People say about us...
Dear Channy,
We are fortunate indeed to have had you as a wonderful partner once again in planning the Conference of Presidents visit to Rome. We truly appreciate your personal commitment, deep reservoir of experience and ability to anticipate and respond calmly and quickly to a myriad of specific and often complicated requirements. You have our gratitude for your recommendations, flexibility, professionalism and personal attention to the delegation’s needs.
The reaction to the trip has been excellent and you have our sincerest thanks for all you did to make this important gathering a great success. We hope there will be opportunities for us to work together again in the future.
With best wishes and warmest regards,
Sincerely,
- Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organization: Alan P. Solow- Chairman,
Malcolm Hoenlein- Executive Vice Chairman, Carolyn Greene- Associate Executive Director, March 2009
Channy Greenberg, VP Gil Travel,
visit with Pope Benedict the XVI
Hi Susan,
Our trip was absolutely amazing! Our accommodations were lovely in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem (we received an early check in at the hotel in Tel Aviv as you had arranged.) All flights and transfers ran according to schedule, the weather couldn't have been better, and the tour itinerary was beyond belief. I just wish I had documented our trip better ...we saw so many incredible sights and sounds that it is impossible to remember everything. It is truly an experience we will always cherish and I am so thankful we did it now while we had the energy and stamina to keep up the pace. Our tour guide, Meir, a former tank commander, was the embodiment of the spirit of Israel and he kept us moving from morning until night.
We appreciate your role and that of Gil Travel in making all aspects of this trip such a wonderful experience.
-Susan, February 2009
Jeanne,
You are amazing. Thank you sooooooo much for the great work you did on our flights for the mission. We had a Mission leadership meeting last night and Dana sang your praises. I piped in mine also. You are the BEST!!!!!!!!!
Have a nice weekend.
-Betty Chrustowski, January 2009
Vice President, Bruce Gendelman Co, Inc.
Dear all,
It's hard to express just how much fun the students and I had during our trip to Israel AND how much we learned. We are so thankful for the experience and for everything you did to make it happen. We felt supported and looked after at all times, and your generosity and knowledge provided us with amazing opportunities. Thank you very much.
Dubi and Laura, the organization you provided, the hotels you selected, and the support you gave were perfect. Everything happened as planned and there were no problems or complaints. Tikva, what can I say except that you are the best archaeologist and guide in Israel! And, Tamar and Caroline, our visit to the University was the highlight of our stay in Haifa. The lecture by Prof. Neeman was extremely informative and your students were so generous to take us for a walk on the Carmel Mountain. Please thank them again for us too.
I hope to bring another group next year, so I'll look forward to working with you all again. Take care and thank you again for everything. I'll be in touch!
With warmest regards,
-Dr. Helen Gaudette, January 2009
Director of College Preparatory Programs
Queens College, CUNY
Igal,
I cannot tell you how pleased I was with how well organized and efficient today was. Everyone brought their “A” game and we made a great impression on our participants. Plus the feedback from the pros El Al and Gil Travel personnel was very positive.
Beyond our great team of Mission Staff and Clergy; I want to thank Igal and Jeanne from Gil Travel for their efforts and I want to let Yoav Weiss know that his folks from El Al were fantastic. Our hosts at Shir Shalom bent over backward to make things go seamlessly and the crew from Fresh Air made luggage a breeze.
Thanks Again,
-Scott Kaufman, December 2008
Director: Israelsixty & Family Mission
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
Susan,
I had the most amazing time on my trip to Israel. I returned to the U.S. on November 2nd and can't wait to return. I wanted you to know that the Jewish Heritage Tour that you arranged for me was an amazing experience. The guide, Gadi Singer and Moshe, the driver of the tour, both were exceptional. It was a memorable trip.
I fell in love with Israel and the amazing people I met. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and as a former "Orthodox Jew", it was an intersection of many worlds for me and was a transformative experience. I met my cousin, Lee Wolfe, for the first time; he had emigrated from Toronto to Israel eight years ago and we had an incredible connection. If this were a different chapter of my life, I would also make aliyah.
Thank you for your role in making it happen. Look forward to hearing from you. Happy Chanukah!
-Pearl, December 2008
Dear Donna and Dalia,
Thanks so much for all of your help and guidance, we are still talking about the wonderful trip and memories. We were able to contact you with questions, requests and concerns throughout our trip and you responded quickly and efficiently. I appreciated your attention to every detail.
All my best,
-Tracey, December 2008
Dear Donna and Dalia,
Many, many thanks for all of your hard work on our behalf ...our trip to Israel was made all that much better because of what you added. We and our mothers were thrilled with a memory of a lifetime when we had our Bat Mitzvah ceremony on Mount Scopus. Our trip to Eilat, Jordan, and the Negev was also amazing. All details and your accessibility on a moment's notice was very much appreciated.
You can be sure that we will recommend Gil Travel to all of our friends who will be traveling to Israel.
With all best wishes,
-Susanna, December 2008
Dear Mr. Hami:
My wife, Marissa, and I just returned from Friendship Journey Israel at 60, led as you know by Rabbi Miller, Reverend Hurley and Ronne and Donald Hess.
