Alternative Travel Opportunities – updated August 6, 2008
Listing below:

Alternative travel in the Holy Land provides an added benefit to pilgrimage by connecting you with the Living Stones of Palestine who live under military occupation. Visit the holy Christian sites, worship in ancient Palestinian Christian churches, walk where Jesus walked and bear witness to the realities of occupation — military checkpoints, refugee camps, Israel’s Apartheid Wall, bypass roads, illegal settlements and more. This Alternative Travel page is a service of Friends of Sabeel—North America. If you know of other trips coming up, please send details to: friends@fosna.org

Alternative Tourism Group in Beit Sahour, West Bank, has published Palestine & Palestinians: A Guidebook (ISBN No. 9950-319-011-3). It is a professionally produced and very attractive book of more than 400 pages that goes beyond the scope of other  guides for travelers. Palestine & Palestinians: A Guidebook provides a very detailed history of the area, as well as information on the contemporary situation. The book is illustrated with color and black/ white photos and, of course, maps of all sorts. In fact, in quality, it equals any traditional guidebook. The book is $30 and may be ordered at Palestine Online Store.

WestBankTours.com
Discover the real Palestine.  Tours for tourists, pilgrims, backpackers, international groups, academic delegations, journalists, photographers, researchers or NGOs. Trips are streamlined according to your specific interests:  religious and historical sites, rural villages, refugee camps, academic institutions and organizations working for peace. Professional guides and translators available for journalists, photographers, diplomats or researchers.

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Listing for August 6, 2008

Middle East Fellowship provides a number of ways to visit Palestine (below). For details check the web page: <http://www.middleeastfellowship.org> or email travel@middleeastfellowship.org

Mission Discovery Delegations
August 1st - 14th2nd
Annual Home Rebuilding Summer Camp
Contact Peter Ryan: info@middleeastfellowship.org  

Northwest Churches Holy Land Trip
October 3-18, 2008
A transformational journey in the Holy Land. Discover the living church as we travel amidst the ancient sites and take an historical pilgrimage in the footsteps of Jesus, learning to respond as He would to the needs of the people and build relationships of encouragement and support. Meeting with Palestinian and Jewish organizations that are working for peace with justice, we will consider the current situation and the role of the Church today as we seek ways of building bridges of peace through intercommunal conversations. This will be a rich cultural experience as we meet with many organizations, stay with local families in their homes, taste fabulous Middle Eastern delicacies and receive their incredible hospitality. For further information, contact MEF Northwest representative John Berg at: Tel (425) 640-0453 or Email: JohnTBerg@middleeastfellowship.org   

Olive Harvest
October/November 2008 Olive Tree Harvest trip
Working alongside Palestinian families and with international activists from Israel and around the world, we will help pick olives and thus help a local Palestinian family keep their farm from being expropriated by the Israeli government to build settlements, the Wall or military installations. [exact dates in fall TBD]. Contact Peter Ryan: info@middleeastfellowship.org 

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
September 6-19, 2008
Denver Lutheran Pastor Arnie Voight and St. Paul Parish Associate Jan Miller are leading a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, traveling to far away places to learn about our world and ourselves, perhaps becoming transformed in the process. Visit the holy sites, stay at the guesthouse at the Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem, travel to Galilee, the Golan Heights, Caesarea Maritima on the Mediterranean, Masada, the Dead Sea, and Jerusalem, as well as visit the ancient ruins of Petra in Jordan. Worship with members of the Lutheran Christmas Church and hear stories of life in this conflicted area; enjoy evening reflection time and Bible readings connected with the sites visited. Cost: $2950 from Denver. Contact Jan Miller at jan@stpauldenver.org for a brochure and more information.

