2014 Israel Experience Guide

the israel experience

2014

israeli diamond industry One of the most important and largest diamond manufacturing and polishing centers worldwide, The Israeli Diamond Industry has developed into an international trade center. Rough and polished diamonds pass regularly, and subsequently adorn a significant volume of the diamond jewelry sold all over the globe.

Based on a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, it prides itself on its skillfulness and uniqueness, as well as its unprecedented creativity and cutting-edge technology. It adheres to a strict ethical code and offers buyers a wide variety of merchandise and services all under one roof.

The Israeli Diamond Exchange, which represents Israeli diamond merchants, and the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association, which incorporates Israeli diamond manufacturers, acts in various ways to strengthen and improve the status of Israeli diamantaires - vis-Ă -vis governmental bodies and international organizations.

The Israeli government also plays an integral role through the Diamond Controller within the Ministry of Industry Trade and Labor. It supervises the import and export of diamonds in Israel.

The General Labor Federation - Histadrut - also is a part of the industry’s activities.

The Israeli Diamond Industry’s high technological standards, its skilled and trained manpower, as well as the incorporation of the second and third generation, help preserve its status as an international leader.

itinerary Itinerary is subject to change.

Friday, October 17, 2014 Depart states

Saturday, October 18, 2014 Arrive in Tel Aviv Welcome Reception - Sponsored by RJO

Sunday, October 19, 2014 Diamond Bourse Buying & Tour Group Dinner - Sponsored by Rosy Blue & Pancis Gems

Monday, October 20, 2014 Diamond Bourse Buying Group Dinner - Sponsored by Bauman-Massa & Ofer Mizrahi Diamonds

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 Diamond Bourse Buying Group Dinner - Sponsored by Fischer Diamonds & Sol Savransky

Wednesday, October 22, 2014 Northern Israel Day Trip & Dinner - Sponsored by Cherie Dori

Thursday, October 23, 2014 Jerusalem Day Trip

Friday, October 24, 2014 Dead Sea Day Trip

Saturday October 25, 2014 Depart Tel Aviv

hotel accomodations Herod’s Hotel Tel Aviv

155 Hayarkon Street 63453 Tel Aviv Telephone: + 952 - 3 - 5216666 http://www.leonardo-hotels.com/israel-hotels/tel-aviv-hotels/herods-hotel-tel-aviv

Perfectly situated right across the Tel Aviv beach, the Herod’s Hotel catches the mystical and exciting atmosphere the Mediterranean city has to offer. The hotel, designed in a unique and stylish way, combines the highest quality service with guest amenities perfect for business or leisure. Enjoy direct access to the beautiful beach and relax in the Mediterranean Sea while watching the red sunrise and sunset. For business matters, enjoy the beautiful meeting rooms or the exclusive business lounge overlooking the water.

Guest Rooms Herod’s guest rooms reflect the décor of Tel Aviv in the 1930’s during the British Mandate, supporting the illusion of going back in time, but providing all the modern luxuries. All guest rooms are equipped with a balcony overlooking the Sea. Deluxe Rooms Deluxe rooms are located on hotel floors one through six and provide a balcony with a view of the Mediterranean Sea. Elegant design and many high quality features such as LCD-TV, coffee/tea maker and mini-bar ensure a pleasant stay. Rooms are also equipped with a writing desk, safe and wireless internet (daily rates apply).

RJO Nightly Rate for Deluxe Rooms: $244/single

$260/double (2014 pricing subject to change)

Executive Rooms The newly renovated executive rooms are located on hotel floors seven through fourteen and offer an elegant and classy design with sea view and balcony. Guests enjoy VIP treatment and have free entrance to the hotel business lounge. With all the features of the deluxe rooms, the executive room also has a comfortable sitting area.

RJO Nightly Rates for Executive Rooms:

$275/single

$290/double (2014 pricing subject to change)

RJO will be your direct contact for hotel accommodations and will book your hotel reservations for you.

promoting your trip The key to running a successful Israel Experience promotion is to create excitement and anticipation throughout the year by telling all customers about your trip…year-round! Below are some tips for promoting your trip: FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TRIP: PRE-SALE CAMPAIGN · Email blast to all of your customers · Direct mail to your best customers · Start running commercials on cable television · Start running bi-weekly newspaper ads · Start running the personalized DVD loop in your store · Post the trip dates on your Website · Do weekly posts on your Facebook page and on your twitter account to create excitement · Put up a “Leaving to Israel Soon” Count Down sign inside the store TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR TRIP: · Do a second email blast to all of your customers. · Second mailing to the same customers (optional). · Continue posts on your Facebook page. Try some polls or trivia questions on Israel and offer discounts, specials or incentives for winners.

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR TRIP · Mail copies of in-store video to your ten best customers · Make follow up phone calls

materials available

Your sponsoring RJO vendors want to ensure you not only have an amazing journey to the beautiful country of Israel, but also want to make sure the trip is profitable for your store.

RJO and your sponsoring vendors will provide you with the following marketing support, free of charge: Personalized marketing DVD for your store. (Filming will take place at the summer RJO buying show.)

Direct mail postcards. Twenty-five (25) postcards at no charge.

Additional postcards may be ordered for $0.79/card.

Duratran poster 18 x 24 In-store poster While in Israel, RJO and vendors will also sponsor: Saturday Evening Welcome Reception Group dinners each evening, Sunday through Wednesday All group tours and excursions (registration will be requested for these tours)

travel information

To make your Israel experience as easy as possible, RJO and its sponsoring vendors have gathered some information to aid in your travels.

Prepare Your Passport in Advance The United States standard passport application takes between four and six weeks to process.

