A Journey Into Conflict, Reconciliation, and Peace – Israel / Palestine, May 2024

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SKU: JOURNEY-2024-ISRAEL Categories: ,

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A SACRED PILGRIMAGE INTO THE HEART OF SERENITY AND CONFLICT

Israel & Palestine
May 6 - May 14, 2024

"May the one who grants peace on high grant peace to all the people of the earth."

"Blessed are the peacekeepers, for they will be called Children of God."

“O you who have believed, enter into peace completely."

“The Second Jewish Temple. Model in the Israel Museum. Ariely, <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>”

“We travel as spiritual directors to a place of great sanctity, and one of great conflict. We bring our prayers to hear and to listen to the authentic voices of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and to discern multiple perspectives. We bring our loving, prayerful hearts into the center of conflict, to engage with difficult truths.  We invite all to prayer.

This journey is designed with safety in mind, and all of the site visits, as well as our lodging accommodations, are in well protected enclaves.  We will also be led by highly experienced guides.

Listen

This unique pilgrimage comes once in a lifetime, offering an opportunity for deep immersion into the Holy Land, as experienced through a spiritual companioning lens.

Explore

Walk in the footsteps of esteemed spiritual guides, connecting with a rich tapestry of traditions, stories, and the people who have shaped these lands.

Your Guide(s)

Rabbi Amy Eilberg

Rabbi Amy Eilberg is the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.  She serves as a spiritual director, kindness coach, and peace and justice educator.  She recently served as the Coordinator of Jewish Engagement for Faith in Action Bay Area, a multi-faith, multi-racial social justice organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to that she served as the director of the Pardes Rodef Shalom (Pursuer of Peace) Communities Program, teaching Jewish civil discourse to rabbis, synagogues and Jewish organizations.  Her book, From Enemy to Friend: Jewish Wisdom and the Pursuit of Peace, was published by Orbis Books in March 2014.  She is a devoted wife, loving mother to three wonderful grown children, and wildly enthusiastic grandmother to Adin, Ezra, and Nava.

Rev. Seifu Anil Singh-Molares, MTS

Rev. SeiFu Anil Singh-Molares

Rev. SeiFu is the Executive Director of SDI and an ordained Zen Buddhist priest, as well as a long practicing spiritual director/companion and motivational speaker. He brings decades of interfaith and interspiritual experience, both experiential and academic, and holds a Master’s in Theology from Harvard University.  SeiFu cofounded both The Preeclampsia Foundation, and the Compassionate Action Network, and was once a corporate executive.

In addition to Rabbi Amy and Rev SeiFu, this pilgrimage will be led by two highly respected local guides, one Israeli, and one Palestinian, who will provide dual perspectives on all of the sites we will visit and encounters we will experience.  

What's Included

What's Not Included

Itinerary

Day 0: Sunday, May 5, 2023: Departure

Departure – Travel Day

Day 1: Monday, May 6, 2024: Arrival

Arrive into Ben Gurion International Airport. Make your own way to the hotel.

Day 2: Tuesday, May 7, 2024: Caesarea & Nazareth

Start the day with a stop at Caesarea Maritima, where Saint Paul was imprisoned. Make a stop at Givat Haviva to learn about coexistence work within Israel. Continue towards Nazareth for a visit to the Basilica. Afterwards, head to your hotel in Galilee.

Day 3: Wednesday, May 8, 2024: Galilee

In the morning, visit Capernaum, known as the town of Jesus and see one of the oldest synagogues in Israel. Then travel to Mt. of Beatitudes, here spend time in meditation, prayer and conversation with each other. Continue to Bet Jann for lunch with a Druze family (members of the Bereaved families Forum). Visit Safed, learn about Mysticism and religion. End the day in Jerusalem.

Day 4: Thursday, May 9, 2024: Jerusalem

Start the day with a geopolitical tour of East Jerusalem. Afterwards, visit the Gethsemane church and take time to meditate in the garden. Meet with Suli Khatib in the afternoon to learn about Combatants for Peace and hear his personal story. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with a Palestinian family with live oud music. 

