Furthermore, there will be ample time to visit special projects and meet local people – all framed by in-depth Bible studies and times of prayer and fellowship. Both first-time visitors and those familiar with Israel will find this trip rewarding!
Excerpt from the program
We begin our journey in the north. Over the next three days, our itinerary includes excursions to the Sea of Galilee (boat trip and swimming), the Mount of Beatitudes, Elijah's Monastery on Mount Carmel, and a visit to Druze communities in the Golan Heights. We then travel to Jerusalem, where we will stay for the next five nights and have the unique opportunity to experience the Shabbat entrance at the Western Wall. In addition to visiting the Old City with the Western Wall, the Pilgrims' Way, the City of David, and the Jewish market, we will also visit the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum. At Café Europa, a CSI-supported meeting place for Holocaust survivors, we will have time to meet with survivors of the Shoah. In Jerusalem, we will also visit the Mount of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Garden Tomb. Of course, there will also be free time. The program also includes an excursion through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea and the Ein Gedi oasis. We will spend the last two nights in Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean coast. From here we will visit the Nova memorial site as well as one of the villages attacked on October 7, 2023, and meet survivors of the Hamas massacre.
On our trips, we place a special emphasis on encounters with the local people. Where possible, Israeli guests and friends will accompany us on our excursions or during relaxed evenings, allowing us ample time for meaningful exchange. Bible studies, devotions, and prayer times are also an integral part of our program.
Tour guides: Delly Hezel, Dana Nowak, Stefan Mannl, spiritual director David Kissling
The program:
Friday, October 9th.
Arrival, accommodation for three nights at Kibbutz Shaar HaGolan, dinner/Shabbat, spiritual reflection
Saturday, October 10th.
Devotional service at the Mount of Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee with boat tour and swimming opportunity
Sunday, October 11th.
Golan tour, dinner with Israeli friends
Monday, October 12th.
Devotional service at the Elijah Monastery on Mount Carmel, visit to Druze communities, transfer to Jerusalem, free time, accommodation for five nights (hotel to be announced)
Tuesday, October 13th.
Jerusalem with the Old City, City of David and Pilgrim Road, Western Wall
Wednesday, October 14th.
Visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, meeting with Holocaust survivors at Café Europa
Thursday, October 15th.
Dead Sea, Ein Gedi Oasis with hike (optional), evening visit to the Jewish market in Jerusalem (optional)
Friday, October 16th.
Ancient Shiloh, free time, Shabbat entrance at the Western Wall (optional)
Saturday, October 17th.
Mount of Olives, Garden of Gethsemane, Garden Tomb with prayer service, transfer to Tel Aviv, three nights at Hotel BY14
Sunday, October 18th.
Excursion to southern Israel, visit to one of the towns attacked on October 7, 1923, meeting with survivors, car graveyard, Nova memorial, open-air concert with musicians Shaul and Julia
Monday, October 19th.
Devotional service and closing meeting, free time (Jaffa, Tel Aviv, swimming in the Mediterranean)
Tuesday, October 20th.
Departure
During our excursions and dinners, we will regularly host Israelis to foster exchange and dialogue. Daily devotions and prayer times are also part of the program.
ATTENTION: Program changes are subject to change! We will follow the current safety guidelines on site, which may necessitate changes to the program.
