Special thanks to Shai Nahon, Abby Thompson, and Katie Maryschuk.
You land at the Ben Gurion Airport. You pick up your bags, meet your guide, and board the tour bus with your friends and faculty. The first day of touring has started. It’s morning in Israel, and you take in the beautiful scenery of Tel Aviv and the introduction to Israel from your guide. You explore Caesarea and Jaffa and enjoy a delicious opening dinner in a room full of Christian college students, thrilled to be in Israel.
Today, you’re heading north. To the hometown of Jesus. But before that, you’re stopping at Alfei Menashe, where you look out over the “narrow waistline” of Israel and see Tel Aviv in the distance. After learning about the West Bank, your group boards the bus again and drives to Nazareth, where you tour the Church of Annunciation. And then you hike up Mt. Precipice. It’s not a long hike, and when you get to the top, the breeze and the view is more than worth it.
Today, you explore the Galilee region, the place where Jesus’ earthly ministry took place. This is where he preached the Sermon on the Mount. This is where he healed Peter’s mother-in-law. This is where Jesus ate countless meals with the disciples. This is where Mary Magdalene found purpose and healing after encountering Jesus, and she was never the same. This is where 5000 people were fed with a small boy’s lunch. This is where the Bible stories you were told growing up come to life.
Today, your bus ascends Mount Bental, to a lookout near the border with Syria. Your guide tells you stories from history about the conflicts that happened here, some more recently. You grab some iced coffee from the restaurant before going with your group to Jish, a village where a group of indigenous Aramean Christians live and work to revitalize their ancient culture and language. You go back to your Kibbutz hotel, near the Sea of Galilee, and watch the sunset over the waters before listening to the final lecture of the evening with Dr. Faydra Shapiro.
Today, you pack your swimsuit before leaving the hotel. It’s desert day! First, a trip to Masada, an ancient fortress built by Herod. You’re lifted up to the top by a cable car, shoulder to shoulder with your friends. Upon arrival, you apply sunscreen again, at the suggestion of your guide, and then explore the magnificent fortress that still remains after so many centuries. Next is the Dead Sea. Again, you apply sunscreen. You run in with your friends and float together in the mineral-rich waters. Ein Gedi and Qumran await you.
Today is all about Israel’s borders. It’s way more complicated than you realized. First, you travel to Bethlehem. What an amazing opportunity to tour the church built in the traditional location where Jesus was born! You hear from off-the-record Palestinian speakers who share their stories and explain what it’s like to live in the West Bank. Then you visit the Gaza border and a neighboring kibbutz (Jewish community) whose residents experience attacks on a regular basis. You marvel at the courage and resolve of this community.
Today, you encounter Old Testament history, the stories of the patriarchs, kings, and prophets. The Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock. The City of David. Hezekiah’s tunnel. The prominent people of the Old Testament lived so long ago, and yet their stories now seem so accessible, so concrete. No longer mythic characters. These are ancestors. Next, you head to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, a tribute to Jewish ancestors who lived more recently. You see firsthand the horrific reality of genocide and the societal conditions that made it possible, and you resolve never to let this happen again.
Today, you walk the steps of Jesus as he ministers in Jerusalem, and eventually, surrenders his life on the cross. Beginning at the Mt. of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane, you reflect on what the day will hold and pray that God gives you a deeper understanding of the life and sacrifice of Jesus. You walk the Via Dolorosa in the Old City, known in Latin as the “way of suffering,” 14 stations on the traditional path Jesus took to be crucified. You end at the Garden Tomb and take communion with your group. You celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and what it means for your life today!
Today, you travel to Tel Aviv. It’s the last full day in Israel and you celebrate by exploring the Carmel Market. Tel Aviv is vibrant, bursting with color and music and laughter and activity. Your guide tells you about this modern city and its significance. Here, on May 14, 1948, David Ben-Burion, first Prime Minister of Israel, declared the establishment of the State of Israel, making what you see today a reality. At closing dinner tonight, you’re sad to leave. But you’re overjoyed and anxious to begin Passages’ Leaders Course when you get home.
Today, you’re 30 minutes from landing in your home state. It’s been one of the most transformational 9 days you’ve ever experienced! It’s hard going home, back to normal. You already miss Israel, the nation, and the people. ‘What’s next’ becomes the primary thought and question in your mind. You want to stay involved, to go back to Israel, to continue building the relationships you gained on the trip. These past 9 days have been incomparable, but the future might be even better!
Today, you get to hear from one of our founding board members, Rivka Kidron, who previously served as special advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Click “watch the video” above to hear Rivka’s inspiring story about family and discovering her “why.”