Where our journey starts is where the journey starts
Where our journey starts is where the journey starts
The Olami Summit is the global gathering for Jewish campus and young professional communities, where idea-generators, educators, funders and community leaders gather to inspire, to learn and to collaborate on new initiatives that meet the needs of our generation.
Last year, delegates started their journey in Central and Southern Spain where they explored the rich history and heritage of the Jewish people and then traveled to the UK for an inspiring, educational and empowering weekend in Birmingham. To find out about our next Summit, like us on Facebook.
20
countries
represented
100+
organizations
attending
1200
delegates
registered
20
countries
represented
100+
organizations
attending
1200
delegates
registered
Choose greatness.
#Own It.
Choose greatness.
#Own It.
Olami Summit 2017
Itinerary
Delegates travelled and experienced Spain in groups, based on the organization that they are coming with. Below is a sample itinerary for one group, to show the places and style of trip.
Spain Experience
Day 1. Sunday – December 24
Madrid
Panoramic tour of Madrid, observing all the important monuments of the city. Walking tour of the old town to start exploring the rich Jewish history of Spain.
Day 2. Monday – December 25
Toledo, Cordoba, Malaga
Toledo – Jerusalem of Spain: Walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, learning and understanding the Jewish life there was once in Spain. Cordoba – The home of Maimonides: Crossing the old Roman bridge, visiting the courtyard of the famous Mosque and learning about the important influence of the Jewish people and Rabbis of Spain upon the rest of the world.
Day 3. Tuesday – December 26
Gibraltar, Ronda
Gibraltar – The British colony in the south of Spain: Visiting the nature reserve on the Rock of Gibraltar, St. Michael’s Cave and the old Jewish cemetery, visiting one of the synagogues.
Ronda – A pictorial village known for its gorgeous bridge and the Arab ancient Hamam, also rich with Jewish history.
Day 4. Wednesday – December 27
Seville
Seville – A tour of this beautiful city, the famous Plaza España, the old Alcazar Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the park of Maria Lucia.
evening: flight to London
Weekend Summit
Day 5. Thursday – December 28
London
Visiting the most famous historical and cultural sites in the city.
Opening Ceremony
5:00PM
Day 6. friday – December 29
Birmingham
Groups of delegates from around the world presented their Jewish startup ideas at the Innovation Incubator and budding Olami ambassadors presented their pitch for why they should be selected to represent their country. All delegates joined together for a powerful Friday night service and a beautiful Shabbat dinner followed by inspirational programming and a spiritual ‘tish’ until the early hours of the morning.
Day 7. saturday – December 30
Birmingham
Following Shabbat services in the morning, all delegates joined together for a mass learning, high-energy educational experience. Upon the conclusion of Shabbat and Havdala, there was entertainment.
Day 8. sunday – December 31
Birmingham
Reaching the close of the Summit, delegates were once again given the stand and it was their turn to lead talks in an open, engaging and unique way. Then they gathered for the last time, 1200 people strong, for the final closing ceremony where winners of the Innovation Competition and Ambassador program were announced.
The Summit ended at 2pm
our Speakers
At the Olami Summit, we were inspired by top speakers from around the world. They were at the Summit not just to give a talk or lead a session, but to engage and discuss throughout the weekend.
Yael Zehavi
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
Former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
our Speakers
At the Olami Summit, we were inspired by top speakers from around the world. They were at the Summit not just to give a talk or lead a session, but to engage and discuss throughout the weekend.
Check out the highlights
from 2017
Check out the highlights
from 2017
Seeing the passion of all the teams introducing their ideas made me realize that you’ve managed to inspire great change. I realized that Olami’s project was to encourage us to take part in programs that allow us to become active ourselves—absolutely brilliant! That itself is the winning move!
One of the special things I have ever experienced. My brain is exploding from thinking about it so much and its impact on my life.
An exceptional Shabbat with fascinating speakers and some very inspiring moments. We are all very sad tobe leaving Sunday and leaving you.
It was incredible how thousands of Jews despite being from different countries and without knowing us, we were united fighting for the same.
A meeting with people from my country together with people from around the world who take part in this wonderful organization.
Speakers and hosts delivered strong and important messages about the need to give back to the community and keeping Jewish values and traditions for generations to come.
WE ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. STRONGER. GREATER. IT’S OUR JEWISH GREATNESS. WE NEED TO #OWNIT
Seeing the passion of all the teams introducing their ideas made me realize that you’ve managed to inspire great change. I realized that Olami’s project was to encourage us to take part in programs that allow us to become active ourselves—absolutely brilliant! That itself is the winning move!
One of the special things I have ever experienced. My brain is exploding from thinking about it so much and its impact on my life.
An exceptional Shabbat with fascinating speakers and some very inspiring moments. We are all very sad tobe leaving Sunday and leaving you.
It was incredible how thousands of Jews despite being from different countries and without knowing us, we were united fighting for the same.