But conceived and facilitated by leader, Karen Allen. Karen is a terrific resource and a jewel. Her planning was comprehensive and her execution was flawless.
We would travel with her anywhere at any time with a comfort and understanding that we are in the most competent travel hands available. You are lucky to have her as a resource and we are lucky to have her as a friend.
Yours Very Truly,
-Harold I. Apolinsky, November 2008
Friendship Journey Israel at 60
Dear Ms. Mays,
Thank you so much for your incredible support!!! I greatly appreciate all you have done and I will strongly recommend Gil travel and your excellent customer service to my many friends and family in the Philadelphia region!
Thank you for everything and I greatly look forward to hearing from you soon!!!
Very Truly Yours,
-Ethan Rodan, November 2008
Dear Kathleen,
The tour was the best I have ever made. A lot of inspirations and knowledge to take back home....new friends made and all that. I saw that my account has been credited by the additional money paid for a single room at the NOVOTEL in Jerusalem. I must say that I am highly impressed that GIL Travel keeps to their word and ensuring that all went well. Please extend my appreciation to your management. And I want to thank you in particular for the role you played in getting me on the tour and all the follow ups.
Sincerely,
-Jerry, September 2008
Dearest Igal,
I wanted to say, one more time for the record, FRANCOIS IS AMAZING! Honestly, I have never worked with someone who is always willing to go above and beyond like he does. I know I offer total chaos and craziness, but Francois never lets that get to him. He always stays calm and professional and gets the job done better than anyone else!
Thanks,
-Melissa Chapman, September 2008
Director of Missions and Events, Jewish United Fund
Dear Mr. Hami,
I am writing to compliment one of your associates, Fred Bomze, who assisted me with my complicated travel arrangements in Israel. When I first spoke with him, about 10 days before my trip last month, I was very upset since I had planned on having friends take care of my touring plans while in Israel. They all backed out or ended up not being available to run me around the country. Fred worked with the flight I already had booked and my first part of the trip which was planned and hooked me into a tour that fit my schedule perfectly. He was very creative, very detailed-oriented and did the whole thing quickly enough to avoid my total panic! He responded to all my hysterical calls, made connections for transfers, sent me emails in Israel to confirm everything, provided comprehensive materials in a timely way and even called to check the success of my trip when I returned and was exceptionally professional in everything he did. I would totally recommend him to anybody (already have) and was extremely pleased with the service he provided. Please give him a copy of this letter. Thank you again for having such a wonderful staff member on your team.
Sincerely,
-Barbara Levitt, August 2008
Dear Armanda,
Ralph and I are resting up from our amazing, magical trip to Italy. Thank you so much for your hard work planning such a perfect vacation for us. The cruise was absolutely enchanting, of course! In fact, I loved it so much that I was a bit apprehensive about being on our own, but I needn’t have worried. Both the Hotel Quirinale in Rome and the Hotel Laurus in Florence were superior—we especially loved Florence and our excursion to Siena and San Gimignano. I hope your summer is going well. I’m sure that lots and lots of your clients are enjoying their Armanda-planned trips, but NONE will have any memories better than those Ralph and I will cherish forever. We hope to lean on you again in the future. Thank you!
-Polley Maltese, July 2008
What an amazing trip our family had. Thank you so much for your help in putting it together. Your advise, insight, and assistance was really invaluable. We had an opportunity to see and experience so much without feeling rushed or not enough time at each point. I know how diligently you worked with cookie to create a trip that would be perfect for our children's first vista to Israel. It truly was a memorable experience for them and really hit on all the things that would be interesting to them and important for us to share. Thanks for working to make this trip such a memorable experience.
-Jason Bacharach, July 2008
Miram,
I spoke with Paul Hogle today who just returned from his trip. They had an incredible experience in Poland and everything went perfectly. Thank you for your help with pulling it together.
-Marc, July 2008
Susan,
There are not enough words to thank you for all your on-going patience, expertise, advise, planning, and personal attention. You made me feel like I was your absolute MOST important "client." When, in indeed, we were only six. You cannot begin to imagine the contribution you have made towards our children's connection and understanding with Israel. I couldn't begin to articulate all of this regarding our two grandchildren who were with us. Am Yisrael Chai. GrandMa Cookie is already planning our next trip. Hurray to Susan Blum.
With sincere appreciation,
-Cookie Segal Wertheimer, July 2008
Dubi and Marlies:
I wanted to let both of you know that each member of the Berenson family agrees that our just-completed trip to Israel was a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime experience. Of course, the country, including the land and its history and people were significant in our experience, but, in particular, I wanted to let you both know about our guide, Dani Weiss.
Dubi, before our trip, when I inquired about our guide, you responded simply: "He's the best". I got the impression that you had never met him, but I believed you. Now, safely home, I want to tell you that you were right, Dubi. I can't imagine that he's not the best.
He was the best for us, because of his knowledge of history, his ability as a teacher, and his willingness to discuss the current political situation. He was best for us, because of his ambition to have us use our time wisely to see every important site and, at the same time, his ability and willingness to recognize and ease off when we were tired and needed less serious activity. He was best for us because of the way he engaged both of our children, Solomon and Sadie, plying them with questions, encouraging them to see and analyze their observations. He was great for us, because of his willingness to laugh.
