“If my faith was the conceptual framework, or the border of a puzzle coming into my visit to Israel, opening up the Bible and tying the places and people to scripture is what connected the dots,” said Aaron Carlson, who first went to Israel with Passages in 2023.
Carlson’s first trip to Israel, strengthened his faith, ignited his passion for Jewish-Christian relations, and set him on a new career path. What originally began as a trip to walk where Jesus walked and encounter the roots of his Christian faith, started a journey that has led to two more trips to the Holy Land and a passion for educating others on Israel.
“The Bible truly comes to life in Israel, where tradition and heritage mean so much,” Carlson said. “It is within this space that I feel it is incredibly important to share one’s story or connection to the land, and for me as a Christian, Israel is the epicenter of it all.”
During Carlson’s first trip to Israel, he was amazed by the Biblical sites, the scenery, and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Jesus but what truly made an impact on his life was the people of Israel.
“It is truly the people in Israel that make the land special, which is why there is a call to action for Christians to support Jews around the world,” Carlson said.
When the horrific October 7 attacks began in Israel, he knew Israel and the Jewish people would need support through this incredibly difficult time. In the early days the war, Carlson traveled to Israel to bear witness and show his support.
“It was the resilience of the Jewish people through their response after the war that surprised me the most. Rather than lose hope, the people of Israel grew even closer in many ways through the horrific and evil event,” he said.
Carlson originally went to college with the intention of becoming an elementary school teacher. Through Passages, God molded his passion for teaching in unexpected ways. Instead of working in an elementary school, Carlson now works as the Christian Outreach Campus Manager at Stand With Us, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Israel and Fighting Antisemitism around the world. While not teaching elementary school students, he is helping college students across North America stand against antisemitism and advocate for Israel.
“After studying to be an elementary school teacher in college, the Lord used organizations like Passages to guide my steps and opened numerous doors to make His plans crystal clear for where He wants me to be,” Carlson said.
He now spends his time encouraging young pro-Israel advocates and educating campuses on Israel and antisemitism, a calling on his life that was strengthened after his first trip to Israel.
Because of Carlson’s Israel experience he has found his place in a meaningful career and strengthened his faith.
“I feel it is incredibly important to share one’s story or connection to the land, and for me as a Christian, Israel is the epicenter of it all,” Carlson said.
