14 May, 1997
Dear Conference Delegates:
As we get closer to the "Negev97" Conference, we need to finalize your delegation’s arrangements and provide you with last minute travel information. Please contact us if you need any additional information. We look forward to meeting you and your delegation in June.
Registration Confirmation
The following forms include your delegation’s records as we have them listed in our files. Please read these forms closely, making any corrections and filling in any missing information. Then return the corrected forms as quickly as possible by Fax or e-mail.
Post-Conference Trip Registration
Please include registration for the post-conference trip of your choice, if you are interested. These trips can be offered only if enough participants indicate their interest before the conference.
Trip #1 Negev and Judean Desert Adventure (cost estimate: $90 U.S. in addition to conference charges)
Friday, June 27 - Field trip to Maktesh Ramon (world’s largest erosion-created crater), hike in Ardon Valley, visit Ramon Visitor’s Center, visit Alpaca and Llama Farm, Ben Gurion’s Hut (at Kibbutz Sde Boker) and the Blaustein Institute for Desert Research. Dinner and sleep at Midreshet Sde Boker.
Saturday, June 28 - Drive to and climb Massada, swim in Dead Sea, short trip to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, drop off in Jerusalem (hotel can be arranged for those who need it).
Trip #2 Judean Desert and Jerusalem Adventure (cost estimate: $110 U.S. in addition to conference charges).
Friday, June 27 - Drive to and climb Massada, swim in Dead Sea, short trip to Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, dinner at nearby Kibbutz, sleep at Ein Gedi Field School.
Saturday, June 28 - Guided tour of Jerusalem. Drop off at hotel of your choice.
Post-Conference Transportation to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Airport Provided (no charge)Anyone choosing not to join the post-conference trips will be provided with transportation to the David Ben-Gurion Airport, Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.
Prepare to Come Early
The conference will be in full swing by Sunday afternoon, so we urge you to arrive early. We can receive you at the airport, transport you to Sde Boker and house you as early as Saturday, June 21. Participants are welcome earlier, however transportation will not be available before Saturday.
Look for a Welcoming Committee at Airport
A welcoming committee will greet each delegation at Ben-Gurion Airport. Your hosts will be holding signs saying: "Negev97"
Our shuttle bus will pick up the delegations and their luggage every two hours. They will be transported directly to Midreshet Sde Boker (2.5 hour driving time). In the event that a host is not at the airport at the time of your arrival, please call us at: 07- 6532084 or 07-6535224 or 052-719824.
Come Prepared
Dress throughout the conference is casual. Due to midday heat, you must wear a hat and carry water bottles at all times. Temperatures can drop sharply once the sun sets, so you will need a jacket or sweatshirt for evenings. Hiking shoes are necessary for field work.
You will need:
· hiking shoes
· swimsuits or swim trunks
· hat with large brim
· sunscreen (SPF >15)
· water bottles
· day pack (small backpack for daytime hikes)
Participants in Theme Group #6 may need extra Supplies
Participants in "Art in the Desert" who plan to do photography need to bring certain supplies, because we do not have a photography store at the Midrasha. Anyone who knows how and wants to develop their photos in black in white, is also welcome to use the darkroom and chemicals.
Please bring:
· film (black and white)
· camera (single lens reflex)
· lens
· optional supplies: flash, tripod, cable-release, different filters,
and developing paper.
Project Exhibit Encouraged
Sunday and Monday afternoons delegates will be given time to set up exhibits representing projects and programs they are offering in their own country. If your delegation is bringing an exhibit and/or oral presentation, please provide us with the title and list of supplies you need so we can be prepared.
International Exhibits and Costumes Encouraged
The second evening includes the annual "Parade of Countries", where many delegates wear costumes of their countries, perform music and/or display arts and crafts.
Sincerely,
Bezalel Cohen
Conference Organizer