REALITY

Step into a once-in-a-lifetime, five-star experience that begins in Israel and continues within a global community of changemakers. REALITY is more than a leadership journey—it’s an immersive exploration into one of the world’s most complex regions, offering unparalleled access to influential leaders, diverse perspectives, and transformative learning.

Participants engage in a highly curated Journey, gaining exclusive insights from leading speakers and experiences that challenge conventional thinking. They return home with new perspectives, deep friendships, and a renewed commitment to drive meaningful change.

Our Journey Through Israel

REALITY begins with a weeklong Journey in Israel. Participants go beyond the headlines and sound bites to explore Israel firsthand and engage with the diverse people and communities shaping its society and culture.

 Through this experience, participants hear multiple narratives and perspectives on the historical, social, and political realities in Israel. They learn about and engage with the many interwoven stories, successes and challenges facing Israel and the surrounding region. They meet the people who are leading efforts to build a shared society in which diverse communities can live, work, and thrive together. And they build knowledge, skills, and lasting connections that they can use to make a deeper impact in their work.

REALITY offers participants unparalleled opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

  • Immersive Learning: Gain access to top thought leaders and explore competing perspectives shaping the region’s future.
  • Transformative Connections: Travel with a curated cohort of influential leaders, fostering deep relationships and authentic connections that transcend industries and borders.
  • Exclusive and Luxurious: This five-star Journey combines intellectual rigor with world-class hospitality, ensuring an impactful experience both professionally and personally.

We are running 5 REALITY Journeys in 2026:

 Tech/VC – May 4-10, 2026

For leading entrepreneurs, investors, technologists, and executives who are driving change at the intersection of technology and social innovation.

REALITY Entertainment – May 25 – 31, 2026

For leaders and creatives across film, stage, music, and sports such as performers, writers, executives, creators, athletes and visionaries shaping the industry.

REALITY Storytellers –  June 8 – 14, 2026

For the voices behind the stories that shift perspectives: authors, journalists, filmmakers, producers, screenwriters, publicists, podcasters, content creators, playwrights, documentarians, and creative visionaries.

REALITY Perspectives – June 22 – 28, 2026

Designed for visionaries who believe innovation happens at the intersection of difference, bringing together leaders from across industries and backgrounds to explore new ways of seeing, creating, and collaborating.

REALITY Changemakers – August 10 – 16, 2026

For innovators creating impact: thought leaders, policy professionals, advocates, organizers, and movement builders.

Click here to fill out the application for participation in these Journeys.

Why Israel, Why Now?

Israel is at the crossroads of history, culture, and innovation, making it the perfect setting for this inspiring experience.

  • Beyond the Headlines: REALITY takes participants into the heart of one of the most complex and highly charged political arenas of our time. Through immersive experiences, participants grapple with diverse narratives that illuminate Israel’s historical, religious, cultural, and political dynamics. Firsthand experience is essential for developing your own understanding of the region. 

  • A Land of Diversity: Home to a mosaic of communities and perspectives, Israel provides a unique environment to explore how multiple cultures and narratives coexist. Participants meet members of the Jewish, Arab, Palestinian, Ethiopian and LGBTQ+ communities to gain a deeper understanding of the region.

  • Connection and Community: In a time when our world feels increasingly divided, this experience provides a space for reflection, learning and growth. It also offers something deeply personal: a chance to connect with the spiritual and cultural richness of a region that serves as the birthplace of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Safety in Israel

  • Safety and security are REALITY and itrek’s top priority. Over the past 15 years, REALITY and itrek have safely hosted more than 28,000 participants, including 23 Israel Treks this past year.

  • REALITY, itrek, and Routes, our on-the-ground Tour Operator, adhere to strict safety and security standards. The Routes staff and security team work closely with Israel’s security forces including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli Police, and local security and reservation authorities. Routes, in conjunction with the Israeli authorities above, monitors each location on the itinerary and is prepared to adjust the agenda in order to ensure a safe experience.

  • Every group is accompanied by a highly trained and licensed security guard, who is also trained in first-aid. In addition, each group travels with a Tour Educator who is licensed according to Israel’s logistical, security and safety standards. Every Journey is also staffed by a member of our REALITY Team to ensure the quality of the experience and well-being of each participant.

The REALITY
Alumni Experience

As part of the REALITY Community, alumni have access to exclusive offerings to connect through learning sessions, in-person experiences, regional and affinity communities,
and REALITY Microgrants.

Community is the cornerstone of the REALITY Journey. From the moment participants land in Israel, they become part of a global network that amplifies their ability to create change.

Impact by the Numbers:

of REALITY Alumni have collaborated on new projects, businesses, and initiatives.
0 %
of REALITY Alumni have implemented new ideas inspired by their REALITY Journey.
0 %
of REALITY Alumni report gaining leadership skills that led to career advancements or new ventures.
0 %
of REALITY Alumni return with renewed motivation to repair the world.
0 %

Post-Journey Engagement:

REALITY’s impact extends beyond Israel. REALITY Alumni continue to connect through community programming focused on:
Learning:

Embracing curiosity about Israel and its complexities while encouraging peers to explore multiple narratives.