Note, this processing time goes from the date you submit your completed application form and passport photo. Be sure to budget extra time to fill out the application, submit an official copy of your birth certificate and schedule a session to get passport sized photos.

IMPORTANT: Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your scheduled return date.

Money Israel’s currency is called shekel. The exchange rate is usually about 4 shekels to $1, but with all conversions, the rate fluctuates. ATMs, banks and currency exchange locations are easy to find while touring Israel.

Arrival in Israel Visitors will undergo a security check and are requested to present a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of your departure. After your passport has been inspected, you will continue to the passenger luggage area.

Carts will be available for your luggage in this area. From here you will continue to customs control and to the exit.

Departure from Israel Passengers should arrive at the airport three hours before departure time. Passengers must first undergo a security check before approaching the counter of the airline they are flying. Passengers and their luggage are inspected by airport personnel. Once luggage has been checked in, you will receive your boarding pass and seat number and proceed to customs.

VIP service is available to expedite your departure. You can choose from a variety of VIP services. To learn more about VIP services visit: http://www.israelwelcome.com/airportvipservice.htm

Protect Your Small Appliances This is an example of a plug adapter. Israel uses 220 volt current and a unique plug shape. If you do not have a US to Israel voltage converter, most Israeli electronic shops carry them.

Prices range from 50 - 200 shekels. ($12—$50 US dollars)

Go Ahead and Drink the Water Israel municipal water standards are equivalent to US standards. Israeli tap water is clean and safe, but does have a high mineral content. Travelers can choose from a variety of bottled waters.

Keep your Possessions on Hand It’s tempting to put your bags aside, but never leave your bag unattended. Unattended bags attract suspicion and the police are summoned to inspect them.

Keep Your ID on Hand Israeli law requires all residents and visitors to carry ID. Foreign visitors should carry a valid passport, with a current entry stamp. Police can stop individuals and request identification.

Weather In October, the average high is 92°F and the average low is 50°F. There is very little precipitation in October.

Recommended Dress In most of Israel, you will be comfortable wearing what you like. However, some places are considered holy sites where modest dress is required. Shorts, short skirts and sleeveless shirts are not allowed at these sites. Some require men and women to wear head coverings, so bring along a scarf or hat. Women may wish to cover their arms completely. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

travel tips Travel Lightly

Most airlines have a 40 - 50 lb. weight limit. Be sure to check the requirements of your airline.

Airfare The typical cost of one, roundtrip coach flight ranges between $1,500 - $2,000.

Money 路

路

Take two credit cards - one to use, one for back-up. Make copies of the cards in case of stolen or lost cards.

Inform your credit card companies you are traveling out of the US. Know your pin number and test it before you leave. Email documents to yourself so you can access them if needed.

Go to your local bank and exchange a small amount of US Dollars for Israeli shekel. Be sure to ask your bank at least two weeks prior to your departure as sometimes it takes a while to perform the conversion. The Shekel will come in handy for the airport shuttle, taxi and any quick items you may need once you arrive.

Passport 路 路

Take black & white copies of your passport and have one in each bag you carry. (Note: Colored copies are illegal.)

Never give anyone your passport. (Note: You will need to provide your passport while shopping in the vendor offices. However, they will be returned once you are ready to depart the building.)

Items to Consider Packing: Take your prescriptions medications as well as your over-the-counter meds. (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, band aids, Dramamine, etc.)

You will need adapters for any of your electrical appliances; i.e. curling iron, hair dryer, electric razor, etc.

Washcloths are not always provided. Buy an inexpensive pack to leave at the hotel when you depart.

Small flashlight and Small umbrella.

Take extra batteries for camera, hearing aid, or any other appliance that need batteries.

You may want a phone card to use to call home, they are easy to use and can be charged to your credit card.

Travel pack of hand wipes, not all places have toilet tissue.

Other Information: Inform your insurance company you are traveling outside of the United States.

Move around on the plane when the seat belt sign is off, drink plenty of water. Take snacks, it is a long flight.

Be aware, especially in crowds. Keep your purse, camera or backpacks close to you at all times.

Wear comfortable shoes; we do a lot of walking.

Most everyone speaks English and very friendly.

Many public restrooms charge Israeli shekel to use the facility. Be sure to always have some shekel when in public.

Most importantly: Have a safe and enjoyable trip!

ps onsoring vendors Bauman-Massa Jewelry Company Tel: (800) 666-7464 Fax (314) 513-0243 Key Person(s): Katie McCullar kmccullar@bauman-massajewelry.com

Pancis Gems Inc. Tel: (800) 426-4435 Fax (973) 285-9732 Key Person(s): Jeff Pancis info@pancisgems.com

Cherie Dori Tel: (954) 741-0711 Fax (954) 741-0901 Key Person(s): Shimon Cohen shimon@cheriedori.com

Rosy Blue Trading Co. Tel: (866) 767-9258 Fax (646) 388-5668 Key Person(s): Kitesh Jhaveri kitesh.jhaveri@rosyblue.com

Fischer Diamonds, Inc. Tel: (800) 223-2244 Fax (212) 354-9775 Key Person(s): Jeff Fischer sales@fischerdiamonds.com

Sol Savransky Diamonds Tel: (800) 288-8287 Fax (212) 730-4703 Key Person(s): Eli Savransky info@savransky.com

Ofer Mizrahi Diamonds Inc. Tel: (312) 558-9060 Fax (312) 558-9066 Key Person(s): Leon Peres leon@om-diamonds.com

questions?

Please contact Connie Matsen or Pauline Berger in the RJO office if you have any questions regarding the 2014 Israel Experience trip.

(800) 247-1774 cmatsen@rjomembers.com or pauline@rjomembers.com On facebook?

Be sure to search for the RJO Israel Experience