Day 5: Friday, May 10, 2024: Yad Vashem & Ein Karem

Take a guided Tour of Yad Vashem, the Israeli Holocaust Museum. Meet with Col Miri Eisen for a conversation about her work and understanding of Israel’s perspective on security and peace.  For Lunch, visit Ein Karem, a traditionally known as John the Baptist birthplace and visiting the church, enjoy a free time to wander and for lunch. Visit John the Baptist church. Attend a service at an Orthodox Synagogue (Yedidya or similar). Later this evening, join a Jewish a family for a shabbat dinner and conversation on history, religion and politics.

Day 6: Saturday, May 11, 2024: Jerusalem - Old City

Start the day with an optional Shabbat service at different synagogue, Kol Haneshama or alike. Afterwards, meet with Dr. Abu Sway (if available) about Islam in Palestine, East Jerusalem and Palestinian aspirations. Tour in the Old City including the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulcher Church. Join a Christian family in the Old City for lunch. Continue the tour in the Jewish and Armenian quarter. This evening, meet with a panel of 2-3 peace activists.

Day 7: Sunday, May 12, 2024: Hebron

After breakfast, drive South to Hebron. Visit both the Jewish and Muslim holy shrines at the Cave of the Patriarchs. Take a walk through the Jewish side and visit the Museum. Meet with local residents to hear about life in Hebron. Meet with a representative from Breaking the Silence. On the way back to Jerusalem, make a stop at the Tent of Nations and learn about the Christian family turning their land into a peace farm. Come together for a processing session in the evening before dinner on your own.

Day 8: Monday, May 13, 2024: Bethlehem

This morning, ascend the Temple Mount / Al Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock for a tour of the precinct. Then leave Jerusalem towards Gush Etzion and visit a settlement. Meet a settler to hear about life from their perspective. Continue to Bethlehem and visit the Nativity church and the Grotto. After lunch, visit the Shepherds Field. Take time for a group conversation and processing in the Shepherds field. Visit the Banksy Museum and a take a tour of the graffiti. In the afternoon, meet with Sami Awad, a Christian Palestinian peace activist before a farewell dinner together in Bethlehem.

Day 9: Tuesday, May 14, 2024: Departure Day

Check out of your hotel and make your own way to the airport for your departing flight.

Reserve your spot today and be ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will leave an indelible mark on your spirit.

Hotels

Prima 75 (Tel Aviv)

Day 1: Monday, May 6, 2024

Hotel 75 at 75 Allenby St. is right across the famous Nahalat Binyamin pedestrian mall, down the block from Sheinkin St., around the corner from the Shuk – Carmel Market, Rothschild Blvd and an easy walk to the beach, Dizengoff Center, and Neve Tzedek.

Galilee Kibbutz Hotel (Galilee)

Day 2: Tuesday, May 7, 2024

St. Andrews Guest House (Jerusalem)

Day 3: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 -
Day 5: Friday, May 10, 2024

St Andrews House Hotel is your home in the heart of Jerusalem. It offers a combination of comfort,  excellent location, value for money and style. Looking across the Hinnom Valley to the historic Jaffa Gate, with spectacular views of the city, old and new, it is within easy walking distance of both . It is owned and managed by the Church of Scotland, and provides an ideal haven for pilgrimage, business, or tourism.

Holy Family Hotel (Bethlehem)

Day 6: Saturday, May 11, 2024 -
Day 8: Monday, May 13, 2024

Situated within 2 minutes walking distance from the Manger Square and the Church of Nativity, across the terminal bus station, very near to the center of the business area of the city.

Note: These hotels are booked as part of the tour package and are listed here for your information only (no action required by you). Hotels will be provided in accordance with the itinerary or similar. We reserve the right to make substitutions with hotels of equal standard.

TRAVEL AND SAFETY

SDI will follow all national or provincial guidelines related to COVID-19, and will adhere to any local restrictions or recommendations that are in place in May 2024.

Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

While this region of the world is known for civil unrest, and one where situations can change suddenly and unexpectedly, this pilgrimage has been designed with safety in mind in all of the locations to be visited, and in our accommodations. We will be led by highly experienced guides.