Leadership:
Strengthening their ability to navigate and lead through challenges, with programs designed to deepen their skills and impact.
Empathy

Fostering spaces for diverse perspectives.

REALITY
Israel Microgrants

Inspired by the spirit of nuance, curiosity, and innovation embraced by REALITY,
we are proud to offer REALITY Israel Microgrants of up to $2,500 for REALITY Alumni.

Apply Now

REALITY Israel Microgrants support alumni-led initiatives worldwide that aim to:

  • Introduce new people to Israel: Engage new audiences in various aspects of Israeli life, culture, and society through events, Shabbat dinners, speaker sessions, and more.
  • Facilitate partnerships with Israelis, Israeli-owned companies, or Israeli NGOs: Feature a new Israeli chef, invite an Israeli speaker to your community, etc.
  • Foster nuanced conversations about Israel: Create spaces for open dialogue that reflects diverse perspectives.
  • Build cross-cultural connections: Share stories and experiences, while introducing new people to the REALITY Israel Journey.
Please view this page for event ideas to inspire your Microgrant application.
Apply Now

Here are some sample Microgrant projects:

Dinner & Dialogue:

  • Invite your colleagues/peers to an Israeli restaurant to discuss Israel and current events.​

Group Outing:

  • Find a local event: Film, exhibition, speaker, etc. that educates about Israel or the region. Example: NOVA Festival Exhibit

Speaker Event:

  • Host a virtual event or in-person gathering for your colleagues or peers featuring an expert speaker.

Build Your Own Initiative:

  • Propose your own idea for a REALITY Israel Microgrant.

Frequently Asked Questions

REALITY is a community of influential leaders from diverse backgrounds and professional sectors who are motivated to deepen their ability to lead on complex issues. REALITY begins with a formative Journey through Israel in which participants develop a deeper understanding of Israeli society, and learn from and build connections with like-minded leaders.

itrek is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to empower leaders to engage their networks in meaningful Israel experiences. Israel Treks foster an understanding and appreciation of Israel’s culture, diversity, and complex reality, which participants carry back into their own lives and leadership roles. REALITY was created in 2009 as part of Schusterman Family Philanthropies. In June 2024 REALITY became a part of itrek, one of Schusteman’s long-standing grantees.

REALITY Journeys are designed for influential leaders from diverse backgrounds and industries, connected by a shared commitment to strengthening their leadership skills around complex issues. REALITY participants are committed to continuous learning, eager to expand their understanding of a complex region, and open to being challenged. REALITY participants lead with curiosity and humility, and come from a wide range of faiths, ethnicities, races, traditions, sexual orientations, gender identities, and geographic locations.

The impact of these Journeys is life-changing:

  • 99% of REALITY participants recommend this Journey to others.
  • 96% of REALITY participants report making deep, personal relationships.
  • 61% of REALITY participants have collaborated on new projects, businesses, and initiatives.
  • 73% of REALITY participants have implemented new ideas inspired by their REALITY Journey.
  • 85% of REALITY participants report gaining leadership skills that led to career advancements or new ventures.
How much does it cost to go on a REALITY Journey and what is included in that cost?

All REALITY Israel Journeys require a $1,500 upfront payment, which includes a $1,000 deposit (which you will receive back after the Journey) and a $500 non refundable program fee. Participants are responsible for booking their own round-trip flights to and from Israel. The program includes five-star hotel accommodations, award-winning restaurants, and a meticulously curated itinerary. The REALITY experience is highly subsidized to make this premier opportunity accessible.

The group is accompanied by a professional tour educator licensed according to Israel’s logistical, security, and safety standards, along with a security professional and a member of the REALITY Team. In addition, our logistics partner,

The $1,000 deposit is fully refundable up until one month before the start of your Journey. After that point, the deposit becomes non-refundable. The $500 program fee is non-refundable at any time. In exceptional circumstances, and at the discretion of itrek, these policies may be adjusted.

Yes, all registered participants will receive a calendar invite for a Zoom orientation call with the REALITY Team and the rest of the participants on their Journey.

Leading up to your Journey, we will communicate with participants via email. After the orientation call, all of the participants and the REALITY staff from your journey will be invited to a WhatsApp group, which will be the way that we will communicate throughout our time together in Israel. You’ll also have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the rest of the group before you spend the week together!

We provide everyone with a bio book when they arrive in Israel, but this is not something we distribute in advance. However, you will have the opportunity to acquaint yourselves with the other Journey participants when you join the WhatsApp group.

Yes. All participants are expected to attend the virtual orientation program and complete pre and post-Journey surveys by set deadlines. Additionally, participants will be expected to attend at least one follow-up post-Journey virtual training and attend a three-month and six-month virtual reunion.

