StandWithUs Launches New Innovative Online Tour Program: ‘Jerusalem LIVE’
(Jerusalem, Israel – July 19th, 2020):
In an effort to connect students, families, and would-be tourists to Israel despite the current effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, StandWithUs has launched a new interactive online tour program: ‘Jerusalem LIVE’.
Broadcast in real-time and on-site from Jerusalem’s most famous sites, ‘Jerusalem LIVE’ harnesses a blend of history, storytelling, and trivia, to deliver an engaging Israel experience to private groups from all around the world.
The tours are guided by Yoni Zierler – the director of the StandWithUs strategic tourism department ‘Discover’, and a master tour guide whose live tours on Facebook have been enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of viewers. Throughout the tour, participants not only hear stories they most-likely have never heard, but also have the chance to ask questions and share their thoughts.
Currently, four different tour options are offered – a walk from the Jewish Quarter to the Western Wall, an exploration of Jerusalem’s first modern neighborhood, Mishkenot Shea’nanim, a stroll through the winding alleyways of Nachlaot, and a strategic tour in Gilo (overlooking the security barrier and Bethlehem). The Jewish Quarter tour has been, by far, the most popular, thanks in great part to a very special feature – ahead of the tour, participants are invited to send notes for the Western Wall, and then watch as they are delivered there during the live broadcast.
In the few weeks since its pilot launch, hundreds of diverse international participants, from Los Angeles to the UK, have already booked and enjoyed private tours with ‘Jerusalem Live,’ and the upcoming months are quickly filling up with tour requests from schools, camps, synagogues, and other community organizations.
Yoni Zierler said :“In these challenging times, StandWithUs Discover is proud to launch ’Jerusalem Live.’ This is a much needed platform that connects people from all over the world to connect Israel’s modern-day story through an exploration of the Jewish People’s historic heart – Jerusalem. Our online tours of Jerusalem inspire people from all backgrounds and faiths, and continue our critical mission of Israel education by virtually showcasing our country’s rich history, culture, and connection to the Jewish people.”
Michael Dickson, Stand WithUs Israel Executive Director added: “At the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, our StandWithUs team quickly pivoted to find new and engaging ways of bringing people closer to Israel and inspiring communities all over the world. ‘Jerusalem LIVE’ is the exciting new addition to our broad portfolio of digital programming, and the many requests we have received in the short time since its launch have proven that it fills a significant need during these unprecedented times. Now more than ever, StandWithUs is determined that if you can’t come to Israel, we will bring Israel to you.”
Mr. Simon Appleman, Vice Principal, JFS School (largest Jewish day school in Europe) reflected on his ‘Jerusalem Live’ tour experience: “Whether you are reminding yourself of old memories or creating new ones, this tour is a must. I was privileged to participate in one of the StandWithUs tours and recommend them wholeheartedly. Interesting, educational, funny, enjoyable and moving. The perfect way to connect with our home away from home”.
For more information, please visit: https://www.standwithus.com/discovertours
*We invite you to receive the full experience and cover our team as they guide a tour*
About StandWithUs
StandWithUs (SWU) is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organization that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism.
Through university fellowships, high school internships, middle school curricula, conferences, materials, social media, educational films and missions to Israel, StandWithUs supports people around the world who want to educate their schools and communities about Israel.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Los Angeles, the organization has chapters and programs on 5 continents, including the U.S., Israel, UK, Canada, South Africa and Brazil.
For the last 7 years, SWU has consistently received the highest possible ratings from Charity Navigator (4 stars) and Guidestar (Platinum).
