Ice Hockey, Judo, Karate, Lacrosse, Rowing, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball, Water Polo, and Wrestling! There will be over 8,000 athletes from over 80 countries participating in the third largest International competition in the world!

SUBSTANCES It is important to understand that while in Israel the respective Israel Sports Federations may be

performing random drug tests on ALL Team members. Maccabi USA has NO CONTROL over the actions

taken by the Israelis in the event that someone tests positive for drugs, as we must abide by the laws of

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Israel. Any athlete who fails a drug test will be sent home immediately at his/her own expense by Maccabi USA. We are confident that this will not be an issue for the Team USA. Please be sure to bring a list of all medications you are currently taking and reason(s) why.

TIME Israel is seven (7) hours ahead of Eastern Daylight Savings time.

TOWEL(S) Everyone should bring their own towel(s) for pool/beach usage. All linens will be provided in each accommodation site for you.

TRANSPORTATION Private buses will be provided to all competitions and activities in Israel. Transportation will only be provided for athletes and supporters on our Missions programs and credentials must be shown to get on any official Maccabiah bus. You will not be permitted to take any public transportation.

USA You will be representing the United States while in Israel. Please conduct yourself at all times as a responsible goodwill ambassador from the United States, and refrain from any acts that may reflect unfavorably upon you, your teammates, your sport, and your country. You have signed the official Code of Conduct and we expect you to follow all rules while in Israel. This is for your safety and security.

VALUABLES Leave your precious valuables, jewelry and toys (like Game systems) at home! Know where your belongings are at all times. Maccabi USA is NOT responsible for stolen or lost items.

WEATHER Weather is hot! The average temperatures are in the 90’s. It does get chilly in the Jerusalem area in the evening. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Tap water is drinkable, and bottled water is readily available throughout the country.

XTRA *Remember to bring your VALID US PASSPORT and extra copies of the photo page as well. *DO NOT leave any of your belongings unattended in the airport or anywhere else in Israel. If they are left unattended, they will most likely be confiscated and destroyed.

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ZZZ’s Don’t forget to get plenty of sleep before, during and after the trip so you stay healthy and fresh!!!