Dani Weiss was great for us, the best, and I would recommend him to any group, small or large. When he finally left us after eight days, the most telling thing was that we missed him. He had become our friend.
Our best to both of you and heartfelt thanks for helping to give each member of our family a trip we will never forget. We will be back
Very truly yours,
-Ron and Hannah Berenson, July 2008
Hi Nili,
Hope all is well with you. I just wanted to touch base with you...the Perlstein family had a wonderful time in Israel (which I knew they would) and everyone worked out nicely. They really liked Ari, the guide and all the pick up and delivery arrangements worked very well.
I want to extend a hearty thank you and yasher koach to you for all your hard work, dedication and patience....I hope that we will have another opportunity to work together in the future and that we will have a chance to meet sometime in person. It is very weird working so closely and often with someone and not be able to put a face to the name!!!
Wishing you a good, restful and enjoyable summer.
Best regards,
-Jamie, July 2008
Hi Dubi,
I could not let another day go by without dropping you a note to thank you for the most fabulous vacation. Your plans for us could not have been more perfect. The tour guide was the best (a 10+++++), the sights were incredible, the hotels were the best..........we could not have had a better time.
We took over 1500 pictures, so our trip of a lifetime was well documented, for sure!!!
Thank you again, Dubi, for EVERYTHING.
I hope our paths will cross again one day.
Warm wishes,
-Kay Douglass Drinkwater,
Director of Operations and Business Affairs, VCU, July 2008
Hi Fred,
Just a quick update our trip was amazing. We had a great time and enjoyed everything. The last private tour with Miri Lowenberg we cancelled, we were just too exhausted. However I told Miri that I still wanted to pay her for the last day. We also gave her a nice tip because she was just "excellent".
You did a great job with everything. I am really happy that we had a greeter at the airport and a van service.
I cannot wait to go back to Israel.
Thanks much for all your help.
Regards,
-Jerry Kaufman, June 2008
Hello Susan and Dalia,
I just want to thank you for helping me set up such a beautiful trip. Things could not have gone any more smoothly than they did. All drivers and the guide were on-time, professional, kind, helpful, and informative. We enjoyed each and every activity (although we couldn't get ourselves out of Yad Vashem on time to get to the rabbinical tunnel tours-we'll have to do that next time). My younger son will soon turn 11. We will most likely do his bar mitzvah in Israel during the summer of 2010. If we do, you will definitely hear from us to help set up that trip as well.
With great appreciation,
-Sue Mirman, July 2008
Hi Fred,
We loved Atlantis, especially staying at The Cove. Booking the restaurants, spa appointments and dolphin swim ahead of time was very helpful. The staff at the resort was exceptionally nice. The spa and gym were very nice, also. The pools and water slides were a lot of fun. There was never a problem finding a chair by the beach or pool at The Cove. I would recommend that you request a full size balcony when booking in The Cove. Some of the rooms only have a french style balcony that can't accommodate chairs. Otherwise, everything was exceptional at Atlantis/The Cove, even the airport transfers were perfect! Thank-you, again, for taking care of every detail as exceptionally as always for us!!
Warmest regards,
-Lisa Glassner, June 2008
Hi Naomi,
We just got back from our wonderful trip to Israel. Eliot and I just wanted to thank for helping to make it so special. You did a great job. It was a most memorable trip.
Thanks for everything,
-Sue, June 2008
Hi Fred,
We just got back from our trip yesterday and want to thank you for arranging an absolutely fantastic first visit to Israel (it won't be our last!).
From the packed itinerary to terrific hotels and other details (car transfer, Hod Hotel), everything was fabulous and came off without a hitch.
Marty and I can't stop talking about how rewarding it was to see firsthand all that Israel has accomplished in 60 years...it is truly amazing. We also left with a much heightened awareness of the political challenges Israelis face daily from their neighbors.
We also wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our guide, Yitzhak Dassa. From the first 20 minutes we met him, we knew that he would enrich our experience in countless ways. Yitzhak is warm, wise, very knowledgeable and above all, a wonderful ambassador of his country. He is imbued with the deep Zionist spirit that comes from his Israeli family heritage, a spirit that rubs off on his clients. He regaled us with the history and Biblical stories of each stop we made and took us off the beaten path several times to show us areas and special experiences that weren't on the itinerary. He was also a great friend throughout the week....finding local neighborhood places to sample delicious falafel and hummus, narrowing down great shopping choices and keeping us extremely busy (we were up every day no later than 6:30 for a very full day with him!) and laughing (with his many jokes and anecdotes of life as an Israeli tour guide). We knew Israel would be great, but Yitzhak made it a trip of a lifetime for us!
Thanks again, Fred!
-Rise & Marty Mattler
Hi Dubi:
Just wanted to tell you what a wonderful time bob and I had on our trip. It was everything and more. We can't wait to go back. Our guide was great and the people we met we hope will be lifetime friends. You made the plans for our trip easy and you were extremely helpful in everyway. We will be looking forward to working with you again.
Thank you and chag sameach.