A meeting with people from my country together with people from around the world who take part in this wonderful organization.
Speakers and hosts delivered strong and important messages about the need to give back to the community and keeping Jewish values and traditions for generations to come.
WE ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. STRONGER. GREATER. IT’S OUR JEWISH GREATNESS. WE NEED TO #OWNIT
FAQs
The Summit will hold Bet Midrash style learning sessions as well as informal opportunities for students and Rabbis to connect, engage in discussions and for Rabbis to answer questions.
Most of the presentations will be in the participants’ native language. For the major presentations where everyone will be together, simultaneous translation devices or subtitles will be available.
The Summit will gather 1,200 participants from 20 countries. You will have the opportunity to spend time with delegates from around the globe throughout the Summit. Dedicated cross-cultural sessions will take place throughout the Weekend Summit in order to give structured time to cross-country connections.
No! Kosher meals are included in the Summit. Make sure you order kosher food for your flight. Be prepared for beautiful Shabbat meals in an uplifting atmosphere.
This is not going to last long! You will be able to meet local Olami Summit 2017 participants before the Summit, at your local pre-Summit event. At the Summit, you will meet hundreds of people from dozens of different countries, and on Shabbat you will have to opportunity to share meals with participants from your region.
The program is designed to engage, unite and inspire. We will have outstanding speakers, learning sessions, great food and the most amazing atmosphere! We will offer a wide variety of events in order to fit different styles.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and make sure you join our Olami Summit 2017 private Facebook group to get the most up to date information on the Summit, and more.
The Olami Summit 2017 will be under 24/7 Community Security Trust CST surveillance. The CST is working closely with West Midlands Police and the NEC. All delegates and staff will be required to wear their Olami Summit badge at all times. You can further help us by ensuring you do not leave any unattended items around the site, and by reporting any suspicious activity.
Your organization’s staff will assign rooms to your delegation.
The Olami Summit 2017 will take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole hotel. This is a large hotel and we are taking over the entire venue.
We will be going to the most historical places in Spain: Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Malaga, Ronda, Gibraltar, Sevilla. Click here to view a sample itinerary.
Upon registration, you will be able to fill out a section detailing your requirements and the Olami Summit 2017 team will assist you and make sure your needs are met.
For students traveling from further afield, the Summit begins with four days in Spain.
For those traveling to Spain, the Summit begins on Sunday 24th and finishes at noon on Sunday 31. For those attending the weekend portion only, the Summit begins on Thursday December 28th at 5pm and finishes at noon on Sunday December 31. Each delegate can choose to extend – not shorten – their stay. If you want to change your flight itinerary please liaise with your local staff member who is coordinating your trip. You can stay for as long as you would like. Each team can arrange their own plans and logistics for extending.
If you are extending your trip within the UK, let us know if you would like help connecting with the local Jewish community.
Every country has different visa requirements. Make sure to check your visa requirements – and passport validity before booking your flights. Some countries require visas to enter the UK and Spain like Russia and South Africa others like USA, Latin America, and Europe do not. Please look through these links to see if you are in need of a visa and how to apply for one. Spain, UK.
Your delegation leader is responsible for booking your group flights through our preferred partners. If you want to extend or change your individual flights it is your own responsibility to cover any additional fees for flight changes, transfers and transportation. You are also responsible for informing Olami of your flight change through your personal profile page.
You will meet your local organization’s delegates and fly together as a delegation. Please get in touch with your local Rabbi in order to find out all the details about your trip logistics.
Registering to the Olami Summit 2017 includes: transportation to and from the Summit venues, access to conferences and other programs, accommodation, meals, many surprises and an amazing atmosphere…
The cost of your flights to and from your hometown is not covered by Olami. And transportation to and from the start and finish venue is only covered IF you come as part of a group. If you arrive or leave independent of your group, you are responsible to cover the cost of any related transportation.
Thousands of students around the world would like to participate in this year’s Summit and spots are limited. We would like to give newcomers the opportunity to enjoy our Summit, therefore they will get priority bookings. There is an option for students who attended last year’s Summit to pre-register. As we get closer to registration deadline, we will open limited registration spots for pre-registered students.
If you would like to register to the Olami Summit 2017, please contact your local staff member. To see a list of participating organizations, click here. The Summit has limited spots available and so this year, is by nomination only. If you are invited to attend, you will receive an email nominating you to register for your spot.
You don’t belong to an Olami-affiliated organization? Find your local Olami member organization here and find out how you can get involved with them. Then hopefully you will be able to attend in 2018.
If you would like to be part of the Olami Summit team, get outstanding professional experience and help an organization you love email the Summit Marketing team at sweisz@olami.org
We would love to hear what you have in mind! Please contact us at summit@olami.org with any suggestion.
You can contact the Summit team at summit@olami.org. If there is an important question missing, please let us know and we’ll add it in, in order to help other people as well.