Beginning January 2025, all incoming travelers to Israel will require either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL) or B/2 Tourist Visa to enter Israel. Please see this visa guide for more information. You will also need a valid passport. Please ensure your passport does not expire before 6 months from the start of your Journey in Israel. If your passport is going to expire before then, you will need to make immediate arrangements for an expedited renewed passport. Additionally, we strongly recommend purchasing travel & medical insurance.

Although travel protection is not required, travel/medical coverage is highly encouraged. Please carefully review what is included in the coverage.

REALITY strongly recommends you have comprehensive medical coverage throughout your stay in Israel, either through your existing coverage or via supplemental coverage. Coverage must include:

  • Emergency medical care while in Israel
  • Emergency medical evacuation
  • Coverage for any pre-existing conditions
REALITY does not endorse or specifically recommend any particular travel insurance plan or provider. There are many options available online that meet the mandatory insurance criteria.

Safety is our top priority. We are closely monitoring the political and security situation in real time and are in constant communication with local authorities and security experts. REALITY and itrek take great pride in their cautious and responsible approach, with a reputation built on hosting more than 28,000 participants on Journeys to Israel in the past fifteen years, including 25 groups in 2024.

We are in regular contact with Israel’s ‘Situation Monitoring Room,’ which works closely with Israel’s security forces including the IDF, Israel Police, and local security and reservation authorities.

What sort of physical activity can I expect?
Our itineraries are jam-packed with a fair amount of walking through the experience.
There will be some free time incorporated into the itinerary but most of the day-to-day program will be curated.
Yes, the Journey will explore core issues of the conflict including learning about specific territorial disputes, settlements, terrorism & security concerns, October 7th and the aftermath, Jerusalem, refugees, recognition and identity, water and natural resources, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, and regional/international involvement. Participants will hear from Israelis, Palestinians, and Israeli Arabs, offering an array of perspectives.
Yes, Journeys are designed to spend a day in the Palestinian Territories, permitting it that it is safe to travel there. REALITY Journeys are designed to provide an opportunity to learn about the conflict firsthand including meeting with and hearing from Palestinians while being led by a local Palestinian guide. During this day, we will also have a Palestinian security professional with us.
Who can apply?

REALITY Alumni. Applications can be submitted individually or as part of a team.

Minimum and Maximum Requests: Applicants can request between $500 and $2,500, up to $50 per person.
Funds are provided as reimbursements upon proof of receipts/payment. You may request 50% of the funds at the start of the project and the remaining 50% upon completion. Reimbursements are processed via ACH (for U.S. applications) or PayPal. If PayPal is not available in your country, please specify this in your application.

Funds will be reimbursed only to the account of the REALITY Alum who submitted the Microgrant application. If the application was submitted as part of a team, the reimbursement will be issued to the account of the primary applicant, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.

You have 3-6 months from the project approval date to start using your grant funding, but you must use the funds by September 1st. Extensions may be discussed if needed.

Review Process: Applications are evaluated based on project goals, intended impact, alignment with at least one of the Microgrant program goals, and adherence to REALITY’s values. Applicants will be notified of the decision within 3 weeks.

For general events, the typical funding guideline is up to $50 per person. This amount may vary based on the specifics of the project. For Dinner & Dialogue events, funding ranges from $25 to $40 per person, depending on the event’s location.
Absolutely! You can propose your own initiative as long as it aligns with the core goals of Microgrants: introducing new people to REALITY, raising awareness about upcoming Journeys, and fostering conversations about Israel. Just be sure to include a segment where you share your own REALITY experience or invite alumni to do so.
Yes, part of your event should raise awareness about the upcoming REALITY Journeys. This can include sharing key details about the program and encouraging potential applicants to consider participating.
Once your Microgrant project is approved, you will receive a congratulatory email containing a link to the REALITY 2025 Journeys application. Please forward this link to up to three individuals who you believe would be strong candidates for an upcoming Journey.

Please refer to the attached one-pager, which contains all the details about our upcoming REALITY Journeys. This document provides comprehensive information about each Journey.

You may use the Microgrant for an event you already planned, as long as it meets the Microgrant requirements: introducing new people to REALITY, raising awareness about upcoming Journeys, and fostering conversations about Israel.
The Microgrant covers up to $2,500 to help fund various event expenses. However, it may not cover the entire cost of the event, so please ensure your budget aligns with the grant amount.
You may apply for a Microgrant twice per year, for two seperate initiatives. You cannot receive two microgrants for the same project within a single year.
After project completion, grantees are required to submit a short project reflection. REALITY will collaborate with grantees to promote the project’s impact within our network. If possible, please provide the REALITY Team with photos from your event.
  • Microgrants cannot be used to fund movies, websites, or podcasts.
  • Personal travel to self-organized meetings (e.g., taxi to lunch meeting)
  • Salaries
    -Transport or accommodation not directly connected to the grant opportunity
  • Direct funding of other organizations
  • Services rendered to yourself, your organization, or others (e.g., paying yourself)
  • Services provided by a spouse or close family member
  • Legal work (e.g., legal advice, litigation)