-Jill and Bob Klein, April 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
I just want to express my sincere gratitude for Yafit Hadria and her dedication to her work. We were not the easiest of customers, but all along the way Yafit was competent and quick to respond to any concerns. She was by far the best part of the Birthright planning process.
-Uri, April 2008
HI FRED - I just wanted to let you know that our trip to Israel was wonderful!! Everything went perfectly.Our guide was excellent, Yossi Gellem from Rent-a Guide, -he was extremely knowledgeable and personable as well. Everyday was packed with great sites and activities and all the accommodations were just great too.
Thank you for all the perfect arrangements and advice!
-Marilyn Wolfe, April 2008
Dear Barbara,
The “JUST Listening in Israel” journey was awesome!
I just wanted to write and thank you for the role you played in helping our travel group achieve our goals. Your contacts and knowledge of Israel, the culture, the politics and the people were invaluable. And, your suggestions, particularly Hadassah Hospital and the Palmach Museum (both of which I originally resisted), were right on the money. Your personal contacts ensured that we had VIP treatment everywhere we went.
We are processing all of the “stories” and presenting the narratives at various professional association meetings, synagogues, and churches. I hope you have the opportunity to join us so that you can see some of the fruits of your labor.
-Cheryl Cutrona, Esq., “JUST Listening in Israel” Trip Coordinator,
Executive Director of the Mediation Program, April 2008
Susan and Mandy,
Just wanted you lovely ladies to know what a fabulous trip we had! to Israel! All the arrangements worked beautifully and we drove all over the country and had a really rich and relaxing trip this time.
Thanks for all your help! Happy to share some of our favorites any time. Stayed 8 days in Haifa and particularly loved Ein Hod and Rosh Pinna the artist towns with great food and beauty. Also the hot springs Hamat Hader near the Kinneret. And the tayelt going toward the port in Tel Aviv on Shabbat where people eat out in fabulous brunch cafes and do folk dances from 11-4! Plus many kinds of hummous every day with great toppings.
-Naomi and Jerry, April 2008
Hello Hannah,
I wanted to let you know how wonderful everything was on the Israel At Heart Mission. Orit was most helpful and was always there to assist with the few questions or requests I had--(day or night I might add). I cannot thank you enough for being so responsive. Doron was a delight, and provided the group with more information that they could possibly consume in 6 days---but we gave it a good try! Doron is a wealth of knowledge--JNF/KKL and otherwise, but what sets him apart is his ability to effectively communicate in a way that gets your attention. If asked, I would recommend using him on future JNF/KKL missions.
The group got along famously, and had a spectacular time. They were equally amazed, and impressed with JNF/KKL. Each was solicited--all but one made a gift (in 2 cases it was the first gift to JNF) directly due to the mission--and that 1 who did not, already made an '08 gift in the system.
I want to Thank Andy and Liat for making the time to be with this mission. It is exactly your connection with the missions that makes the visits more meaningful and have that lasting impact that is so necessary to spread the word about JNF /KKL. Along with the places they visit and facts that they learn--it is also the PEOPLE they meet that gets talked about for a long time afterwards. This is the ultimate goal of these missions (in addition to fundraising)--to be talked about! And because of your influence, efforts and participation I know that Central Jersey, South Jersey, Seattle, and Long Island will soon be buzzing with JNF/KKL!!
Please make note to include the Etzel Museum on as many missions as possible--and meet with Yoshi to tell the story--plan solicitations around this visit--it is THAT good--mostly because it is unexpected, and NO ONE knows about it. Thanks to Susan's recommendation we were all in awe of this inspirational and heroic story. A must see.
Zelig--first MAZEL TOV--you know he came to speak to the group even though his daughter just had his 11th grandchild!! Zelig always manages to make his mark, and strongly affect everyone in a room--and this group was no different. Bob is most appreciative, as I am, of Zelig making himself available to get the group talking and sharing.
Hannah, thanks for managing all of us, and enabling us to accomplish what was a truly valuable, and fruitful experience for everyone on the mission. I may have left something out--but just know that there were no issues or complaints from the participants, and "it's all good".
-Lynn Norton Robins, Regional Director, April 2008
Dubi,
Thanks for planning a terrific trip. The accommodations were beautiful; most everything went smoothly, and we were appropriately exhausted at the end!
Gil Travel will come highly recommended!
-Gayle, Kate and Hannah Kastenbaum, April 2008
Dear Igal,
We are back from our mission to Poland, Hungary and Germany and our entire group felt we "hit a home run" this time.
Our group proved to be particularly congenial….most were veteran URJ board members (and spouses) but there was a nice mix of some newer folks as well. Our scholar-in-residence, Paul Liptz who joined us from Jerusalem added incredible depth to the experience as a very talented and brilliant social historian fully familiar with each of those communities and, even more, he is blessed with a great gift of pedagogy mixed with personality and humor.
More than that, though, I am really grateful for all that Miriam did, not only in advance of the mission but her presence with us helped to smooth the way over and over again….and she did so with her ever-present smile and unfailing competence! It was a blessing to have her along and to do some advance work a few days before our group arrived. Thank you for making it possible for her to join us. She is a credit to Gil Travel and a fine representative of your company….and, as a bonus, we became good friends as a result of this process!
