“Instead of despair, my heart is full of hope and admiration. I just returned from a mission with HonestReporting and am enamored with the young, vibrant leadership of this organization,who are committed to a bright democratic future for Israel. The speakers were of the highest quality and it was a privilege to be among them as well as the participants. To quote Ruthie Blum in the Jerusalem Post 'Israel is at the heart of the greatest adventure not only of this century but of this millenium'. Go see for yourself. I promise you will feel very proud.”
–  Rosanne Beraznik
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“I would like to congratulate you all at HonestReporting for the superb Mission you planned and delivered in May '07.

As a non-Jewish participant, my motivation to attend stemmed from my interest in global politics, my concerns about the negative impacts of Islam on my Judeo-Christian Western culture and the very real threats to our freedoms and way of life, on a recognition that hypocritical and biased reporting against Israel exists, and on my interest in, and support for the continuing existence of a democratic, secular Israel. I believe that Israel is not just fighting for its existence, but is representative, more than ever before, of what can happen, and what is happening, in the West.

The HonestReporting Mission was varied, balanced, interesting and informative. Speakers from across the political spectrum were invited to speak, and all, despite their variety of stance and views, were courteously received. All were proponents or specialists of their respective fields at the highest levels. The variety and mix of politics, media, military history, history, culture and tours were excellent. The Jewish content was a brief, but stimulating introduction to Jewish religion and culture, and was in no way overbearing.

Thank you for a well-planned and wonderful experience, and an enlightening and balanced overview of the media's undoubted bias against Israel. The HonestReporting Mission undoubtedly will appeal primarily to supporters of Israel. They need to attend so that when they return to their countries they can help promote unbiased, fair and honest reporting of events in Israel and surrounding territories and countries, and can counter the media agencies and Israel's avowed enemies, who demonstrate or state unashamedly that they wish to see Israel destroyed. Israel and the West are equally at risk, and our survival depends as much on not losing on the media 'front' in the Middle East, as it does on winning.”
–  Warwick Stacey - Security Specialist, Melbourne, Australia
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“My wife and I keep abreast of issues concerning Israel by subscribing to over 30 list servers. We belong to our synagogue’s Israel Advocacy Committee, I spent my sabbatical time teaching at the University of Haifa, and I was a leader for college students touring Israel. I had been to Israel many times, yet the HonestReporting trip we took in May 2007 was as an exciting and informative experience as we have ever had. The efficiency, consideration and warmth of the HonestReporting staff were truly exceptional. They provided us with outstanding speakers, spirited discussions, wonderful tours, and even thought about little things, like providing umbrellas when they thought it might rain! The accommodations were first-class, the tour buses on time, and the variety of eating experiences outstanding. The Shabbat meal with a family in the Old City was a thrill. The staff anticipated our every need, from transportation to and from the airport at different times for the various participant schedules to hats and jackets for cooler times.
It was a trip well worth the money and time.”
–  Matthew Yarczower, Ph.D. - Professor Emeritus at Bryn Mawr College, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania
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“The quality of the speakers far surpassed our greatest expectations. We were concerned about the amount of lecture time and our ability to attend, but they were remarkable and stimulating, and every moment was a gift to our minds and our hearts. Thank you, HonestReporting.”
–  Joanie & Steve Pechenik, San Antonio
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“Great programming, exceptional and motivating speakers, delightful participants. A different and useful way of understanding Israel!”
–  Bobbie Morgenstern, Wynewood, PA
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“Having been to Israel over 100 times, including many missions, I did not know what to expect on an HonestReporting Mission. However, the HonestReporting Mission was one of the best planned, substantive, high-level and upscale Missions which I have been on. The program was great, with outstanding and knowledgeable speakers. HonestReporting deserves enormous credit for providing a Mission that was first rate in every respect.”
–  Norman L, Lawyer - FL, Past Chairman UJA
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“What a wonderful experience! Easily the best in my various visits to Israel.”
–  Burton L - University Professor, NY
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“The extreme kindness of the staff; the excellence of the Organization; the high professionalism of the speakers and their accurate knowledge of their fields - all this made it for me an unforgettable trip!”
–  Deborah - Educator - France
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“No doubt the mission with HonestReporting was by far the best I have been privileged to attend. The speakers and itinerary were great.”
–  Ronnie, Philadelphia
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“There were too many highpoints during the Honest Reporting Mission to choose an absolute favorite. Was it the guided tour of the Golan by astute military strategist Elliot Chodoff? The inspiring talk by investigative reporter Khaled Abu Toameh? Playing drums under a tent in the Judean desert after an Abraham style feast? The great treatment by Honest Reporting's capable and caring staff? One can only answer all of the above plus much more.”
–  Michael, Entrepeneur, Brookline MA
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“The HonestReporting Mission was exactly what I wanted and needed. I have already briefed the Israeli Consulate here in Houston and we are working on ways to extend my knowledge to the rest of the community. I will be giving a presentation to the ADL Israel Task Force, based on the insights I gained from the Mission. Great job!”
–  David, Houston Texas
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“I thought I knew my stuff before this trip, as I am an addicted Middle East news and history junkie. But I was wrong. It is one thing to read an article, attend a lecture, or watch a televised report. But to have the opportunity to grill an expert, a reporter, or a politician on their turf is quite another. I discovered vast underlying complexities that I never imagined.

