JOURNEY OF UNDERSTANDING
Much of the news of our day is centered on the current events of a relatively small crossroads of the world. The Middle East and its conflicts play a very important role in our lives,
even in the West. Who are the people who live there, and what are the roots of their conflicts, specifically the Israeli/Palestinian conflict? On the Journey of Understanding we
work toward understanding the issues and challenges facing both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in order to know better how to work and pray toward reconciliation. We meet with
Israelis and Palestinians, Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and will visit with strategic leaders who are involved in reconciliation works. Our desire is to help dismantle stereotypes and
build bridges of understanding that will cross cultural, historical, and religious barriers, both in the region and at home, among our spheres of influence. We invite to you thoughtfully…
Much of the news of our day is centered on the current events of a relatively small crossroads of the world. The Middle East and its conflicts play a very important role in our lives,
even in the West. Who are the people who live there, and what are the roots of their conflicts, specifically the Israeli/Palestinian conflict? On the Journey of Understanding we
work toward understanding the issues and challenges facing both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict in order to know better how to work and pray toward reconciliation. We meet with
Israelis and Palestinians, Christians, Muslims, and Jews, and will visit with strategic leaders who are involved in reconciliation works. Our desire is to help dismantle stereotypes and
build bridges of understanding that will cross cultural, historical, and religious barriers, both in the region and at home, among our spheres of influence. We invite to you thoughtfully…
COME AND SEE
WHAT DOES A TRIP LOOK LIKE?
DAY 2
JERUSALEM OLD CITY
JERUSALEM OLD CITY
Our Journey begins with a tour of Old City Jerusalem, where we will visit the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Via Dolorosa, the Church of St Anne, the Western Wall, the Church of St Peter (Caiaphas’ House), and the Garden Tomb. In the evening we will have dinner and a meeting with an Israeli (or joint) peacebuilding group.
DAY 1
TEL AVIV / JERUSALEM
TEL AVIV / JERUSALEM
Participants arrive in Tel Aviv and travel on to Jerusalem with a guide, where we will join for dinner and a welcome meeting to orient the group to the Journey.
DAY 4
JERUSALEM / BETHANY / BETHLEHEM
JERUSALEM / BETHANY / BETHLEHEM
Today the Journey takes a solemn turn as we visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum. This helps us grasp the history that even today shapes the mindset of this nation. Following this, our Journey moves us into the West Bank, where we will visit a joint Israeli/Palestinian women’s empowerment organization and have an authentic Palestinian meal in the town of Bethany, where we also visit the Church of St Lazarus. Afterward, we drive to Bethlehem and tour Bethlehem Bible College. In the evening we will discuss and process the events and transitions of the day.
DAY 3
JERUSALEM / MOUNT OF OLIVES
JERUSALEM / MOUNT OF OLIVES
Our Jerusalem tour continues from the top of the Mount of Olives, where we will walk the Palm Sunday road, and visit the Garden of Gethsemane. Coming back again to the Old City, we will visit the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, where we will walk the stairs that once led onto the Temple Mount. We will leave some free time for you to wander the markets in the Old City. In the evening we will have dinner and a meeting with an Israeli (or joint) peacebuilding group from a different perspective.
DAY 6
BETHLEHEM / HEBRON / REFUGEE CAMPS
BETHLEHEM / HEBRON / REFUGEE CAMPS
Today we will consider the impact of the conflict as we tour a refugee camp, walk alongside the Separation Wall, and visit the city of Hebron. Although we will leave some free time to explore Bethlehem, we will also meet with another Palestinian (or joint) peacebuilding group.
DAY 5
BETHLEHEM AND TOWNS SOUTHWEST
BETHLEHEM AND TOWNS SOUTHWEST
Today our Journey includes a tour of Bethlehem including the Nativity Church and Shepherds’ Fields. We will join in a visit to the Tent of Nations, southwest of Bethlehem, a tract of land owned by a Palestinian family and surrounded by five settlements. This family is committed to peacebuilding, and has a sign at the entrance of their land that reads, “We Refuse to Be Enemies.” We will also visit villages around Bethlehem and consider the impact of the Separation Wall. In the evening we will meet with a Palestinian (or joint) peacebuilding organization.
DAY 8
GALILEE AREA / TIBERIUS / SEA OF GALILEE
GALILEE AREA / TIBERIUS / SEA OF GALILEE
Today will be devoted to visiting the sites of Jesus’ ministry around the Sea of Galilee – Capernaum, Tabgha (where Jesus fed the 5,000), the Church of St Peter (where Jesus reinstated Peter), the Mount of the Beatitudes – and will take a boat ride on the beautiful Sea of Galilee. The evening will hold some lively discussion and prayer.
DAY 7
JORDAN RIVER / MASADA / DEAD SEA / GALILEE
JORDAN RIVER / MASADA / DEAD SEA / GALILEE
From Bethlehem we head to the fortress of Masada, which passes Qumran (where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered), Ein Gedi (where David fled from Saul), and the Dead Sea. Following our visits we will drive up the Jordan River Valley and arrive in the Galilee. This evening will be free for rest or discussion.
DAY 10
GALILEE / CAESAREA / TEL AVIV
GALILEE / CAESAREA / TEL AVIV
We will depart from the Galilee via the sea route, visiting the ancient site of Caesarea, the Roman city built by Herod in honor of Caesar Augustus. We will view the Hippodrome and other intact sites, and have dinner over the beautiful Mediterranean Sea before heading back to Tel Aviv for our trip home.
DAY 9
GALILEE / NAZARETH / MOUNT TABOR
GALILEE / NAZARETH / MOUNT TABOR