I trust that you and your family are well and in good spirits….and I send my best wishes for a zissen Pesach!
- Rabbi Lennard Thal, Senior Vice President, Union for Reform Judaism, April 2008
Miriam: I want to thank you for a MOST extraordinary experience. I've done my share of group travel and you are a gem. I must admit that from past experience I was skeptical of certain parts of the trip but you came through with everything with a great sense of humor, charm and (most importantly) style. You made the trip so very special for me and I learned as much from you as I did from Paul. Thanks for including me in the "guide" group - I really enjoyed the time spent with Magda and Basia - both are very special women. Peter in Budapest was a hoot. So, I have only kudos for you and will sing your praises to anyone who will listen! I hope our paths cross again!
- Jay H. Geller, April 2008
Just want to say HATS OFF. You have been AMAZING!
- Melissa C. Chapman, Director of Missions and Events, Jewish United Fund, March 2008
Hello Fred,
I just wanted to let you know that our trip was absolutely wonderful. Every contact and pickup was done perfectly. We had no problems whatsoever and believe me, we will highly recommend this tour to others.
Our guides in Israel, Gadi and Tomer were both great.
Thanks again.
- Dennis Danziger, March 2008
Dear Fred,
Wow, what an amazing trip! We had a marvelous time. All was perfect: the weather, the flight and the experience. The tour was very comprehensive and we saw and learned so much. Our guide was fine and went out of his way to provide local color and experience. The hotels were great. We really enjoyed the Inbal - it's beautiful!
Thanks for all of your planning; you did a fantastic job and gave us a memorable trip.
Thanks again, Fred, for everything. I'll be recommending you to anyone planning a trip!
- Doris Leisawitz, March 2008
Barbara and Fred,
The trip was great, our guide was excellent and accommodations were excellent as well, once again an excellent job by you and Gil Travel.
- Lori Schwartz and David Solivan, Nueva Esperanza Academy, March 2008
Armanda,
Carmelo was wonderful and exactly what we needed- 4 days of doing nothing except reading, napping and eating. Loved the 4 Seasons bungalow and the terrific service and Spa. The transfers were perfect.
As always, your advice is priceless and greatly appreciated.
- Toni Wortman, President,Maccabi USA Sports for Israel, January 2008i
Dear Iris and Igal,
On behalf of Maccabi USA, please accept my sincerest thanks for all of your hard work organizing our Mission and Team programs, making travel arrangements for the entire US Delegation and for being incredible assets to our leadership team in Buenos Aires. Our special events- the Boat Cruise, Estancia Day and the tours were outstanding. The Tango Dinner was spectacular as was the cocktail party with Los Tenores. Gracias for your professionalism, your impeccable good taste, your attention to the smallest detail and your dedication and commitment to providing the Mission and Team USA with the best possible Pan Am experience. Each of you played a critical and vital role in the success of this project.
Thanks to the incredible leadership of Phyllis, we assembled an outstanding group of leadership, managers and staff to ensure that the needs of our athletes and supporters were attended to. You helped us deal with each situation in a professional and reassuring manner, from the normal issues associated with the Pan Am Games to the very difficult situations we faced relating to transportation and obtaining timely information about competition schedules. Both of you should be awarded a personal gold medal for working long hours in sometimes trying conditions for the benefit of our athletes and Missionaries.
Look back with pride on what we accomplished and how well you helped us deal with the hourly challenges we faced. The success of Pan Am is not measured by the size of the Team USA, the American Delegation or by the number of medals won, but rather by the total athletic, cultural and Jewish experience. In spite of the difficulties we faced, the e mails we are receiving indicate that the overwhelming majority of our Team and Mission members returned from Buenos Aires with new friends and great memories, a renewed sense of Jewish identity and pride, and with a stronger connection to Israel and to the Jewish People.
More significantly, in these troubled times for Jews, together we helped send a powerful message that the best, the brightest, the strongest and the most physically adept of the Jewish people are ready to stand up and join together in a display of Jewish strength and unity.
Thank you for all you have done- you have been a magnificent Team. I cherish your friendship and I look forward to sharing the 18th Maccabiah in 2009 and future international Maccabi events with you.
With warmest Maccabi Regards.
- Toni Wortman, President,Maccabi USA Sports for Israel, January 2008
Dubi,
Just want to drop you a note to thank you for putting everything together for our trip. We had a great time. Everything, including the weather, was perfect. Please relay our thanks to your contacts at Kenes as well.
Look forward to working with you on our next trip to Israel.
- Scott & Lucy Lichtenberg, January 2008
Just got back from Israel. We had a great time and our guide, Harley was great!
- Renae, January 2008
Hi Susan
The trip was amazing. We all had a fabulous time. Our guide was terrific. I would highly recommend him to anyone. He was very knowledgable and extremely flexible. The accomodations were very good. Thank you so much for all of your help in putting this memorable trip together for our family!
- Sue Sukonik, January 2008
Dear Susan,
I want to thank you for all of your help putting together a phenomenal trip for our group. You and Jackie did a great job balancing the historical aspects of Israel along with the fun parts.
My husband, who never wanted to go to Israel, enjoyed it so much that he is already planning to return in two years. My children proclaimed it the greatest trip ever and have not stopped talking about all the things we did and saw.