Jewish Voice for Peace
Oct. 18 – Nov. 1, 2008
JVP's Health and Human Rights Project (HaHRP) will send a new delegation to Israel-Palestine to focus on health care and human rights concerns as well as developing an understanding of the on-the-ground realities of the occupation.  For more information and an application, contact hahrp@jvp.org

Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation
October 20 – November 3, 2008
Pilgrimage/Fact Finding Mission: This trip is organized by Fr. Alex Kratz, O.F.M in Detroit, Michigan. This trip will include visiting the holy sites in Jordan, Israel, & Palestine (including daily Mass), meeting Christian leaders, fellowship and Sunday worship with local Christians, and overnight stays with Christian families. See the web page for general information: www.hcef.org/index.cfm/ID/420.cfm 

Council for the National Interest Foundation
Fall 2008 "Political Pilgrimage"
November 6-22, 2008
A 16-day tour of Israel and her neighbors. We have organized several "political pilgrimages" to the Middle East over the last ten years and would now like to extend the same opportunity to CNI Foundation supporters, friends and family who are interested in learning more about American foreign policy in the Middle East. The trip is limited to 10 people per pilgrimage; therefore, we urge those interested to apply as soon as possible. The trip will last 16 days, and include visits to Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. A more detailed itinerary will be provided in the near future. The cost of the entire trip including all transportation, food, accommodations, meetings, and activities is $6,500.  To register please visit the CNI Foundation website at www.cnifoundation.org  and go to Programs and click Political Pilgrimages, or call Shannon O'Hara at 202-863-2951, x301 with   questions.

Global Exchange to Palestine/Israel
As the Israeli military continues to place Palestinian towns, villages and refugee camps under siege, Palestinians continue to resist the 39 year Occupation of their land. Global Exchange delegations to Palestine/Israel strive to further the US public's understanding of the region's history and realities by giving participants first-hand exposure to the aspirations and frustrations of Palestinians living under Occupation, the dimensions of the human rights crisis under Israeli rule, as well as the perspectives of Palestinians and Israelis who are working for a just peace and end to the occupation.

Fair Olive Harvest
November 06 - 16, 2008
http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/957.html 

Prospects for Peace with Justice
December 06 - 16, 2008
Contact Sanaz with questions about this trip - sanaz@globalexchange.org   - or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 251. On the Web: http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/885.html 

Prospects for Peace with Justice
July 25 - August 4, 2009
http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/965.html 

Fair Olive Harvest 2009
 November 05 - 15, 2009
http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/964.html 

Prospects for Peace with Justice
 December 05 - 15, 2009 
http://www.globalexchange.org/tours/966.html
Group Travel Directors: Holy Land visits by US church groups listed here are arranged by Group Travel Directors, Minneapolis. Meetings with indigenous Christians plus Israeli and Palestinian peace groups, as well as biblical -site visits, are included. Prices are from cities cited (other US departure points available). For details on Group Travel tours, go to www.gtd.org/tripsearch.asp  - click “Find a Tour,” enter “2007,” then “Middle East.” For direct contact: Janet Tollund, 952-885-2133, 800-747-2255, jtollund@gtd.org

Faces, Spaces, Places in the Holy Land
Nov. 4-16, 2008
Led by Pr. Lowell Knauff of Annandale, VA. $3395, from Washington National. Endorsed by the Middle East Working Group of the ELCA's Metro DC Synod. Contact Pastor Knauff at 703-978-8999 or umpyk@aol.com 

Bethel Holy Land Pilgrimage
Nov. 6-17, 2008 sponsored by Bethel Lutheran of Willmar, MN; led by Pr. Mari Thorkelson. $3250 from Twin Cities. Optional extension to Jordan, Nov. 17-20.

Holy Lands Tour
Nov. 6-19, 2008. Lled by Pr. Nick Doversberger of Zoar Lutheran Church. $3899, Portland OR.

World of the Bible: Ancient Sites, Current Struggles
Jan. 6-19, 2009, with optional extension to Egypt, Jordan; sponsored by Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, led by Profs. Barbara Rossing and Esther Menn. $3340 from Chicago.

Sights and Sounds of the Holy Land
Feb. 2-11, 2009, with optional 3-day extension to Jordan, led by John Califf and Jeff Clements, $2995 from Chicago.

