Italy
Until you’ve eaten spaghetti in Italy, you simply haven’t really eaten spaghetti!
What: Come see this beautiful country and three of its main cities: Rome, Florence, and Venice. Today about 50,000 Jews make Italy their home and you will have a chance to meet some of them to hear about their lives as a small minority in a large Catholic country. Since the time of Judah Maccabee, Jews have had a presence in Italy and have left their mark on the country. On this trip, you will see, taste, and explore ancient and modern Italy through the lens of Israel and the Jewish world. In addition to visiting major tourist sites such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s famous David statue in Florence, and the wonderful Tuscany region, you will also learn about the relationship between the Vatican and the State of Israel as well as the impact of World War II on the Italian Jewish Community.
Why: Italy is a country everyone wants to visit at some point in their lives. The people are friendly, the food is great, the sites are beautiful and rich in history, and again we should mention that the food is great. At first glance, Italy is not a controversial destination, but it’s important to recall that in Italy, like many places in Europe, the majority of Jews were killed. What is unique however is that the Italian police and Mussolini’s Fascist militia voluntarily assisted in the deportation of the Jews to the concentration camps. The concept of the ghetto was originally developed in Italy hundreds of years ago, only later to be adopted by Nazis as a first step in the annihilation of the Jews. Through visiting Italy, powerful lessons may be learned amidst the beauty of this European destination.
More International Trips Available
Spain
Fall Semester — 5 Days
Today, Barcelona is one of Europe’s most exciting cities. From its wacky architecture to its vibrant sidewalks to great Rabbis and to great tragedies, the region of Catalonia is a great destination for learning about the Spanish Jewish community, which experienced both a Golden Age and a brutal inquisition.
Nepal Cultural Exchange
Spring 2024/Fall 2024 - 2 weeks
“It is spiritually and ethically unacceptable that millions of people in our world don’t have sufficient nutrition, clean water, housing, basic health, or education. This reality can and must be changed.” ~Tevel B’Tzedek, Aardvark’s Israeli partner organization for the Nepal Cultural Exchange program.
United Arab Emirates
FALL SEMESTER — 5 DAYS
Ethiopia
Spring Semester — 5 Days
Ethiopia, the only African country to have escaped European colonialism, has retained much of its authentic, ancient cultural identity and is considered by many to be the cradle of humanity. Our trip to Ethiopia will combine history, culture, food, and Zionism.
Zambia
Spring Semester — 2 weeks
Poland
End of Spring Semester — 6 Days
For centuries, the Jewish people had a vibrant religious and cultural life in Poland until the destruction of the community in the Holocaust. This trip will explore that rich history, understand its eventual destruction, and also look at the re-birth of the Jewish community and of Poland itself.
Italy
Spring Semester — 5 Days
From art to food to politics, Italy’s impact on the world has been immense. A place of olive oil, pasta, wine, mafia, sunshine, Roman ruins, and Renaissance palaces, and a centuries-old Jewish community, Italy is one place you can never forget!
USA Plus Summer Camp
Spring semester — 2 Months
Combine your experience in Israel with a summer working at an American Jewish Summer Camp (particularly relevant for non-American participants). Start off the trip with six days exploring Washington, D.C. and New York City!