Our guide, Reuben Nevo was outstanding. He was able to accommodate both the intellectual interests of the adults on the trip and the lighter side for the kids. We would definitely recommend him to everyone and hope to be able to use him on our next trip.
The accommodations were all first class and the meals were outstanding and beyond plentiful. We really felt at home there.
Thanks again to you and Jackie. You really did an excellent job!!
- Amy Charles, January 2008
Dear Donna,
Thank you so much for all of your help on our fabulous trip to Israel. It was perfect and really wonderful. We had an idependent tour guide-Michal Schneider and she was fantastic - Please feel free to use her more, we all adored her. The bus driver was also an independent and he was wonderfull. The trip plan we made together was great. I am so happy it worked out well. The David Intercontinental was very nice.
The Petra tour was well organized and the Jordanian tour guide, Tariq and our bus driver were great as well. We all can not thank you enough.
- The Spectors, January 2008
Hi Mandy,
I just wanted to tell you that we had a wonderful trip to Israel. Thanks to you, the arrangements were excellent. All three hotels were perfect, the Carlton in Tel Aviv, Davids Citadel in Jerusalem and the Neptune in Eilat.
The flights on El Al were also very good and leaving from Miami was well worth the extra cost.
Thanks again for your help.
- Arnie Marder, December 2007
Fred, just wanted to send a quick thank you for planning such an awesome trip in Israel. Jack, Greg, and I really enjoyed our time there. Also, I wanted to put in a positive recommendation for Yitzhak Dassa (our guide), as he was wonderful. I don't have any specific comments, but we found him to be incredibly knowledgeable and professional. I'd gladly recommend him! Thanks!
-Steve Holden, December 2007
Miriam, as I sit on the plane half-way to Moscow, I wanted to send you a quick note of thanks for all of your help, support and advice in planning the Mission to Russia. It was a complex and constantly changing itinerary, and your calmness and experience really made the process relatively smooth and easy.
Now, all we have to hope is that the meetings, visits, touring and logistics for the next week go as smoothly as we've planned!!!! Is there anything you can do about the predicted rain all week?????
I look forward to meeting your colleagues on the ground and to working with them in St. Peterburg and Moscow. Thanks again, Mark.
- Mark D. Medin, Executive Director, Philanthropic Leadership Group,
UJA-Federation of New York, November 2007
I have been to Israel many times to study and to tour and I was delighted with Gil Travel, Susan Blum and Karen Allen.
Susan was most helpful and patient when I needed to alter my arrival and departure dates. Susan gave me valuable advice and made wonderful arrangements for our extended stay in Israel. And when reservations were not as contracted, she immediately took responsibility to solve the problem.
Karen gave careful attention to detail and to the needs of every individual in the group. She is a very knowledgeable and skilled leader. The organization of the tour gave the participants an opportunity to learn, to experience and to integrate religious, political, and historical information. Karen Allen, thank you so much for weaving a beautiful historical and religious tapestry of Israel.
- Donalee Markus Ph.D., November 2007
Hello,
I was one of the very fortunate 17 women to be on the Birmingham women's journey to Israel, Nov 4 to 14, 2007.
Our tour leader, Karen Allen, was, from the very beginning of our "travel conversations" very knowledgeable and organized. She communicated every step of the way, from planning to packing.
We had the most wonderful guide, Laura Nelson Levy. She was perfect for our group; extremely experienced, patient, and demographically appropriate! The agenda that Karen chose included some of the most precious experiences; from visiting Birmingham's sister city of Rosh Ha'ayin which included a visit with the mayor and being serenaded by some of the town's women's choir, to a truly enjoyable luncheon in Safed and being the personal audience of Gennine who performed her one-woman autobiographical play.
Our one night in the Negev desert at the Zman Midbar yoga retreat was my personal favorite night followed by a sunrise over the hills and a hike through some very ancient archeological lands.
Our visit to Yad Vashem was, by far, the most moving and emotional experience for me. I've been wanting to go there for some time.
All our hotels were better than I expected. At Mitzpe Hayamim, however, we were all given rooms with only one king-size bed and I quickly requested, and got, a 2 bed suite.
My absolutely indebted to our travel insurance company, Travel Guard. I arrived in Tel Aviv without my luggage and if it weren't for the efforts of Travel Guard, I would have never gotten my luggage. As it was, I finally got my luggage on our 4th night. I truly believe that had I not had this insurance, I would have never gotten my luggage, EVER!
Thank you Karen, Laura, Gil Travel, and Travel Guard!
- Jan Miller, November 2007
Dear Channy:
The dust is beginning to settle on an extraordinary experience. I simply want to put in writing what I hope I conveyed to you in person. I have enormous gratitude for all you did to make our experience deeper, better, smoother. Your capacity to problem solve in real time is remarkable. Your commitment to your work and to the Jewish people is equally remarkable.
I appreciate you so much. Thank you.
By the way, on the flight back to the States I composed a poem that I shared with our group. I will send it to you momentarily as well.
All best wishes,
-Larry S. Moses - President, The Wexner Foundation, New Albany, October 2007
Hi Mandy,
I just wanted to let you know I had an uplifting experience in Israel. I'm looking forward to going back!!! It was the best!!!!