Following Jesus’ Footsteps
Feb. 10-21, 2009, sponsored by Olivet Lutheran, Fargo, led by Pr. Kris Gorden. $3499 from Fargo or MSP.

Holy Land Pilgrimage
March 3-14, 2009 with option 3-day extension to Egyhpt, sponsored by St. Philip the Deacon, Wayzata, led by Pr. Cheryl Mathson. $3699 from MSP.

Holy Land Pilgrimage
March 13-22, 2009, sponsored by Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran, Phoenix, led by Pr. Brian Erickson. $2995 from Phoenix.

Holy Land Faces and Places of Living Hope
April 4-14, 2009 led by Pr. Les Hoffman. $3069 from Phoenix.

The Holy Land
April 23-May 6, 2009, sponsored by Central Lutheran, Minneapolis, led by Pr. Rick and Annette Nelson. $3650 from MSP.   

Interfaith Peace Builders
Your participation as an eyewitness to the situation in Israel/Palestine will enrich your understanding of the conflict and empower your work back in the United States. These delegations provide an excellent opportunity to meet with ‘ordinary’ Israelis and Palestinians, and people and organizations working for peace and justice. As a delegate you will confront and analyze the US role in the conflict and wrestle with ways to translate your experience to others when you return home. You will be an eyewitness to the situation—and your understanding of the conflict will be enriched and transformed.

Olive Harvest Delegation
November 8 - 22, 2008
Co-Sponsored with the American Friends Service Committee
Delegation Leaders: Jennifer Bing-Canar & Alta Schwartz
Brochure: http://www.ifpbdel.org/documents/AFSC-IFPB%20Nov%2008%20delegation.pdf

Spring Planting Delegation: Voices of the Peacemakers
March 7-20, 2009 
To express interest in this delegation and get updates and more information and so we'll be sure to add you to the March 2009 delegation mailing list, send an email to office@ifpbdel.org 

Three Upcoming Delegations
May/June 2009, July/August 2009, Fall 2009. Information will be provided at http://www.ifpbdel.org/upcoming.html#generalinfo 

7th International Sabeel Conference
Nov. 12-19, 2008 (Jerusalem)
Beyond Remembrance:
Facing the Challenges of the Future Sixty Years After the Nakba
The conference will focus on the commemoration of 60 years since the Nakba, and the complex issues of memory, narrative, and identity raised by the events of 1948. The conference will include: 4 nights in Nazareth, with trips to villages that were destroyed in 1948 and visits with the local Christian community; 4 nights in Jerusalem, with trips to Jaffa, Ramle, and Lidda. Lectures, workshops, discussions, and cultural events focusing on the last 60 years and the future for Christians living in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories; optional pre-conference travel to holy sites in the Galilee; optional post-conference travel to understand the Occupation including visits to holy sites in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. For more information: conf2008@sabeel.org  or call (972) 2-532-7136.

1st Annual Birthright Palestine Tour
December 5-19, 2008
Holy Land Trust invites Palestinians immigrants around the world to re-discover Palestine today through a Palestinian Roots tour. This unique program sheds a new light on the Palestine you hear about in the news, and allows you to discover the beauty and pride of Palestine amidst the hardships of the current conflict. You will have an opportunity to visit important cities from Palestinian history, learn about traditional Palestinian culture, discover the dynamics of the current conflict, and return to your historical village to re-connect with your roots. 
For More Information please visit : http://travel.holylandtrust.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=32&Itemid=94  

Bethlehem Christmas Project 2008
December 5 -  14, 2008
http://bethlehemchristmasproject.info/index.php 
We will be based out of Bethlehem Bible College but will spend a night in Nazareth. We also be visiting many Biblical sites and will have expert tour guides on the areas we visit. Join us in Bethlehem as we deliver gifts to children! We have room for ten individuals to join us, not only to distribute gifts but also to interact with the church within the West Bank and Israel.   In addition to the hands-on work, participants will receive lectures from the Dean of Academics of Bethlehem Bible College on the Biblical and historical issues related to Israel and the relationship between Israelis and Palestinians. Spend time in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Nazareth visiting Biblical sites with tour guides well-versed in the rich history of the region. Contact us to find out more about the project details. We will be happy to answer your questions and help you as you pray about your participation. Our space is limited; we are looking for individuals with a heart for the Middle East. If you believe you can make a difference in the region, then you're the type of person we're looking for.
http://bethlehemchristmasproject.info/index.php?option=com_contact&task=view&contact_id=1&Itemid=31  