For the most up-to-date-information, visit the US State Department’s Travel Advisory page, or its equivalent in the country of your origin.

A valid passport for the duration of your time in Israel & Palestine is required. To come as a general visitor, you must be able to show that: 

you are eighteen or older; 

you intend to visit Israel for no more than three months; 

you intend to leave Israel at the end of your visit; 

you have enough money to support and accommodate yourself on your trip. 

 

For other situations and more detailed information, please visit the US State Department webpage on Israel or check with the Israeli embassy in your home country to verify visa requirements. 

Hebrew is Israel’s official language, and almost the entire population speaks it either as native speakers or proficiently as a second language.  And in tourist areas you will find many English speakers as well. 

The Israeli national currency is the new Israeli Shekel (NIS or ILS), more commonly known as the shekel. 

There is no limit to the amount of local and foreign money brought into Israel as cash, traveler’s checks, or credit cards. We recommend that you don’t rush to buy shekels abroad, as you can do so less expensively, get better exchange rates and save on commissions within Israel, in particular if you’re selling a major currency such as American dollars of euros. Before heading to a money exchange booth, it is advisable to check out the latest major exchange rates.

At the end of your stay, shekels can be converted back to other currencies at Ben Gurion Airport (up to $500US or its equivalent in other currencies). 

All of the major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, Access, Eurocard, and American Express are widely accepted and can be used to draw funds from ATMs with your pin code. MasterCard and Visa are the most commonly accepted in Israel.

At the same time, many smaller operations and open market vendors only accept cash, so it’s advisable to carry cash with you.

Dress is casual in Israel. Even Israeli prime ministers frequently wear short-sleeved shirts without ties.

That said, be mindful of appropriate attire to sacred places, like synagogues, churches, and mosques. 

Springs are usually present and temperate. With that said, please bring lightweight layers in natural fabrics such as cotton, linen, bamboo and silk, as these will work best in the event of  heat and will protect you from the sun.

Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe.

Opt for sturdy walking shoes or sandals as you explore Israel’s historic sites and navigate bustling markets. Comfort is key!

Even in restaurants, the dress code is casual. 

Local cafes and hotels are likely spots to connect to free wifi networks. You can also purchase a local SIM card or an International Plan to use your smart phone in Israel. 

Trip insurance is strongly recommended. Please visit one of the various websites such as www.travelguard.com or www.insuremytrip.com

Ben Gurion International Airport, named after Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, is Israel’s main airport. It is located in the heart of the country, some 40 kilometers from Jerusalem and around 15 kilometers from Tel Aviv. The airport was built by the British Mandate authorities in the 1930s.

  • There are multiple modes of transportation available (bus, train, taxi) to and from the airport. Check the airport’s Directions List webpage for details.

Visit Israel’s Ministry of Tourism or Tourist Israel for more information on traveling in Israel.

Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person and are based upon shared double occupancy (unless otherwise noted). Prices are also based on travelers holding a B2 tourist visa.  Additional VAT will be collected if traveling on any other type of visa/documents.  In case of human or computer error, SDI reserves the right to re-invoice for the correct price or service. 

If you need to cancel, refund requests must be received in writing via e-mail or postal mail by the deadlines set below. SDI will issue refund payments minus the applicable cancellation fees, according to the following schedule: Until November 15, 2023, the cancellation fee is USD$500. From November 15, 2023 to February 1, 2024, the cancellation fee is USD$1000. There are no refunds after February 1, 2024.

Travel insurance is not included in the tour price. SDI highly recommends the purchase of a comprehensive travel insurance package, which covers health, lost luggage, trip cancellation and trip interruption. Please note that we cannot accept responsibility for any losses or expenses, which you or any member of your party may incur as a result of failing to secure adequate coverage. We can recommend travel insurance companies upon request.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your entry date to your travel destination.  SDI is not responsible for providing any travel documents to any of our destinations, including visas. It is the sole responsibility of the traveler to confirm with the consulate of each country visited, about any necessary travel documentation/visas required to enter these countries.