Our guide was awesome!!!! I would highly recommend him for any trip you sponsor out there. I'm looking forward to booking my next trip with you again!!!
- Deidra Boykin, Account Executive, WDCW-TV/DT Tribune Broadcasting, July 2007
Hi Susan,
I just wanted to thank you for all of your hard work making our trip so special. It was a fabulous trip and we learned SO much from our guide as well as during the JNF day. I hadn’t been back in 20 years and I couldn’t get over all the changes. Most importantly, it is incredibly greener even than it was (thanks to JNF), and there are more excavations going on than ever!
Some of our favorite aspects of the trip were definitely visiting the Kotel and Davidson Ctr, the Palmeach Museum (which did not exist last time I was there), the jeep ride to Mitzpe Gadot, rafting down the Jordan River, and the Bedouin encampment. I can’t believe how much we saw in 2 weeks time.
We really appreciate all of your efforts on our family’s behalf. There literally were no snags along the way with reservations or anything.
Many, many thanks, and I will be sure to recommend your services to family and friends.
- Dena, Steve, Alex and Rachel Samuels, July 2007
Dear Mandy,
The 2007 Arava Institute Hazon Israel Ride was an enormous success. Thank you for all your work on behalf ofthe Israel Ride to support our 5th annual Arava Institute Hazon Israel Ride: Cycling/or Peace, Partnership and Environmental Protection. Gil Travel was an excellent partner for us and we look forward to working together in the future. Our Riders we pleased with the service they received and your help in securing the bike deal with ELAL was invaluable. Thanks again for your help, and I look forward to working with you again on future Rides.
- Nancy M. Lipsey, Hazon Ride Director, June 2007
Shirley
I join Hindie in every word she said. This is not the first time that you and the Gil staff "went the extra mile". Thank you.
- Chaim Fischgrund, Executive Director, AMIIE, June 2007
Hi Mandy,
We just wanted to send you a short note thanking you for doing such a fine job in arranging our Israel trip. We had a wonderful time and all the arrangements were perfect. The transfers were all on time and the tour guide is to be commended. His name was Meir Oppenheim and his running commentary was excellent. He had the dual job of tour guide and driver which was a true feat. He even excelled in keeping everyone happy by perfecting timing our visits to the various sites. Please let his superiors know of our praise for his job well done.
We are referring our friends to you to arrange for a trip to Israel in early October. We highly recommended you.
Thank you again.
- Adele and Howard Kass, June 2007
Hi Shirley,
I just wanted to thank you and all the Gil Travel staff for the amazing support given to our groups, yesterday and today. These two days were anything but routine and the Gil staff came through for us in a really big way. Francois' expediting really saved us on Tuesday night. Half our group would certainly have been left behind were it not for his efforts.
Naomi and Marti were so helpful on Wednesday morning, from the earliest phone call when we were beginning to deal with EL AL in Newark for the students who were going to Israel, to the last phone call regarding the Poland /Prague group at JFK.
Even Igal helped from on high over Italy. Jake, at Newark Airport, who took us under his wing, really won our kids' admiration when he cut the line in front of at least 200 people to get them interviewed by security and checked in. I know he couldn't be obvious about giving us preferential treatment and I'm sure no one noticed.....
And Shirley, thank you, thank you, thank you. I'm glad it ended as well as it did, but even had it not, I knew you were working tirelessly on our behalf. We had a responsibility to all the students because they were our kids, and you even exerted your efforts for those who had not bought their tickets through you with our group.
Please thank Adamo on our behalf as well. He was very gracious even under what had to have been a huge amount of pressure.
- Hindie Fried, Director of Operations, North America, Alexander
Muss Institute for Israel Education, June 2007
Dear Iris and Donna,
We had a fabulous trip to Israel (May 18-27) thanks to your careful planning! The itinerary was perfect for a first trip; our guide Jacky Jeger was exceptional; and the accommodations were wonderful; Everything worked smoothly. We owe a big thanks to Daniele and Fred Cohen, too, who linked us up with you.
- Sandy Norman, June 2007
Mandy
Thank you. Wonderful trip!
The country, arrangements, transportation and guide could have not been better. I would highly recommend your agency to anyone who wants to travel to Israel.
In fact, the taxi driver who drove me to the airport claimed he knows the owner of Gil Travel.
- Alan Levine, May 2007
Dear Iris and Igal,
Just a quick note to let you know that our friends Sandy and Frank Norman loved the trip you designed for them. They had an excellent guide and had the time of their lives.
It was the Normans' first trip to Israel and I am so happy that it went so well. Of course, I had no doubt that it would, since Gil Travel was planning it!
We viewed the entire trip through Frank's wonderful slide show. If you are interested, I can give you the website. Anyway, it looked just wonderful!
- Daniele Cohen, May 2007
Iris and Igal,
I would like to take this opportunity to single out one of your employees, Donna Burman. Donna has been the Gil Travel representative working with Maccabi USA on the flights for Rome, Italy for the European Maccabi Games. From day one Donna has been extremely courteous, helpful, precise, efficient, and just an all-around mensch.
