Pilgrimage & Study Trip
to Israel-Palestine
May 4-17, 2023
Prospect Hill Presbytery ▪ Des Moines Presbytery ▪ North Central Iowa Presbytery
This trip is intended to be both a pilgrimage (walking in the footsteps of Jesus) and an exploration of the Israel-Palestine conflict through a peacemaking perspective (walking in the manner Jesus walked). We will visit biblical sites and meet local Christians and church leaders as well as representatives from the Jewish and Muslim communities and learn about the Israel-Palestine conflict and peacemaking and reconciliation efforts.
The Gospel of Luke will be our primary text as we visit biblical sites and try to understand Jesus’ journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. In addition, participants are expected to read Blood Brothers: The Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel, by Elias Chacour, and attend 4 zoom meetings prior to the trip for orientation.
Participants must have a valid passport that expires no sooner than 6 months after the conclusion of the trip (passport expiration date must be after November 17, 2023).
COST — The double occupancy rate is $2,700, which includes 11 nights of lodging, most meals, on the ground transportation, entrance fees, guides, and gratuities. A limited number of single occupancies is available for an additional $900. Airline travel is NOT included. Scholarships available.
TRAVEL — Participants are responsible for booking their own airline tickets, but itineraries must be submitted for approval prior to ticketing. Departure from the U.S. should be on Thursday, May 4 to arrive in Tel Aviv Airport (TLV) by Friday evening, May 5. Return flight may depart TLV on Tuesday evening, May 16, to arrive in the U.S. on Wednesday, May 17.
Please be advised that participants are expected to abide by all travel requirements of the states of Israel and Palestine as well as all international and U.S. travel regulations and airline policies, which may include Covid-19 testing and vaccination.
For more information, contact Amgad Beblawi by email or at 502-592-3223.