These are not covered in the package fee, and each participant is fully responsible for their purchase, as well as compliance with all applicable airline requirements.

Luggage is the responsibility of the passenger/s and that of the airlines. For lost/delayed luggage claims, the passenger is responsible for notifying the airline directly. If a travel insurance policy was purchased, all damage/loss must be reported at time of incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. As all airlines differ and restrictions change periodically, we recommend that you call the airline directly with questions about your baggage allowance. SDI shall not be held responsible for any delay or damage to or loss of luggage and/or personal items.

SDI reserves the right to change the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances. In all cases, SDI will do its best to maintain the content of the tour. If the tour services as indicated by the itinerary cannot be supplied or there are changes in the itinerary for reasons beyond the control of SDI we will arrange for provision of comparable services.  SDI reserves the right to make changes in the itinerary whenever SDI deems it necessary to the comfort, convenience and safety of the participant at any time. No refund will be paid for unused services such as: transfers, sightseeing, meals, hotel accommodation, entrance fees, and others that are listed in the tour program.

Meals are based on the hotel’s or restaurant’s buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated.

Hotels will be provided in accordance with the itinerary or similar. We reserve the right to make substitutions with hotels of equal standard. There will be no refunds for any difference in the cost of those accommodations. All rooms are standard twin-bedded rooms with private facilities, unless specifically stated. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel’s management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person.

Items of personal nature such as laundry, wines, mineral water, beverages, coffee, tea, meals other than described in the tour details, any other service not described as included, passport and visa fees, insurance.

1-703-349-1554 (USA) or +972(0)52-332-7879 (ISRAEL)

FAQs

If you need to cancel, refund requests must be received in writing via e-mail or postal mail by the deadlines set below. SDI will issue refund payments minus the applicable cancellation fees, according to the following schedule: Until November 15, 2023, the cancellation fee is USD$500. From November 15, 2023 to February 1, 2024, the cancellation fee is USD$1000. There are no refunds after February 1, 2024.

This pilgrimage is designed to offer the best of both worlds: time to linger at sacred sights and in contemplative repose, as well as daily walks at various sites.  Distances are not great, but you should be in good health. International and domestic travel can be taxing, and SDI will do its best to design the schedule with your well-being in mind

Pilgrims will stay in clean, comfortable accommodations, either single or double occupancy.

This journey’s itinerary offers daily morning meditation and prayers as a group, opportunities for group spiritual direction, as well as participation in worship services. Prayer and meditation is built into the various sacred spaces. All these experiences are optional. Throughout the pilgrimage we will share sacred time together designed to deepen our own faith.  

No, you do not need to be a member of Spiritual Directors International to join the journey. We ask only that the contemplative nature of this journey ignite your heart and spirit, and that you be eager to explore its spiritual and historical dimensions.

The $500 deposit is an administrative fee that secures your space in this intimate journey and is nonrefundable. There are no exceptions to the refund policy. SDI strongly encourages you to obtain travel insurance to cover financial losses from any personal emergencies or other events that require your cancellation. You are responsible for reading your policy and understanding what it covers.

If you have any additional questions, please contact [email protected] or telephone 01-425-455-1565.

Why Join Us

As a professional Spiritual Journeys manager, we excel at helping you to discover special places. Not just any vacation, but truly exceptional trips filled with inspiring and enriching experiences. We believe in seeing the world in the most unique way possible, and we want to share our knowledge and passion for travel and spirituality with all of those whom we guide. Explore our site to find out more.

Guides That Companion With You

Every SDI Journey is led by guides that are experienced both in the local landscape, history, and custom, and also as spiritual companions. Companions that listen to your story and longings with care and compassion, as they offer you deep insight into what is happening on your travel experience.

Pause. Rest. Renew.

We all need downtime. Opportunities abound to slow down, explore and pay attention, find words for the experience in poetry and creative writing, or to take a nap. Simple daily rituals call us together as a community, to share in discovery and wonder.

Which Journey Will You Take? Check our Offerings Now, or call 1-425-455-1565 to book today.

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