As your veteran leader, Susan Blum can attest to the fact that the process of doing the flights for any Maccabi USA Team has always been quite a challenge. Please know that working with her has been a pleasure, and we really appreciate it.
- Ami Monson, Program Director - Maccabi USA, May 2007
To you and your colleagues, thank you for a flawless trip. Your recommendations…and all the logistics, were perfect for us!!
Susan, you are the greatest!
- Bob Seltzer, May 2007
What an amazing trip! I am a pastor in the Chicago area and just recently returned from a 10 day trip to the Holy Land through Gil Travel. I had heard that Holy Land trips were life changing, but now I know it’s true. I will never read the Bible the same again. Our group from Illinois and Indiana were privileged to join Gil Travel for one of their Pastor’s FAM tours to Israel. We received very personal care through our travel agent, Anna Evenzahav who arranged only the best tour package and accommodations for us during our pilgrimage. From the coach, driver, and guide to the hotels and restaurants, Gil Travel gave us the best service we could have asked for. We traveled to over 25 ancient cities and sites stretching from the Dead Sea in the Judean desert to Caesarea Philippi and the Golan Heights. Our week climaxed with our time spent in Jerusalem and a visit to the Garden Tomb. I would highly recommend any man in ministry to make this trip a priority and as God said in Genesis 12:1, “Go…to the land that I will show you.”
- Pastor Stanley, Assistant Pastor, Bethel Baptist Church, May 2007
Dear Barbara Nussbaum and Fred Bomze,
I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you both for the tremendous efforts you made to make our trip to Peru the success that it was. You partnered with people who had expertise and wonderful organizational skills that made our trip an exceptional experience and gave our students a life-changing experience abroad.
I especially appreciate the work you both did to customize the items of our itinerary to serve the specific purpose of our trip. Both tour Guides Claudia and Fernando were outstanding and they gave us a real taste of the people and culture of Peru.
The planning and execution of our trip was excellent. You both thought of everything. It was wonderful for you to come to our school to prepare our students. I felt that the personal attention you gave to us, from the minute we began planning the trip, to the follow-up you provided when we returned, added to the excellence.
Again, I thank you both for all that you did. I would recommend your services to anyone wishing to travel overseas. I look forward to working with you both in the future as we can continue to explore international trips as part of our school’s curriculum.
- David Solivan, Director of Instruction, Nueva Esperanza Academy, April 2007
Hi Shirley,
Our CAARI trip to Israel was just awesome. People, leaders, itinerary, just about everything. Our thanks to you for all your help in arranging things and for your ongoing responses to all our queries.
Take care and hope to be in touch at other times.
- Frankie Rose and Hilda Fisher, April 2007
Fred,
I wanted to drop you a quick line and tell you what a wonderful time we had in Egypt. It was an incredible and unforgettable experience. Cairo was crazy and yet beautiful in its own way, while the temples and tombs of Luxor were amazing! Our tour directors, guides and drivers in both Cairo and Luxor went above and beyond the call - they were all consumate professionals and did everything they could to make our experience the best possible. The guides were oracles of information and without them we would have missed so much. Similarly, the drivers and tour directors made the transitions/travel between sites seamless.
All in all, we have nothing but the best things to say about our experience in Egypt. And for that, we truly thank you.
- Brett & Shayna Schreiber, March 2007
Good Evening Fred,
I wanted to personally thank you for working on our behalf in putting together a trip of a lifetime. Words alone cannot express how great we feel about our experience in Israel. Unlike most vacations this was truly a uniqe and very special "journey" the memories of which we will cherish forever.
Gil Travel did an excellent job with all the arrangements and accomodations which added to the overall quality of the experience. Malka and myself felt confident that we were in "good hands" with Gil Travel. I will forever be glad that we made the journey and that Gil Travel assisted in making our dream a reality.
Thanks again for all your hard work!!
- Allan & Malka Goodman, March 2007
Shalom Igal,
I just returned from the FLIGHT Mission to Ethiopia and Israel and wanted to touch base to let you know what an outstanding job Channy Greenberg did. She quietly and unobtrusively insured that every detail was taken care of and that every participant had what they needed to get the maximum out of the experience. We had some concerns about a national strike coinciding with our return from Ethiopia to Israel. With her insight and elbow grease, we were ready with an alternative plan - which thankfully proved unnecessary.
It was an absolute pleasure to work with her on what was, I believe, a very important mission.
- Doron Krakow, Sr VP Israel & Overseas, United Jewish Communities, March 2007
Barbara,
On behalf of the JCRC of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, but more importantly, on behalf of the participants in our recent interfaith trip to Israel, I want to express our deepest thanks to you and your colleagues at Gil Travel for all that you did in making our project such a success. From the very start of the process, you were more than merely helpful but a real partner in this effort. Your suggestions were invaluable. You and everyone else at Gil was responsive to all our requests and very flexible when we wanted to make any alterations, as is always necessary on trips such as this. From my over thirty years of doing this work I know that interfaith trips are unique in that they must be responsive to multiple interests and needs and your sensitivity to that was very much appreciated. I have already recommended you and Gil to others planning group trips to Israel and look forward to our continuing to work together.
- Burt Siegel, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council, March 2007
