Frequently Asked Questions
Where is ISD taking place?
McCormick Place Lakeside Center
What is the schedule for the day?
| 8:30am | Registration opens |
| 10:00am | Community Rally |
| 10:30am | Walk with Israel and Family Walk |
| 11:15am | Carnival, Activity Booths, and Taste of Kosher Chicago open |
| 12:15pm | The Idan Raichel Project Concert |
How long is the Walk route?
The walk is approximately 6 km (3.7 miles), in recognition of Israel’s 60th birthday. There will be an abbreviated family walk– about 1 mile.
Who will be performing at the event?
Acclaimed Israeli musicians The Idan Raichel Project.
Will there be any activities for the children?
Yes! Carnival rides, games, and clowns as well as synagogue-hosted activity booths open after the Walk.
Will there be food available?
Taste of Kosher Chicago will feature local kosher eateries and caterers selling food and drinks.
How do I get to McCormick place and where can I park?
See the Schedule & Directions.
Will there be bus service?
Free, round-trip bus service is available from many synagogues and JCC’s. To ride downtown with your synagogue, contact your congregation directly. If you wish to catch a bus from a JCC, call 312-444-2905 by April 23 make a reservation.
When the day is done, how do I get back to my bus?
Your bus will pick you up in the same place you were dropped off in the south parking lot at Soldier Field. Remember the return time specified by your bus captain and please arrive on time. You MUST board the same bus that you arrived on.
Will there be security at the event?
Yes! In fact, please allow extra time for security measures. We encourage you to pre-register to avoid long lines.
Keep an eye out for security wristbands. If someone does not have one, please direct him or her back to the registration area. If you see something suspicious, please alert a staff person. All staff people will be wearing red shirts that say “Staff” on the front and they will be able to contact security.
What if i get separated from my child?
There is a Lost Children’s area. Please ask a staff person for the specific location or refer to the map you receive on May 4th when you arrive.
How do I donate money for the walk?
You can donate online, at registration or in tzedakah boxes along the route and around the site if you want to make a donation during the event. Checks should be made out to JUF.
Where does the money I raise for the walk go?
The money you raise goes to the Youth Futures program in Sderot.
This gift is separate from the Jewish United Fund (JUF) annual campaign gift.
I raised $100, do I get some sort of voucher?
Age 23 and under receive a $100 JUF Israel Experience Voucher (must be redeemed by individuals ages 15-23). Call (312) 444-2895 for details.
I have questions about ISD! Who should I ask?
Please call the Israel Solidarity Day Hotline at (312) 444-2905 or the JUF TOV Volunteer Network at (312) 357-4762.