Christmas in Bethlehem with Elisabeth Von Trapp
December 2008
“Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” a pilgrimage to the place of Christ's birth during the Christmas season, singing hymns, bringing the "Sound of Music" to lift hearts and souls along the way. Elisabeth Von Trapp will perform concerts in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Amman, Jordan. Participants who are singers will be invited to lift their voices in song during these Christmas concerts. Pilgrimage leaders are Lutheran Pastors Michael and Susan Thomas, both well acquainted with the region, the holy places, and the situation facing all the people in the land. Meet with local families to experience a true Palestinian Christmas. Lodgings in very comfortable Christian guest houses. Approximate cost $3,300. Group Travel Directors - www.gtd.org  - is handling all arrangements in cooperation with the International Center of Bethlehem. For specific information e-mail Elisabeth Von Trapp - vtm@madriver.com  - or Michael Thomas - Michael.P.Thomas@Dartmouth.EDU 

Christmas Pilgrimage for Peace
December 28, 2008 to January 10, 2009
The Christmas Pilgrimage for Peace is an annual program that gives people from all over the world the opportunity to experience oriental Christmas in Bethlehem celebrated with local families. Moreover, gives participants that chance to more educated about the pledge for Justice and Peace. The Christmas Pilgrimage for Peace, will enrich its participants with the culture of the land, through living and sharing the lives of the people of the land.
For more information: http://www.sirajcenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=1

The People of the Holy Land: Then and Now
January 7-25, 2009
Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary offers a cross-cultural immersion in Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. In addition to the biblical sites all the way from Mount Hermon in the north to the Red Sea in the south, we shall meet with Dr. Mitri Raheb of the Lutheran church in Bethlehem, staff of Augusta Victoria Hospital, the pastors of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jerusalem, Archbishop Elias Chacour (author of Blood Brothers) in the Galilee, as well as Druze villagers in the Golan Heights, Jewish settlers, and kibbutzniks. Three hours academic credit are possible at the M.A.R., M.Div., S.T.M., and D.Min. levels. Contact Dr. Monte Luker for details, LLuker@mac.com  or (803) 787-0864. Pastors and lay professionals are encouraged to join us for continuing education credit, and lay persons from all walks of life always enrich the dialog that takes place on these study tours. A Jordan pre-tour is optional leaving three days earlier. Please note that this course is physically rigorous and intellectually demanding.

2009 Congressional Accompaniment Project
August 8 - 18, 2009
A hands-on educational experience for members of Congress, their Foreign Policy Aides and their local constituents. The Congressional Accompaniment Project is a educational travel program by which Americans, concerned for a just peace in Israel/Palestine, can assist their Congressional representatives and/or their foreign policy Aides to be more informed regarding the “facts on the ground” in Israel/Palestine. Contact Rev. Darrell Yeaney - suedy2@comcast.net  - or Rev. Robin Kash - rekle@mchsi.com  - for further information. The 2009 tour, open to all, is scheduled for the congressional Summer recess. For more information see the web site: http://middleeastawareness.org/home

EGYPT
Five Insight Trips planned by Hands Across the Nile
Join us as we explore the history, religions, culture, and development efforts of one of the world's oldest nations. HANDS' Insight Trips allow visitors to look beyond the famous tourist sites to discover the vibrant, multifaceted Egypt of today. Emphasizing person to person experience across a full cross-section of Egyptian society, Insight Trips provide an intimate, eye opening introduction to a fascinating and unforgettable land. For more information see the web page: http://www.handsalongthenile.org/program/InsightTrips