The HonestReporting Leadership Mission brought it all home: A powerful vehicle to understand Mideast complexities, and a prime motivator to take charge of the Jewish future.”
–  Aryeh, Teacher, Los Angeles
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“Most of the other Missions I considered were too touristy for my tastes. I'd been to Israel before and was looking for a sophisticated Mission that had political content. I found it. The HonestReporting staff sculpted a superior Mission that combined the finest thinkers in Israel, fine cuisine, and a sustained delivery of critical information that allowed an avowed MidEast news-junkie like me, to "put the puzzle together." Spiritually moving and well crafted, I recommend this Mission highly.”
–  Bruce, Clinical Associate Professor, New Jersey
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“The HonestReporting mission to Israel is a life-changing adventure. Nowhere can you get such a comprehensive look at the reality on the ground in Israel. The speakers are the movers and shakers in Israeli society. HonestReporting goes the extra mile to making you feel welcome in our homeland. I came back charged up to debate the issues, write letters, and really make a difference.”
–  Dan, Insurance Agent, Buffalo
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“It had many years since I had been to Israel, and the experience of going back and reconnecting with my Jewish heritage and the State was life changing. I am armed and ready with the knowledge and passion to defend Israel and Jews at every turn. The sincerity and caring of the HR staff made for an unforgettable trip.”
–  Andre, Sales Manager, Detroit
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“It feels good being among people with ideals. People who have a clear vision of the moment Israel and the Jewish people are living in and are working seriously to do something about it. The HonestReporting Mission empowers you to do something. Everyone should experience it.”
–  Alice, Rio de Janeiro
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“We have so many great memories of the truly enjoyable and unusual experiences we had on the Mission. That is in addition to the very emotional time we spent with Sherry Mandell, Rabbi Glazer, the drama of Ammunition Hill and Gush Katif. The memories of the People, the Places and the obvious dedication of The Honest Reporting Staff made this a truly outstanding Mission among the ones we have already taken”
–  Sol K, San Carlos, Ca – President of Company
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“Yasher Koach! Loved every minute and hope to return for full trip with husband. Toda raba ”
–  Marcelle M, Teacher, Baltimore
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“This tour was highlight of our lives. Perfectly designed; enhanced by knowledgeable/caring staff; fed our minds, souls and stomachs; can hardly wait to begin working on some of the programs and activities – todah rabah”
–  Magids, Berkeley Ca – President of Computer Software Company
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“The depth which sites like the Old City and the security fence were explored was exceptional. The personal touch of having meals with families on the Sabbath and meeting the relatives of terror victims was special. All of the above were minor points compared to the quality of the speakers. In short periods of time they kept us rapt with their ardor and the ability to transmit large amounts of information in short periods.

Perhaps the best description of the value of the Mission came from my wife, who was looking forward to the Mission with some trepidation. She had been in Israel several times before as an International Tour Manager. She became so enamored with the program that she attended everything scheduled and all of the optional events. She left with an understanding of the realities "on the ground" that she never had before.

For myself, this was my seventh trip to Israel. None of the prior trips held a candle to this one. In short, the HonestReporting Mission is a "don't miss" experience.”
–  Mel, Doctor, Marina del Ray, California
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If you would be interested in contacting any of these past participants, please contact the Missions Office and we will be happy to put you in touch.